Top 16 Best Women’s Watches Under $100 [List & Guide]
Watches come in all shapes and forms. Unisex watches, men’s watches, and women’s watches are just some of the categories we can divide them into. In addition to this, we have sports watches, diving watches, everyday watches, dress watches, and so much more.
What is a woman’s watch?
There are no real fixed criteria for what a woman’s watch is, but obviously, a woman’s watch is a watch made for women. But at the same time, women can also wear unisex and men’s watches, although these are not specifically made for women, and hence will not find their way into this list.
And because the definition of a woman’s watch is so wide, the criteria cover a lot. Technically, a women’s watch can be any type of watch that has a smaller size to fit women’s wrists better. But in addition to that, there are still some common traits (that are not required, but common):
- They should have a feminine design
- They should have a smaller size (usually no more than 38mm)
For a long time, the wristwatch has been seen as primarily a men’s accessory due to the fact that it is essentially one of the few types of jewelry that men can wear. But the interest in wristwatches amongst women is increasing every year. Not only is a wristwatch a practical means of telling the time but it is also a stylish accessory that can enhance your look and style. Today, wristwatches are not only for men but also an important accessory for women.
What to look for in a woman’s watch?
The answer to that question primarily depends on a few things:
- On what occasions you will wear the watch?
- Your style and clothes
- Your own taste and preferences
- What do you need from a watch in terms of functions (do you want a watch that only displays the time or do you need a date function, chronograph, water-resistance, and so on?)
As mentioned, there are all kinds of different watches out there, and to make it very simplified, you want to find a watch that suits your needs and occasions. It is generally advised to add a few different watches to your collection so that when you are going on sporty occasions or wearing casual clothes, you wear a sports watch that is suitable for those occasions, and when you wear formal attire, you wear something more elegant and dressy. If you just want one watch in your collection, you can look for a versatile watch that has a good balance between sportiness and elegance in its design that is suitable for all kinds of occasions. In general, watches with a larger size have a more masculine look to them whilst watches with
Furthermore, watches are also available in a wide price range – from tens of thousands to just a few hundred. Since most people aren’t willing to spend thousands and thousands on a watch, we have in this article compiled our top picks of the best and most popular affordable women’s watches under $100. Use the tips and criteria above to define what you are looking for, and then take a look at our list of suggested timepieces for women below.
Best affordable women’s watches under $100
In this article, we take a look at some of the best and most popular women’s watches for under $100. Further on, we’ll also go through everything you need to think about and consider when making your pick.
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Skagen Women’s Anita Stainless Steel Mesh
First off, we have a watch from a brand that has become very popular when it comes to women’s watches. And it is generously priced at less than 100 dollars.
The watch has a sleek, elegant, and feminine case design with a diameter of 30mm and a thickness of only 5mm. The case has a large round shape with elegantly curved lugs. The result is that the beautiful dial of this watch takes up most of its properties.
The watch has a simple yet classy dial with a beautiful brushed silver finish and applied crystals for the hour markers to add an additional level of luxuriousness. Worth mentioning is that this model is also available in a large number of different versions and iterations so you can find just the one that suits your taste the most. Overall, it is a very clean, simple, and minimalistic dial.
In Skagen’s own words, the Skagen Anita is a watch that is simple and works with every style. It is a great complement for everyday use and most outfits. The watch is powered by a quartz movement. For practical reasons, a date window would have been nice to have, but at the same time, it would harm the watch’s minimalistic dial design. The water resistance of this timepiece is 30m, meaning it will withstand water splashes.
Specifications
- Diameter: 30mm
- Thickness: 5mm
- Water resistance: 30m
- Movement: quartz
Skagen Women’s Signatur SKW2692
Next up, we have another popular affordable women’s watch from Skagen which is the Signatur SKW2692. This watch is described as an aesthetically simple watch that works with every style and for any occasion. A simple, clean, classic, everyday timepiece that is as functional as it is elegant.
The watch has a round stainless steel case with a simple design featuring short, straight, and rounded lugs with a small crown and a rounded bezel. The watch is presented on a steel mesh bracelet which is a great versatile choice for a bracelet and one that is comfortable, versatile, and stylish. To give it a new look, you also have the ability to change the 30mm bracelet for different Skagen watch bands for a new look. The thickness is just 6mm and the diameter 30mm so it is a good choice for women who enjoy small and discreet timepieces.
