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Nothing makes an outfit work like a stylish timepiece. When traveling between work and home, or from one time zone to another––even in an age where most of us rely on our smartphones for time––it’s always good to know that you have a classic, elegant watch to fall back on. Plus, watches are technically jewelry. They can accent an outfit, be layered with delicate bracelets and bold bangles and add effortless character and personality to your entire ensemble.
There are obviously thousands of brands to choose from, ranging from the budget-friendly to mid-range, durable watches to the most luxurious pieces on the market, like Chanel and Cartier––both of which you will see in our roundup.
Below, we’ve selected just 10 of the finest watches you can buy from both iconic, trend-setting brands and those that are newer to the industry (yet taking it by storm). Rest assured that one of these pieces will find a place on your wrist.
Gucci Le Marché Des Merveilles Nylon Strap Watch, 45mm
Consider this watch the statement piece of the century. With a striking nylon embroidered dial and a sporty, signature Gucci striped band, you’ll put a whimsical spin on any outfit with this unique luxury watch.
To buy: $900, nordstrom.com
Olivia Burton Midi Dial Leather Strap Watch, 30mm
Between the pale peach shade of the textured leather strap, the white face with a rose gold accented dial and a delicate buckle closure, this timepiece is the epitome of sophistication and elegance.
To buy: $100, nordstrom.com
Longines PrimaLuna Bracelet Watch, 34 mm
When it comes to luxury bracelet watches, it’s hard to beat Longines. Just look at the sleek, gleaming metallic links and the statel Roman numerals on the face and you’ll know that this is the kind of watch you wear forever.
To buy: $1,100, nordstrom.com
Related: Design Your Own Luxury Accessories With These Brands' New Bespoke Programs
MVMT Venice Marble 38 mm
There’s something particularly transporting about this chic piece from MVMT’s Boulevard series—the white marble dial summons images of Italian statues and columns, perhaps. Between that and the silver mesh strap, this timepiece will add instant style to any ensemble.
To buy: $160, mvmtwatches.com
Skagen Aaren Reversible Leather Strap Watch, 40mm
Lightweight, slim hands and a sleek black strap and dial are sure to yield a svelte Scandinavian look when wearing this watch from Skagen—and the strap is reversible.
To buy: $102, nordstrom.com
Rosefield Mercer Mesh Strap Watch, 38mm
Trying wearing this watch without getting about a million compliments. The perfect combination of minimalism and sophistication, this Rosefield timepiece features a rose-gold polished mesh stainless-steel strap and a bold black dial accented by delicate hour indicators.
To buy: $109, nordstrom.com
Daniel Wellington Classic Petite York
It’s watches like this one that have yielded such a dedicated cult following to detail-oriented watch brand Daniel Wellington. Between the croc embossed Italian leather strap and an iconically clean eggshell white dial, this piece adds and air of sophistication to any look.
To buy: $179, danielwellington.com
Chanel Boyfriend Tweed Watch
You simply can’t go wrong with a watch from a legendary brand like Chanel. This watch, in particular, weds the classic and the modern, featuring a chic gold-trimmed rectangular dial and a tweed fabric and leather strap.
To buy: $12,300, chanel.com
Llarsen Lykke
Perfect for layering with bangles or your favorite everyday bracelets, this sleek timepiece is just as feminine as it is versatile. Features include scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a changeable strap.
To buy: $274, llarsen.com
Tank Louis Cartier 25.5mm
With an alligator skin strap, 18-karat gold trimmed dial and roman numeral numbers, this iconic piece from Cartier is a showstopper, sure to occupy prime real estate on your wrist for years to come.
To buy: $9,750, net-a-porter.com
