5 Stylish Watches for Women (2016 edition)
I've looked at hundreds of watches over the last 3 months. It's hard to find watches that are both beautiful AND well-made, and where the brands actually care about sustainability.
Here are 5 stand-out picks for 2016.
1. Linjer ($149 on preorder)
The Linjer Classic watch (left) and Linjer Minimalist watch (right)- soon accepting pre-orders.
~~~ EDIT: You can now reserve your limited edition watch on Linjer's site! On preorder it will cost ~$149 www.linjer.co/pages/watch
Get in early because they only have 250 units that will be limited edition! (And Adam and I already have 2 of those spots.) ~~~
My favorite favorite watches are from Linjer, a hot new Norwegian brand whose handbags all my stylish New Yorker friends are talking about this. We managed to meet Roman and Jen in person on a trip in San Francisco. They were kind enough to give us a sneak preview of their collection.
What can I say -- I'm OBSESSED!
Their two minimalist watch designs are inspired by the Oslo Opera House. Linjer is adamant about using only the best materials, like a Swiss movement, sapphire crystal glass (which doesn't scratch), and Italian leather strap.
The dial has a beautiful lacquered effect - very different from the regular paper dials you see on cheap mass-market watches.
The watches have brushed cases which look SUPER high end compared to regular shiny watches. They come in 3 case diameters: 34mm, 38mm, and 41mm. This is amazing -- it means women have lots of options whether like the oversized boyfriend watch look or something more understated and feminine. Roman and Jen were very thoughtful about making sure there was a watch size that would look good on everybody.
Linjer Classic watch with brushed rose gold case and tan leather strap
They also have a ton of different color variations so you're practically guaranteed to find the right watch for you.
The Italian leather straps are also really delicious. A lot of brands skimp on the straps and use crappy leather that looks like synthetic leather and chips over time. Or even worse, it tears. Linjer, being leather experts, uses vegetable-tanned leather - it's really nice Italian leather and will age beautifully over time.
The full retail price will be somewhere in the $300 range, but on pre-order it will be about 50% off, according to Roman.
EDIT: You can now reserve your limited edition watch on Linjer's site. I suggest you get in early because they only have 250 units that will be limited edition! www.linjer.co/pages/watch
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2. ISABEL MARANT ($850)
Isabel Marant captures the tomboy look perfectly with this namesake watch. The quartz watch is made with stainless steel and has a leather strap. I like the simplicity of the watch - the slim black band goes nicely with the case. Super classy and especially nice for minimalists.
After a couple of months of obsessing over this, after I saw the Linjer watch I realized that this leather strap is really not special, but I feel like it's too much to ask designer/luxury brands to make good leather straps nowadays.
This model seems to be exclusive to Net-a-porter for $850.
3. GUCCI ELAPHE ($980)
This Guci Elaphe is really something else! This watch has a beautiful forest-green wraparound strap that makes the watch look more like a bracelet than a timepiece.
I'm in love with the forest green color and it looks swell with the gold face. I like that the dial has a slight pearled effect.
This watch also has a good engine - it's a Swiss Ronda quartz movement, like the Linjer watch. Costs a pretty penny though; $980. This is one I'd never buy for myself but would hope to receive as a gift. (HINT!) Get it here.
4. SHINOLA CANFIELD ALLIGATOR ($900)
I love the look of this watch. It looks like a mix of a few different looks that I wouldn't necessarily put together - but together they look really interesting. I haven't seen lugs like this before, and the watch almost looks like a pocket watch.
This version of the Canfield has an alligator strap (surprise, surprise) and luminescent hands and numbers. It comes in 38mm and 43mm size.
It's retailing for $900 on the Shinola site.
5. SHINOLA CANFIELD LINK ($900)
Another Shinola pick. This is the Canfield with a metal link. I think it looks more formal than the Canfield Alligator. I like how the gold parts on the band match the lumincsent number indicators. $900 on Shinola's site.