It features a minimalistic and clean sandblast dial with a white tone and a matte finish. For added attention to detail and a modern look, it has slim metal hands and applied metal hour markers.
Last but not least, the water resistance is 30m which means it will withstand water splashes but is not suitable for swimming or diving.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m
- Movement: quartz
- Diameter: 30mm
- Thickness: 6mm
Citizen Quartz Womens EQ0603-59P
A popular watch amongst women who want a sporty yet elegant timepiece is the Citizen EQ0603-59P. This watch stands out with its all-gold design, but at the same time, it has a rather sporty design which makes it surprisingly versatile.
Its sporty design is presented in a small 28mm case with beveled lugs and crown guards which add to the sportiness, and it is presented on a gold-tone metal bracelet to create a seamless and stylish look. The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and features a gold-tone dial with a nice texture which shows that Citizen has paid attention to the details. For added elegance, the dial features yellow gold applied metal hour markers, paired with large hands with luminescence which ensures good legibility.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have a day and date window which is always convenient to have for everyday wear. The water resistance is 30m/100 feet.
All in all, this watch is a great choice for women who want a versatile and sporty timepiece with an elegant twist and who enjoy a full gold-tone timepiece that stands out.
Specifications
- Diameter: 28mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
Citizen Quartz EU2252-56P
The Citizen Quartz EU2252-56P is a watch for the traditional woman who wants an elegant timepiece with a classic and traditional design. Immediately at first glance, you’ll notice its somewhat retro-inspired design. It has a 23mm case with a yellow tone and a nice integrated yellow gold bracelet which seamlessly blends into the watch’s design and creates a sleek appearance. On top of the case sits a mineral crystal.
The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and offers a water resistance of 30m/100 feet. To go with the gold theme, the watch has a yellow-gold dial with a beautiful sunburst effect. The dial has classic black Arabic numerals on the dial which remind a bit about a wall clock but ensure excellent legibility. The hands have a gold finish.
This watch incorporates a date function at 3 o’clock which is always practical to have for everyday use.
If you want an elegant and luxurious timepiece but don’t want to compromise on legibility, this is definitely a good choice.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Movement: Japanese quartz
Citizen Quartz Women’s Watch EJ5854-56A
You can’t go wrong with a rectangular watch. The popularity of rectangular watches has gone in waves, but they are now more popular than ever. They have a traditional and classic design which makes them very versatile and suitable for virtually any occasion.
This watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 18mm, but remember that rectangular watches naturally wear differently than round watches. Citizen combines yellow gold and steel for an added touch of luxury, but whilst the case is made mostly in steel with only a yellow gold bezel, the bracelet features more yellow gold accents. On top of the case, the watch has a mineral crystal.
The movement inside is a Japanese quartz movement and the water resistance is 30m.
Citizen has made the dial simple and clean with a white background and yellow gold metal hour markers and hands which not only look very elegant but also go very well together with the gold and steel design of the case and bracelet.
If you want a traditional yellow classy everyday affordable watch, you can’t go wrong with this Citizen as your choice.
Specifications
- Crystal: mineral
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 18mm
Citizen Quartz Women’s Watch EQ0540-57A
The Citizen EQ0540-57A is a given choice for the sporty woman who wants a watch that is more on the sporty side of things and has a dive-watch-inspired design (although not a dive watch).
The case has a 25mm stainless steel case so it remains quite small and has a mineral crystal on top. For added versatility and sportiness, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. The water resistance, although not dive-watch standard, is better than the usual 30m, which is 50m.
Despite its low price, Citizen has done a great job with the finishing and design of the dial with a brushed silver finish which reflects the light beautifully, complemented by applied polished metal hour markers and classic dive-inspired sword-shaped hands with a generous amount of luminescence applied to them. On the dial, it also has a day and date window at 3 o’clock.
The watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.
With its all-steel design and sporty case shape and bracelet, this watch is a great choice for women who want an everyday watch with a touch of sportiness but also a watch that can work for everyday wear.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Diameter: 25mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
Seiko 5 SYMK15K1 Women’s Automatic
The Seiko 5 SYMK15K1 is one of the most popular affordable automatic women’s watches simply because it is automatic. In this price range, there are not a ton of automatic watches to choose from, so the fact that Seiko can make an automatic watch at this price is quite impressive.
