Round-UpInternational Women’s Day 2025: What Women Want

Each year, March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day worldwide. This day not only commemorates the achievements of women in various fields, but also highlights the challenges they continue to face today. Since its inception, the watchmaking industry has been largely male-dominated. However, this narrative has begun to change, slowly but steadily for the better. From doing away with labels such as ‘women’s watches’ or ‘men’s watches’ on websites to introducing a broader size range, luxury watchmaking brands are taking meaningful steps towards inclusivity. Today, women can be seen wearing all types of wristwatches, including the ones that are conventionally considered as ‘masculine’. 

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we surveyed over 30 women asking them about their preferences in watches. From the majority of respondents choosing a timepiece embellished with diamonds or other precious stones to only a handful favouring bronze over gold or titanium, the answers paint a clear picture of what women today want. Other than this, most women chose quartz over mechanical movement, preferred a date complication, and favoured a steel bracelet instead of a leather strap. Based on these responses, here is a list of timepieces featuring the characteristics most favoured by the women of today. 

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, Indeed!

According to the survey, most women want a diamond-studded watch, encased within a gold case. Some of the timepieces that align perfectly with this description are Bulgari’s Serpenti Tubogas, singer Rihanna-approved the Brilliant Skeleton Northern Lights by Jacob & Co, and Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 34mm. Adorned with sparkling diamonds along its entire length, Bulgari’s Tubogas Infiniti is a showstopper. Both of its versions–the single-twirl and double-twirl—feature a 35mm curved rose-gold case, set with eight diamonds. Their bezels are set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds, while the fully paved dials feature 262 diamonds. Additionally, the double-twirl’s bracelet is gem-set with 172 diamonds, while the single-twirl version features 131 diamonds.

Another stunning example is the Brilliant Skeleton Northern Lights by Jacob & Co. Drawing inspiration from the dancing hues of the Aurora Borealis in polar regions, it features a skeletonised dial that offers a glimpse into the beating heart within. This timepiece featuring a red-hued mineral crystal is encased in a pavé-set, rose-gold case measuring 44mm, decorated with 251 round, white diamonds. Its crown is set with 30 white diamonds and the rose-gold clasp on the leather strap is set with 42 diamonds. Last but not least, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 34mm, crafted with 18-karat Sedna gold, features a silver guilloche wave patterned dial, set with 191 diamonds and a diamond-set bezel. Its marquise-cut ruby hour markers match the glossy red leather strap, further elevating the luxurious appeal of the watch. 

Adorned with sparkling diamonds along its entire length, Bulgari’s Tubogas Infiniti is a showstopper

₹65,09,000

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Drawing inspiration from the dancing hues of the Aurora Borealis in polar regions, it features a skeletonised dial that offers a glimpse into the beating heart within

₹97,00,000

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The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 34mm, crafted with 18-karat Sedna gold, features a silver guilloche wave patterned dial, set with 191 diamonds and a diamond-set bezel

₹30,79,800

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The Minimalist Charm Of A Dress Watch

When asked to choose between a dress or sport watch, the whopping majority of women went with the former, indicating a clear preference for the classic and minimalist dress watches. One of the names that comes to mind instantly when thinking of elegant timekeepers is Longines’ DolceVita. Taking inspiration from their 1927 model, Longines launched the first DolceVita (meaning ‘good life’ in Italian) in 1997. Featuring the instantly-recognisable rectangular case, the collection enjoyed a successful streak spanning over two decades. Continuing the momentum, the brand released the Mini DolceVita with a square-ish case in 2023. Measuring just 21.50mm by 29.00mm, the series features watches in an impressive range of materials and colours, with or without diamonds.

Another collection featuring sophisticated dress watches is the award-winning Millesime by Raymond Weil. Translating to ‘vintage’ in French, the Millesime collection features sector dials, the cherub-like moon phase imagery, and obelisk-shaped hands, among other finer details. Showcased here is the 35mm Automatic Moon Phase Denim Blue Dial watch in stainless steel, with a moon phase display at six o’clock. It features 16 lab-grown diamonds on its lugs, and is presented on a blue calf leather strap, with a stainless steel buckle.

