No, it’s not just a man’s world.
A watch is a watch. All are created equal – and unisex! The fact that we nevertheless differentiate between “unisex/men’s watches” and “women’s watches” is probably a byproduct of the human mind’s propensity to categorize and compartmentalize the world.
These categories can help you find what you’re looking for; in this case, the watch of your dreams. That’s one reason why the “women’s watch” category serves a purpose – think of classic models like the Lady Datejust, Cartier Panthère, and Bulgari Serpenti. But what about all those other models women desire that don’t fit the stereotypical “ladies’ watch” mold, i.e., modestly-sized, diamond-studded, and quartz-powered?
We’ve seen it on the wrists of the rich and famous, and now our data backs it up: Watch preferences for men and women are moving closer together. We women (over 60% of female users on our marketplace) are increasingly drawn to watches that fall into the modern unisex category (broadly speaking), while men are starting to reach for timepieces with reduced diameters.
With that in mind, let’s look at the top ten unisex watches that women are buying on Chrono24, based on the share of sales for each respective manufacturer.
1. Rolex Datejust 41 126334
It’s big, and beloved by both men and women: the Rolex Datejust 41 126334.
The Datejust catches the eye without being too overpowering, but what is it that makes this watch so captivating? The fluted bezel in tandem with the 41-mm case? The dial color options ranging from rhodium, blue, black, or mother-of-pearl, and with or without diamonds? The perfect blend, executed in stainless steel and white gold? Take your pick.
Whether on a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet, the Rolex Datejust 41 makes a discreet companion for occasions both formal and otherwise. This versatility is probably why the Datejust 41 is Rolex’s most popular unisex watch among both male and female users on Chrono24.
2. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712/1A-001
The Nautilus 5712/1A-001 was introduced in 2006 and is one of Patek Philippe’s most sought-after watches. From the very beginning, it stood out with its iconic shape, inspired by a ship’s porthole and designed by Gérald Genta.
The watch with its octagonal bezel measures 40 mm across and features a blue and black gradient dial with embossed horizontal finishing. Additional complications, such as a moon phase, date display, and power reserve indicator, set this reference apart from the standard Nautilus.
In mid-2022, Patek Philippe, like many other luxury watch manufacturers, experienced a boom that caused prices for this series to skyrocket. Production times for new watches lengthened, which caused more potential buyers to try their luck with the more readily available watches on the secondary market. We all remember the economic environment that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which only added to the demand for and cost of this model.
3. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.002
Yet another classic made it onto our list: the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.002. This is a modern version of the original Moonwatch, which has been part of every manned NASA mission since Project Gemini (America’s first spacewalk), and was even the first watch on the Moon on the wrist of astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
In addition to its historical significance, it has been a trusted companion to many notable individuals, including actor George Clooney, talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres, tennis legend Serena Williams, and the King of rock ‘n’ roll himself, Elvis Presley.
The 42-mm stainless steel case is paired with a black dial featuring white markings, affording the watch an elegant and sturdy look. All in all, it’s a timeless design that doesn’t just belong on your wrist on #speedytuesday.
4. Cartier Ballon Bleu W69012Z4
The perfect mixture of innovation and tradition, the 42-mm Cartier Ballon Bleu W69012Z4 is a firm favorite among female Chrono24 users, even though the Santos or Tank may more often be associated with the French watch and jewelry house.
The Ballon Bleu is known for its elegant, gentle contours and blued crown encircled by a crown guard. The dial is clean and tidy, making the Roman numerals highly legible.
The Ballon Bleu is sported by men and women alike (including Catherine, Princess of Wales), making it a popular choice with a wide audience.
5. TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 CAW211P.FC6356
Fun fact: While more than 10% of women wear a rectangular or square watch, less than 5% of men wear watches that share that shape.
It’s therefore not so surprising that women are partial to the TAG Heuer Monaco. With its 39-mm case and square blue dial, it caught the eye of actor Steve McQueen, adorning his wrist in the classic film Le Mans.
While this timepiece celebrates TAG Here’s long-standing relationship with motorsport, it also makes a great everyday watch. The splash of rich blue is perfectly complemented by red, white, and black accents.
6. Swatch MoonSwatch “Mission to the Moon” Swatch x Omega SO33M100
Believe it or not, only one quartz watch made it onto our list: the famed collab between Swatch and Omega, which caused quite a stir upon its release two years ago. This watch is a more affordable homage to the timepiece that still serves as NASA’s official watch.
Like the Moonwatch, the Swatch MoonSwatch “Mission to the Moon” Swatch x Omega SO33M100 measures 42 mm across, but the case is not made of stainless steel. No, this time it’s crafted from Swatch’s proprietary bioceramic. The timepiece is lightweight and available in a number of different color combinations. Plus, the Velcro strap suits any wrist size without the need for more formal adjustments.
7. Breguet Classique Chronograph 3237
Refined, elegant, timeless: These are the first words that come to mind when you look at the Breguet Classique Chronograph 3237.
Breguet is a renowned watchmaker that works primarily with precious metals. This applies to the Classique, which is housed in a 39-mm rose gold case. The guilloché dial and fluted bezel are two notable features that give the timepiece a hint of extravagance.
The refined blued hands have filigreed moon tips and stand out against the silver dial. Each copy is marked with a unique number along the edge of its case.
8. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight M79030N-0001
Our female users have also taken a shine to a diver, namely the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight M79030N-0001.
The Black Bay line was originally inspired by the diving watches made for the French Navy by Rolex’s sister company. This link to the 1958 vintage model is made clear by the choice of warm brown and bronze accents.
Measuring in at 39 mm, the watch isn’t too bulky, even on slimmer wrists. The black dial features luminous indices and so-called snowflake hands.
9. Breitling Chronomat B13050.1
Of all the unisex watches in Breitling’s lineup, it is none other than the Chronomat B13050.1 that female users on Chrono24 opt for most often. The 40-mm stainless steel watch features a bezel with Breitling’s signature rider tabs for ease of use. The dial is available in a range of colors and typically features contrasting chronograph subdials.
The pilot’s watch is a favorite for its versatility in the sporting world, but I would personally like to see the Chronomat make the leap to evening wear. That would certainly make a statement – why not think big when it comes to watches?
10. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille 270.8.62
I’d like to round off this list with a two-faced timepiece: On the one hand, it’s delicate and elegant, on the other, robust and durable. Yes, I’m talking about the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. The distinctive reversible case was designed for 1930s polo players in an attempt to protect their watch crystals during matches.
Of all the unisex models from JLC, women turn most to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Grande Taille 270.8.62. The 26 x 42-mm case is the classic Reverso size and makes for a stylish accessory on a leather strap for both men and women. In other words, like all the watches in this top-10 list, it’s one to be shared!
And really, what could be better than that?
