Top Watches for Women

  When shopping for a women's watch, the choices are seemingly endless. New brands are introduced to the retail market rather frequently, and it may be difficult to decide on the best watch. Fortunately, some companies have already stood the test of time with excellent reputations and are on top of the market for ladies' watches.

Piaget

Piaget was founded by Georges E. Piaget in 1874, later taken over by his son in 1911. Piaget made their devotion to quality and innovation very clear in 1960, when they crafted the thinnest self-winding movement available in the world at that time. Today, Piaget maintains classic style with modern twists matched with fine craftsmanship. As of September 2010, current retail prices range from roughly $4,000 to $120,000, while most are around $20,000.

Omega

Planning on going to the moon? Space travel is an option with an Omega "Speedmaster" watch, the only watch used on the moon, and approved by NASA for "extravehicular use." Some of these watches feature mother-of-pearl dials and white alligator leather straps. The ladies' "Speedmaster" retail price begins at an estimated $5,000.

Cartier

Louis-Francois Cartier began Cartier in 1847, but the company did not flourish until his son, Alfred, commanded the business in 1874. The "Tank" model watch, which was released in 1917, still demands attention as a best seller for the company today. The "Pasha" and "Panther" watches are two of the most sought-after women's watches. Current retail prices for the ladies' "Tank" range from approx. $13,000 to $30,000.

Movado

With more than 200 international awards for "artistry and innovation in watch design and time technology," Movado has earned itself a high ranking position in the watch industry. The Museum of Modern Art decided to add a Modavo watch to its exhibits in 1960, confirming the brand designs were indeed "artwork." Since then, Modavo creations have been added to additional museums around the world. Several choices of Movado watches can be purchased for about $500.

Rolex

Rolex has led the watch frontier since its creation, and continues to do so. In 1910, Rolex was the first watch to receive the Swiss Certificate of Precision. Just a few years later, in 1926, Rolex invented the first waterproof and dust-proof watch. The first self-winding mechanism was also discovered by Rolex in 1936, and these very same mechanics are still used in watches today. Rolex has a history of being one step ahead of its competitors. Retail prices for ladies' Rolexes begin at $5,000.

Timex

Timex, one of the most recognized watch brands, has sold more timepieces than any competitor since the 1970s. According to Timex, annual surveys consistently rank Timex as number one out of 50 fashion brands in jewelry and accessories and the third most popular of all women's accessory brands. Timex is still a desirable choice in ladies' watches; from June through September 2010, Timex watches were featured in 19 ladies' magazine publications. With current retail prices starting as low as $20, Timex watches are affordable for most everyone.