If you prefer an automatic watch above quartz and want something sporty and versatile, it is definitely a great choice because this watch is both sporty and beautiful.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 26mm and a thickness of 10mm meaning it is quite small. The case has a simple Seiko 5 design that is a bit bulkier than elegant dress watches due to its nature and purpose. On top of the case, it has a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal. And as mentioned, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.
The watch features a beautiful blue dial with a striking sunburst finish and has applied metal hour markers. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window in traditional Seiko 5 fashion. The hands are also applied with luminescence.
As mentioned, this watch is powered by an automatic movement which is something that watch enthusiasts will enjoy. It also has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.
All in all, this is one of our top recommendations if you’re looking for an automatic watch. There are few automatic watches in this price range and in terms of quality, style, and finish, this one really stands out. In addition, Seiko’s Seiko 5 watches have proven to be robust, durable, and long-lasting.
Specifications
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Diameter: 26mm
- Thickness: 10mm
- Movement: Automatic
Citizen Quartz Women’s watch EJ5850-57E
For the woman who wants a traditional and classic watch, the Citizen EJ5850-57E is definitely one of the best choices. This is a sleek, simple, and elegant timepiece with a traditional design that works for any occasion – both formal and casual. It has a rectangular case with a diameter of 18mm and is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. For added sportiness and versatility, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.
Powering this watch is a quartz movement and it has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.
To go with the simple and classic design, it has a black dial with applied metal hour markers and metal hands. This is really one of my favorite timepieces due to the elegant versatility it offers and the truly timeless design.
Specifications
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Diameter: 18mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
Seiko 5 Women’s SYMD93K1 Automatic
The Seiko 5 SYMD93K1 is another sporty automatic watch from Seiko with a nice and versatile design.
Despite being a woman’s watch with a diameter of 26mm and a thickness of 10mm, it has the same design as the same model for men. The watch is also presented on a stainless steel bracelet and is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. On top of the case, it has a Hardlex crystal.
The watch is powered by a Japanese automatic movement, caliber 4207 with 21 jewels.
The watch has a beautiful blue dial with a brushed sunburst finish and applied metal hour markers. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window in traditional Seiko 5 fashion. The blue dial allows for a stylish and sporty design and goes very well with the overall design of this timepiece.
The water resistance of this timepiece is, like most watches on this list, 30m/100 feet.
For women who appreciate sportiness and want a versatile timepiece that can work as an everyday watch for any and every occasion, this is a really great choice. And in addition, the Seiko 5 watches are already known for being qualitative, robust, and durable, so we don’t have to say much about this.
Specifications
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Automatic caliber 4207
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Jewels: 21
Timex Women’s Indiglo Easy Reader
The Timex Indiglo is simple, classic, and timeless. This is the ultimate choice for women who appreciate minimalism and primarily want a means of telling the time and not a fashion accessory, although this watch will complement your style in a discreet way.
The watch has a 25-millimeter brass case with a mineral glass crystal. It has a white dial with black Arabic numerals and black watch hands to ensure perfect legibility due to the contrast they provide. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it has a date window that is practical for everyday use.
Another nice feature of this watch is that it has an Indiglo light-up watch dial. This lights up the dial and allows for great legibility even in low-lit conditions. The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.
Worth mentioning is that this watch is available in a number of different iterations and designs so if you like the overall design of this timepiece but want a different dial color or case metal color, you can explore the other versions from the same model.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 25mm
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Fossil Women’s Modern Courier Chronograph
Fossil is another popular affordable watch brand for women’s watches and the Courtier Women’s watch is one of the most popular models. This is a sport-chic watch with a modern design and modern size ideals for the fashion-conscious woman.
It has a rose-gold tone case with a diameter of 40mm and also incorporates a chronograph function with chronograph push buttons and crown guards. The size is quite large for women, but there is a growing trend amongst women to wear larger watches, so if you want a more masculine and modern look, it is a great choice.
The watch has thick brushed lugs with a polished bezel. It features a large white dial with applied rose gold roman markers and three chronograph sub-dials. The hands are large and sword-shaped and have applied luminescence. For an elegant and timeless look, it is presented on a tan leather strap.
