Photo: AJ Garcia/Unsplash
Do people still wear watches? Well, yes, but a lot of people I know are only wearing smart watches. Personally, I wouldn’t want to be that “on call” 24/7. And who knows what data is being collected through those watches about your every move! But to each his/her own. Watches are fundamentally a form of jewelry. They are basically a bracelet. And you can wear them with other bracelets, especially if they complement each other in terms of metal and size.
If you want to stay on the more Classic side, limit the number of bangles or chain bracelets you pair with a watch. As Coco Chanel said: “Before you walk out the door, remove one accessory.”
As with designer handbags, high-end watches are very distinctive in their features. But frankly, with the exception of those quirky and trendy ironic watches (like “Hello Kitty,” Mickey Mouse or those with transparent jelly bands – which really should only be worn by teenagers or those with a huge percentage of High Spirited style) most watches these days pretty much mimic the pricier styles in design. So we’ll examine three of the iconic brands. Those represent a good cross-section of the higher-end styles. And, then we’ll look at several lookalikes that are similar, a lot less expensive, but also quite tasteful and stylish.
Cartier-Like Watch
Cartier Tank Watch
The first one here is the Cartier Tank watch, made popular by Jacquie Kennedy Onassis. In terms of style facets we would have described her as being primarily Classic and Natural. So, the Tank watch matched Jackie’s style perfectly: her angular features and Classic/Sporty vibe. A basic version of the Tank watch can set you back about $4,000. (Etsy has a vintage one here on the left for $2000 right now.) But a well-made simple rectangular watch on a leather strap can be had for a lot less. There are a whole lot of them.
Seiko Women’s Essentials watch Macy’s (on sale) $161.25
Coach Reese Green leather band watch
Fossil Raquel leather band 3-hand watch Macy’s $180
Seiko Essentials $149
Peugeot Amazon $54.94
Rolex Oyster Watch
Rolex Oyster Vintage 6410
Rolex has a pretty audacious marketing department. Their latest ad in a magazine proclaimed that what sets them apart is not the year it takes to produce each watch, not the quality of the metals, etc. It’s that every watch they create is “superlative.” Well, yes, they are pretty great. They perform well, last forever, and many of them look like an elegant bracelet. An original can cost you around $12,700.
But you can find them on resale sites. (This one on the left is currently on Etsy for $1600.) The lookalikes are numerous and have a similar elegant and feminine look. The Omega Constellation watch, another one of the “bracelet” watch styles, looks similar to the Oyster and can be acquired for less, even through Amazon! (According to the reviews it’s a legit version.)
Omega Women’s Constellation watch $2910 on Amazon
Timex Waterbury Legacy Boyfriend Watch Madewell $139
Citizen two-tone stainless bracelet watch Bloomingdale’s $375
Anne Klein Bracelet watch Amazon $41
Amitron Day/Date Watch Amazon $40
Patek Philippe Calatrava Watch
Patek Philippe Calatrava $30,450
Patek Philippe used to cater primarily to men. But the round faced Calatrava style has become wildly popular among a lot of fashionable women lately. Personally, I think it’s a really cool look, but the large round face doesn’t suit my tiny bone structure, alas. The original version is the priciest of the lot, at $31,000. The inexpensive ones get great reviews and would pair nicely with a similar-colored metal bracelet to create a more feminine look.
Coach Elliot Women’s
Nordgren Silver Watch (interchangeable straps) $189
Michael Kors Pyper Watch Amazon $72 (Same one at Bloomingdale’s for $180!)
Michael Kors Pyper in pink Amazon $72
So that’s a brief primer on what’s available in designer and designer lookalike watches. I’m starting a movement to encourage women to wear them as a counter balance to plastic, constantly dinging, spying “smart” watches!!!
BTW – I’m tallying the votes on your selections for the book cover and will report back on that next week. There have been some very interesting and surprising results so far!
[None of the items listed here are sponsored. But I might earn a small commission if you purchase anything. And as an Amazon Associate I may also earn a small commission on any item you purchase through my links. Thanks for helping me keep this site going. I sincerely appreciate it.]
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