8 Best Unisex Watches For The Fashion-Forward
Gender-neutral, gender-fluid, or androgynous — the trend for unisex watches has been around for years. Some think it is just a fad that will eventually go away, but it seems this trend is likely here to stay.
At SIHH this year, unisex watches were among the trends that caught the attention of watch connoisseurs. The usual big, mechanical watches for men have suddenly become smaller, less rough, and a little bit more refined around the edges. To top it all off, watchmakers have stopped calling them ‘men’s watches’ anymore. They’re simply ‘watches’ — suitable for both men and women.
IWC Pilot Automatic
Not too big, not too small — at 36mm, the IWC Pilot automatic watch perfectly falls into the unisex watches category. The sleek, grey dial and dark brown alligator leather strap make it an ideal everyday wear for work and play.
A rapid-advance date display at 3 o’clock is featured within a slightly recessed inner circle on the dial. This feature lends a sportier structure to the watch. Boasting a power reserve of 42 hours, it is powered by a self-winding 35111 Calibre automatic movement. What’s more, a soft-iron inner case protects the movement against magnetic fields.
With only a little over 10mm thickness, this watch is a must-get for the sophisticated young urban professional.
Panerai Luminor Automatic
Who says unisex watches have to be pink and studded with diamonds to appeal to women? This Panerai Luminor Automatic watch certainly is proving the norm wrong. At 44mm fitted with a steel bracelet, this unisex watch is polished, proficient, and certainly packs a punch.
Within the AISI 316L brushed steel case runs the hours, minutes, small seconds, and date functions. And at its heart beats a P.9010 Calibre movement, which can be admired through its clear sapphire crystal caseback.
Water-resistant to 300 metres, this big, bad boy is perfect for a dip in the pool, a deep-sea dive, or a lazy day lounging on a yacht.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph
A little smaller than the Panerai Luminor, but with the same stylish and understated unisex demeanour, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph watch is another practical choice for women who like men’s watches.
The second model to introduce chronograph to the Nautilus collection, this complicated watch displays two time zones at the same time. Powered by a self-winding mechanical Calibre CH 28‑520 C FUS movement, it features a chronograph function with 60-minute counter and a 55-hour power reserve.
A black, gradated dial features gold-applied hour markers with luminescent coating and local and home/day indication. At 40mm, this watch is perfect for the lady or gentleman who likes to stay stylish while on the go.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
Pink but powerful — this seems to be what Audemars Piguet had in mind when it created the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph watch in pink dial. Definitely the most colourful among these unisex watches, this watch pack a punch, too!
From the 37mm case to the diamond-set bezel, pink dial, and purple rubber strap, this watch spells ‘feminine’ all over it. But don’t let its womanly features distract you; this technical watch appeals to the ‘manly’ man as well. Its blue counters and external zone features make it charming to the guy who doesn’t mind a pop of colour in his wardrobe.
A self-winding Calibre 2385 movement powers the watch, featuring a 40-hour power reserve and a chronograph and small seconds complication. Water-resistant to 50 metres, the watch boasts a glare-proof sapphire crystal caseback and 32 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel.
Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Date
From Jaeger LeCoultre’s iconic Master Control collection comes yet another contemporary design that appeals to both men and women alike.
Classy and understated, the Master Control Date watch in stainless steel silver-grey 39mm dial features a streamlined look that goes well with every wardrobe and function you have in mind. Complementing the minimalist theme of the watch is the blue colour of the skeletonised baton hands and alligator leather strap.
An automatic self-winding JLC 899/1 Calibre movement powers the watch, featuring a 38-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 50 metres. This conservative piece is perfect for those who like classic unisex watches with a no-nonsense attitude.
Omega De Ville Co-Axial Chronometer
Almost similar in looks to the Jaeger LeCoultre’s Master Date watch is the Omega De Ville Co-Axial Chronometer watch, featuring a 39.5mm silver dial and stainless steel case.
This timepiece even has the same elegant blue leather strap and blue hour hands for a classic luxury finish. Unlike the automatic Master Date, however, this watch boasts a chronometer function powered by the Omega Co-Axial Calibre 2500 movement. The watch enjoys a 48-hour power reserve, a 30m water resistance, and is certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres.
Classic with a quiet elegance, this watch is perfect both for the girl in Levi’s jeans or the guy in an Armani suit. Definitely a must-have for those who like unisex watches.
Hublot Classic Fusion Automatic
Inspired by the first Hublot watches in the ’80s, the Classic Fusion collection features the signature round case with visible screws on the bezel. Their latest offerings use modern materials, such as titanium, for added sophistication.
The Hublot Classic Fusion Automatic watch in a perfect 38mm-size features the Calibre HUB1110 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and a 50m water resistance. The matte black dial — which perfectly contrasts the titanium case — displays rhodium-plated hands and index hour markers. A stretchable black rubber band and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal complete the durable and comfortable timepiece.
Take it out for a ride with the boys, or a weekend of shopping with the girls.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
With a history dating back to 1953, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms collection is among the ultimate dive watches in the world. More than 60 years later, these watches continue to inspire modern ocean explorers.
At 38mm case and only 11mm thin, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe watch is perfect for both men and women divers who are looking for a decent-sized and slimmer dive watch. The blue sunburst dial is complemented by a blue ceramic bezel and blue strap. An automatic 1150 Calibre movement powers the watch, boasting a 100-hour reserve and 300m water resistance.
The most sporty-looking among these unisex watches, this is an ultra-slim, elegant watch that could be your favourite in and out of the water.
Want more options on men’s watches but at cheaper price points? Check out our feature on best men’s watches under $1,000.
