A classic timepiece is something many consider a staple in their accessories collection, and it’s gold watches for women that remain the style most will opt for.
Why? While tech-forward designs have become the go-to for many of us day-to-day – tracking our steps, logging our workouts and being our wrist wielding weapon to avoid replying to WhatsApp messages – a classic, gold jewellery-enhancing watch is what will really pull a look together.
Why do people wear gold watches? | Shop the best gold watches for women.
Meet the expert:
Andrew Morgan, In-House Expert at Watchfinder & Co.
According to Andrew, despite the fact that watches are seen as a traditionally male-centric accessory, it was actually women who made them popular. “Waistcoats became fashionable amongst men from the 1600s, and so they wore their watches in their waistcoat pockets. But women’s clothing lacked pockets even back then, and so watches were worn either around the neck as a pendant or on the wrist as a bracelet, or ‘wristlet’.”
Why do people wear gold watches?
Gold watches in particular came about in popularity when brands like Cartier and Patek Philippe – a brand Princess Diana was particularly fond of, often spotted wearing a gold Calatrava – wanted to make their wristwatches luxurious and in keeping with their high end offerings.
Of course, while trends come and go, what you wear on your wrist can say a lot of about you. And styles tend to come back around in the elite circles. “The most desirable gold watch available right now is the Vacheron Constantin 222. A reissue of a design from the 1970s, it foregoes the traditional shine of gold for a muted, brushed finish,” Andrew tells us, “making it the choice of a lot of celebrity collectors.”
He adds: “The release of the updated Cartier Tank Française, previously available in steel and rose gold, is now exclusively available in yellow gold. This is the greatest confirmation in my opinion that gold is back.”
Our favourite gold watches for women? We love the simple, paired-back iterations worn by the likes of the Princess of Wales. A smaller silhouette can complement a more dignified and calm demeanour while, in comparison, chunkier options with more masculine straps lend a powerful slant to trend-lead outfits.
SITTINGBOURNE, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 27: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Princess of Wales joins a Portage Session for her ‘Shaping Us’ campaign on early childhood on September 27, 2023 in Sittingbourne, England. Portage is a service which supports children with disabilities and special educational needs and their families. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
DUSSELDORF, GERMANY – MAY 28: Kathrin Bommann wearing Agolde long denim skirt, Vival Studio cropped white shirt, Miu Miu black leather logo belt, Adidas samba black and white sneaker, Saint Laurent black shades, Hermes vintage black leather Kelly bagvintage yellow gold Ballon de Cartier watch and Cartier yellow gold love chain on May 28, 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
From the more affordable-yet-durable offerings to investment pieces that’ll last several lifetimes, the best gold watches for women can be used to elevate a look or become the focus.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Freelance Writer Ria Wolstenholme, follow her on Instagram @riawolstenholme.