Longines released the Mini DolceVita with a square-ish case in 2023

₹3,54,000

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Translating to ‘vintage’ in French, the Millesime collection by Raymond Weil features sector dials, the cherub-like moon phase imagery, and obelisk-shaped hands, among other details

₹2,45,000

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Measuring just 21.50mm by 29.00mm, the series features watches in an impressive range of materials and colours, with or without diamonds

₹3,54,000

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Neutral-Hued Dials–Basic Essentials

Around 40 percent of women selected coloured dials as their choice of preference, while more than half of the respondents favoured neutral-hued (white, black, grey, or silver) dials. Featured here are the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 34mm and 38mm models in grey or silver dials, respectively. Sporty, timeless, and memorable, the Laureato—one of the five signature pillars of Girard-Perregaux–was launched in 1975 as a luxury sports timepiece, at a time when the segment was booming in the horology space. The original model featured a raised octagonal bezel and an integrated bracelet—design elements that were way ahead of their time. Retaining some of the original design features and taking them to the next level, the stainless steel jewelled Laureato 34mm and 38mm models offer a modern update. Each watch showcases an octagonal bezel over a circular plinth, set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds, giving a glamorous twist to the otherwise sporty design. The dials feature the signature Clous de Paris pattern, with a date aperture at three o’clock. Both timepieces are powered by a reliable quartz movement, ensuring precision.

Another fine example of a watch under this category is the dainty 26.5mm Pathos Queen by Carl F. Bucherer, with a white dial. 

More than half of the respondents favoured neutral-hued (white, black, grey, or silver) dials for their versatility and timeless appeal

Featured here are the Girard-Perregaux Laureato 34mm and 38mm models in grey or silver dials, respectively

The Complication Of Choice: Chronograph 

After date and day displays, a chronograph function is the most common complication in watches. When asked whether they would like their watch with or without a chronograph, around 51 percent of women chose a timepiece with a stopwatch function. TAG Heuer’s Carrera Chronograph Skipper is a great example of a watch with a chronograph function. As a tribute to TAG Heuer’s sailing heritage, the Carrera Chronograph Skipper sports a blend of teal, orange, green, and blue on its dual-counter dial, with a date aperture at six o’clock. This Skipper is inspired by the original model, which was born from Jack Heuer’s involvement with the America’s Cup yacht race in the 1960s, where they served as the official timing partner for the ‘Intrepid’ boat. Housed within a 39mm stainless steel case, the watch is equipped with a regatta count-down indicator, offering a water resistance of up to 100m. A perfect blend of sporty elegance, it is presented on a blue textile strap—engineered for comfort and durability. 

Some of the other examples include the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium Green and the Tissot PR 100 Sport Chic Chronograph.

As a tribute to TAG Heuer’s sailing heritage, the Carrera Chronograph Skipper sports a blend of teal, orange, green, and blue on its dual-counter dial, with a date aperture at six o’clock

The Allure Of Textured Dials

Between mother-of-pearl and textured dials, more than 55 percent of women preferred the latter, and why wouldn’t they? Textured dials not only add depth, but also lend a distinct character to the watch. A brand that is known for their beautiful nature-inspired textured dials are Grand Seiko—the Japanese brand which made an international debut in 2010, followed by the separation from Seiko in 2017. The dials often feature the brand’s signature Zaratsu polishing, lending the watch a mesmerising effect. Featured here is the Japanese Seasons Spring Drive Shunbun (a Japanese word for the vernal equinox) watch, with a textured pink dial. Capturing the spirit of the fleeting ‘Sakura’ season (cherry blossoms), the intricate texture on the dial is achieved using Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polishing technique. Other fine examples from the brand include the 62GS Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 models, with a textured green dial inspired by the vibrancy of new leaves growing on a cherry tree, or a textured blue dial depicting the scenery of an icefall. 

Featured here is the Japanese Seasons Spring Drive Shunbun, with a dial that captures a treasured moment in the Japanese seasonal calendar

₹6,30,000

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The 62GS Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000's green textured dial is inspired by the vibrancy of new leaves growing on a cherry tree

₹6,50,000

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The 62GS Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 with a blue textured dial depicts the scenery of an icefall

₹6,75,000

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