Powering this watch is a quartz movement. The water resistance is 50m/165 feet.
This is a modern and stylish timepiece that, with its masculine case size, combined with a fresh white dial and luxurious rose gold gets a very contemporary and stylish look.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Fossil Women’s Jacqueline Dress Watch
The Fossil Jacqueline is a feminine watch with an elegant appearance. The design is classic yet luxurious which ensures that it complements any style, outfit, and occasion. The watch has a mid-size diameter of 36mm and a large round case with short lugs where the dial takes up most of its property. The result is a large dial that is also beautifully designed and executed with lots of beautiful details. The dial has a nice striped pattern and roman numerals on the outer part of the dial. This reminds of classic watches such as some of those from Cartier, which is a highly popular luxury watch brand amongst women. The gold-tone color of the dial also matches the rose gold case beautifully.
For convenience’s sake, Fossil has also added a subtle and discreet date window at 6 o’clock.
The watch is presented on a rose gold-tone bracelet which adds versatility and class to the model. For the crystal, Fossil has opted for a hardened mineral glass.
It is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 30m. Whilst it works great as an everyday watch, this timepiece really stands out with a classy outfit for formal occasions to add another layer of luxury.
Specifications
- Diameter: 36mm
- Thickness: 7mm
- Water resistance: 30mm
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Invicta Women’s Pro Diver 28942
The Invicta Pro Diver is a popular dive watch amongst men due to its classic design and affordable price. The good news is that the same watch is also available in a version for women with a smaller case size for women who appreciates a really sporty tool watch.
The Invicta Pro Diver 8942 is a dive watch with a stainless steel case that measures 24.5mm in diameter and has a thickness of 11mm. As a dive watch should, it is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, and for this model, it is finished in yellow gold. The aluminum bezel insert is blue for a refreshing and summery look.
The watch is presented on a three-link Oyster-style bracelet with yellow gold center links. The combination of gold, steel, and blue together with the sporty nature of this timepiece results in a perfect watch for the sporty woman.
The dial is made in a blue color to match the bezel and has yellow gold applied hour markers. At 3 o’clock, it has a date window with a cyclops on top. The water resistance doesn’t meet dive watch standards, but 100m/330 feet is still usually enough for everyday wear. It is powered by the Japanese quartz caliber PC22A and on top of the case sits a mineral crystal.
In Invicta’s own words, this watch provides a nostalgic nod to the classic nautical timepiece.
Specifications
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Diameter: 24.5mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Michael Kors Pyper
Last but not least, we have the Michael Kors Pyper watch. Unlike some of the other brands in this list, like Seiko and Casio, Michael Kors watches are known as ”fashion watches”. In other words, they are made by a fashion brand and not a watch brand. As such, this type of watch (in general) does not have the same build quality as the brands that specialize in making watches. This is not always the case, but if you’re just after a stylish fashion watch that just complements your style in a nice way, this can be a great choice.
This watch has a simple, minimalistic, and feminine design that works for everyday wear and on any occasion. It features a 38mm case with a rose gold finish and mineral glass on top. Most of the watch’s property is taken up by the dial. The dial features applied metal hour markers and as an additional elegant touch, it has crystals applied next to each one of them.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 50m/165 feet.
In their own words, it is a watch with an innate sense of glamour and an unfailing eye for timeless chic. And that is what this watch truly is. Elegantly chic with minimalism and elegance, making for a perfect complement to any style.
Specifications
- Diameter: 38mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Movement: quartz
Seiko Women’s SUT074 Two-Tone Solar Watch
This classy watch is a real show-stopper with extra everything. It’s a perfect watch if you want some extra bling and glamour. The watch has a beautiful mother-of-pearl dial which shimmers in a beautiful way. This is complemented with crystals on the bezel and a finish in yellow gold and steel. Whilst it does have a versatile design and nature to it, this is certainly a watch that can be worn on many different occasions, and definitely compliment a fresh, classy outfit in a really nice way.
Also, worth mentioning is that this watch is powered by a solar quartz movement, meaning it gets energy from solar and ambient light – thus eliminating the need for replacing the battery.
