A ladies’ watch is a simple and subtle expression of personality. An elegant wrist timepiece can be many things – a splash of colour, status symbol or even a hint of mischief.
The women’s watches on our list could add one or more of these elements to an evening out, your work outfit, an ordinary day or an extraordinary date.
If you are less of a traditionalist, a good alternative would be a smartwatch.
Is there a ‘best’ ladies watch?
With so many choices from so many women’s watch brands, most of us just choose the one that looks the best. Looks are a very important factor, but here is a more systematic way for (the few times) when brain trumps heart.
- Design: A ladies’ watch is generally more subtle and has a smaller profile than a men’s watch. Favour a clean, uncluttered dial with easy-to-read markers and hands for work, as opposed to more flair with casual watches.
- Case material: Stainless steel is the most common choices for its affordability, durability and clean, polished look. Precious metals such as gold and rose gold are popular for their inherent value.
- Strap material: As with the case, stainless steel is a good strap choice, too. Leather is a close second but some avoid it for ethical reasons.
- Movement type: The elaborate beauty of mechanical movements, especially automatic (self-winding) ones, can turn a ladies’ watch into a showpiece . Quartz movements are maintenance-free and a good alternative for their accuracy and affordability.
- Crystal: This is the ‘glass’ that covers the dial. Sapphire crystal is better than both mineral crystals and acrylic for its superior scratch resistance, clarity and durability.
- Water resistance: Water resistance to protect at least against accidental splashes or light rain is essential. Some ladies’ watches on our list are water resistant up to a depth of 100m.
- Versatility: A good dress watch should transition effortlessly from formal events to everyday wear. Remember, a versatile design allows you to get the most out of your investment.
Price: We have kept our list of the best ladies’ watches in the sub-S$1,000 range, but most cost much less. A couple of very interesting finds tie for the lowest price of just S$113. Watch out – they dip under the S$100 mark during sales!
Best ladies watch in Singapore under S$1,000
We began with a list of about 50 watches and picked the 11 best women’s watches in Singapore using the criteria detailed above. Our decision was based on those qualities as well as the beauty and elegance that these ladies watches embody.
1. Fossil Women’s Riley Stainless Steel Crystal-Accented (ES2811)
A rose gold finish and 45-stone ring around the dial give the Fossil Women’s Riley watch’s sophisticated design a dose of bling. If you can snag it for less than S$120 on discount, it’s an easy ‘yes’.
- Case diameter: 38 mm
- Case height: 11 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Stainless steel
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Hardened mineral crystal
- Water resistance: 100 m
Buy now: S$113 on Amazon S$242 on Shopee S$269 on Lazada
2. Orient Star Contemporary Standard (WZ0411NR)
With a white pearl dial and see-through glass crystal back, the Orient Star Contemporary Standard ladies’ watch is petite-fully beautiful and just 80g light.
Credit – Bulova
- Case diameter: 28.5 mm
- Case height: 11.3 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Stainless steel
- Movement type: Mechanical (self-winding, hand-winding)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with non-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 100 m
Buy now: S$284 on Amazon S$360 on Lazada
3. Orient Classic Open Heart (RN-AG0728S)
I love both the ‘open heart’ design and the name. The Orient Classic Open Heart combines that with a glass back for an elegant minimalist look.
- Case diameter: 35.9 mm
- Case height: 12.2 mm
- Case material: Gold plated stainless steel with inorganic glass back
- Strap material: Leather
- Movement type: Automatic
- Crystal: Spherical Inorganic Glass
- Water resistance: 30 m
Buy now: S$249 on Amazon S$320 on Lazada
4. Casio G-Shock Women’s (GMA-S120MF-4A CR)
Characteristically chunky, this Casio G-Shock Women’s watch adds a divine feminine air with its peach and rose gold look. Despite the size, it’s a floaty 55g.
- Case diameter: 49 mm
- Case height: 15.8 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Resin
- Movement type: Automatic
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Water resistance: 200 m
Buy now: S$158 on Amazon S$220 on Shopee S$243 on Lazada
5. Hamilton Ventura Quartz (Denim band) (H24211941)
If you are in jeans, there are few accessories better than the Hamilton Ventura Quartz. The blue dial matches the denim band in this unique head-turner.
- Case diameter: 24 x 36 mm
- Case height: 8 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Denim
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral Glass
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Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$974 on Amazon S$1,061 on Lazada
6. Citizen Silhouette Crystal Eco-Drive Ladies Watch (EM0980-50A)
A svelte 8mm height lets the Citizen Silhouette Crystal Eco-Drive Ladies Watch slip under the tightest cuffs. With Eco Drive, you never have to change batteries.
- Case diameter: 23 mm
- Case height: 8 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel with crystal-accented bezel
- Strap material: Stainless steel
- Movement type: Eco-Drive (light-powered)
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$198 on Amazon
7. Timex Q Malibu 36mm Stainless Steel Expansion Band Watch – Rose Gold/Pink (TW2U81500VQ)
With pink and aqua reminiscent of the flamingos and shores of Malibu, the Rose Gold/Pink Timex Q Malibu Expansion Band is an eye-catching stunner. The rotating bezel and dual tone expansion bracelet are just cherries on top.
- Case diameter: 36 mm
- Case height: 12 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Stainless steel
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Acrylic
- Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$309 on Amazon S$348 on Lazada
8. GUESS Ladies Blue Rose Gold Tone Multi-function Watch (U1053L)
One of the most beautiful watches I have seen, the GUESS Ladies Blue Rose Gold Tone watch possesses a touch of luxury that far belies its affordable price.
- Case diameter: 38.5 mm
- Case height: 11 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Silicone
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral crystal
- Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$138 on Amazon S$283 on Lazada
9. Movado Bold Verso Women’s Swiss Quartz (3600935)
Demure in its blush pink ceramic case, the Movado Bold Verso ladies watch hides a chronograph in its elegant monochromatic frame.
- Case diameter: 38.5 mm
- Case height: 9.6 mm
- Case material: Ceramic
- Strap material: Ceramic
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: K1 Mineral Crystal
- Water resistance: 100 m
Buy now: S$999 on Amazon
9. Versace Medusa Icon Pink Ladies Watch VEZ2
Versace gold pairs perfectly with a gorgeous pink in the Versace Medusa Icon VEZ2 Pink Ladies Watch. It’s the ultimate statement piece – there are no hands but a rotating disc that reveals the hour and minute.
- Case diameter: 38 mm
- Case height: 8 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Stainless steel
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$999 on Amazon
10. Swarovski Eternal Watch
112 clear crystals and a white silver-tone sunray dial glimmer alluringly while asymmetric cut-outs offer a peek of flesh in the slimmest watch – 6.65
- Case diameter: 30 mm
- Case height: 6.65 mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Strap material: Stainless steel
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Glass
- Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$429 on Amazon S$580 on Swarovski
11. Lacoste Neocroc Women’s Quartz
Bare minimalism or an infusion of colour, both on a minimalist form – that’s the Lacoste Neocroc Women’s Quartz watch.
- Case diameter: 38 mm
- Case height: 8.8 mm
- Case material: Plastic & TR90
- Strap material: Silicone
- Movement type: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral Crystal
- Water resistance: 50 m
Buy now: S$113 on Amazon