The market for women’s mechanical watches has long lagged behind that for men in terms of choice and complications. For decades female watch fans have been faced with the option of either a pretty but basic quartz timepiece or a prohibitively expensive mechanical watch or fine jewellery design. However, as the market for women’s fine watches has grown over the past few years, many watch houses have begun introducing entry-level mechanical watches into their collections. If you’re searching for the perfect everyday timepiece or are taking your first steps into the watch world, here’s our edit of the best mechanical watches for women under £5,000…
Omega Constellation Co-Axial
Omega’s constellation range is the brand’s go-to for interesting dials created using precious materials. Catering for both men and women, the ladies range features predominantly quartz movements but there are some stand-out pieces for women interested in classic mechanical movements. One such piece is the Co-Axial model which is powered by a calibre 2500 movement and features a date window, engraved dial with diamond indexes and transparent case back.
Case: Steel, 35mm
Strap: Leather
Movement: Calibre 2500 self-winding
Waterproof: 100 metres
Price: £3,760, omegawatches.com
Baume Custom Timepiece Moonphase
New kid on the block Baume is the newest launch from the Richemont Group and is shaking up the watch industry with its emphasis on sustainability and customisation without the hefty price tags. As well as the option to design a fully custom timepiece using Baume’s online configurator, the brand also offers a range of customisable mechanical timepieces with complications ranging from small seconds to retrograde day dials. The stellar piece is this 35mm stainless steel watch featuring a Miyota 6P20 movement offering moonphase, day and date functions.
Case: Stainless steel, 35mm (customisable)
Strap: Cork (customisable)
Movement: Miyota 6P20
Waterproof: 30 metres
Price: £490, baumewatches.com
Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Scubatec
Think you have to pay big bucks for a great diving watch? Think again. Carl F. Bucherer’s Patravi Scubatec offers classically sporty styling and all the features you would expect of a diving timepiece in an elegant 36.5mm package. Of particular note is the bright white dial and large indexes which will remain readable even if you reach its maximum depth of 200 metres.
Case: Stainless steel, 36.5mm
Strap: Rubber
Movement: Automatic
Waterproof: 200 metres
Price: £3,700, bucherer.com
Chanel Boy.Friend Tweed
First unveiled at Baselworld 2015, Chanel’s minimalist Boy.Friend line quickly caught up with the brand’s iconic J12 as the cool girl’s timepiece of choice. Inspired by Coco Chanel’s love of tomboyish shape, the pared back watch’s debut black leather strap has been updated with a coated steel version featuring a tweed motif in reference to the fabric most synonymous with Chanel.
Case: Stainless steel, 37x28.6mm
Strap: Stainless steel with black coating
Movement: Mechanical manual winding
Waterproof: 30 metres
Price: £4,500, chanel.com
Longines Master Collection
If all you really want is a sturdy everyday watch without all the bells and whistles but with some solid horology inside, few do them better than Longines. The Master collection features numerous understated stainless steel timepieces with classic round cases and timeless designs. This dainty 29mm models features an of-the-moment blue dial and diamond indexes for a little added femininity.
Case: Stainless steel, 29mm
Strap: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic self-winding
Waterproof: 30 metres
Price: £1,520, longines.com