Specifications
- Diameter: 28.1mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Water resistance: 20m/100 feet
Fossil Georgia Quartz Casual Watch
Sometimes simple elegance is the best, and the Fossil Georgia is definitely a perfect example of that. The watch has a small case size of only 26mm and a unique design which means it essentially has no lugs. The small and thin band also ensures that this watch sits nicely on the wrist but doesn’t stand out too much. Its rose gold dial, case, and bracelet give a chic and feminine impression that is suitable for most occasions.
It is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 50m/165 feet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 26mm
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: Mineral
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
Watches for women – buyer’s guide
As you have seen in the list above, there are endless women’s watches in all kinds of different designs, shapes, and forms. With that said, you should definitely be able to find one that suits your taste. But with so many to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to make your pick. Some women don’t want a feminine watch but rather prefer sporty men’s watches. Others want something elegant and very feminine, whilst others prefer something robust and durable that they can use when sporting. Let’s go into the most important considerations.
On what occasions you will wear the watch?
This is an important question to ask that will help you narrow down the alternatives and decide exactly what you are looking for. For example, if you intend to wear a watch with a dress and formal attire, you should probably look for a watch that goes well for these occasions – meaning a watch that is formal and elegant.
On the contrary, if you’re looking for an everyday watch that you can wear every day with casual attire and a watch that can handle shocks, bangs, and demanding situations, then you should opt for a sportier, more robust timepiece. Therefore, it is a good idea to start by asking yourself on which occasions you’ll be wearing the watch in order to decide how it should complement your style on these occasions.
This brings us to the next point.
Your style and clothes
This ties in with what we discussed earlier, but naturally, the clothes you wear should affect which type of watch you choose. For example, if you’re wearing a beautiful dress, a sporty dive watch will likely look misplaced and out of context. On these occasions, an elegant and feminine timepiece is probably exactly what you need.
Think about how your watch will match the outfits you’ll be wearing.
Your own taste and preferences
This is, after all, the most important consideration. The single most important thing is that you are happy with your watch and enjoy it. Make sure you buy a watch for yourself first and for others second. It should be a watch that you love and that you enjoy looking down at. That’s when you’ll be the most satisfied and happy with your choice.
Functions
What do you need from a watch in terms of functions (do you want a watch that only displays the time or do you need a date function, chronograph, water-resistance, and so on?)
As you have seen, watches come with all kinds of different functions and features. An important consideration is therefore if there are any particular features that you would like in a watch. If you have requirements in regards to the functions, it will ultimately help you narrow down your options a lot which makes it easier to find the perfect one.
Is a date function a requirement so that you can keep track of the date? Is a chronograph function crucial? A day indicator or something else?
Size
Just like with clothes, it is important that you buy a watch that sits comfortably on the wrist. Too large or small clothes will affect your overall appearance and affect your style, and the same goes for your watch.
In addition, a watch in the right size will also sit more comfortably on your wrist.
With this said, think about what sizes tend to work best for your wrist. Is it 30mm to 36mm? 25 to 33mm? Getting a rough sense of the sizes that work best is a great starting point.
But at the same time, it’s also important to remember the fact that it’s not only the diameter of the watch that affects how it wears and feels on the wrist. Things like the thickness, case shape, and bracelet are all factors that affect how large or small the watch feels on the wrist, so don’t stare yourself blind on the specified diameter.
Strap and bracelet
Something that you should also consider is the type of strap or bracelet you want. Women’s watches are available with many different kinds of straps. All of these of course serve a purpose and have both pros and cons.
Metal mesh bracelets have increased in popularity for women’s watches and become super trendy. Leather straps are a classic option for a lot of watches, as well as regular metal bracelets. In general, metal bracelets achieve a more sporty look whilst leather straps tend to make the watch look more elegant and traditional.
Leather straps of course offer the benefit of being comfortable and soft, but metal bracelets tend to be more durable.
Top watch brands of affordable women’s watches
There are a lot of different watch brands on the market today that make affordable women’s watches. There are of course many expensive and luxury watch brands that also make women’s watches but in this article, we focus on the affordable ones. Some of the most popular are:
- MVMT
- Seiko
- Fossil
- Michael Kors
- Invicta
- Timex
- Citizen
- Skagen of Denmark
- Olivia Burton
- Guess
- Marc Jacobs
- Tissot
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Millenary Watches