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new york, new york june 28 jennifer lawrence is seen in soho on june 28, 2023 in new york city photo by gothamgc imagespinterest
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As Celebrities Ditch The Bling For Stealth Watches, It's Time To Find Your Own

The latest red-carpet trend sees stars swap out mega-bling for sensible timepieces set to endure. It's time to find yours, says journalist Naomi Pike.

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Of late, I've noticed there's been a shift in the way celebrities and their stylists accessorise. Where once it was about wearing the rarest, the biggest, the most sparkliest diamond jewellery, a new approach has shifted to see stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Yeoh and Sarah Jessica Parker leave the bling for another time and wrap their wrist in a fabulous watch instead. Hong Chau at the 2023 Oscars has been my favourite thus far. The sweetness of the pastel pink Prada gown against her Panerai timepiece proved the perfect contrast.

For additional context, Lawrence is the new face of Longines' Dolce Vita style and photographs of her on the set of the campaign have fast become definitive of the quiet luxury movement, which is where a stealth watch truly finds its feet. It's no secret that a great watch can carry a great price tag, but these aren't one-season wears. Instead, they're designed for many trips around the sun with most destined to become family heirlooms. Patek Philippe's legendary campaign first launched in 1996 still puts it best. 'You never actually own a Patek Philippe...' it says, hinting that you instead pass it on to the next generation.

Next, consider Victoria Beckham's collaboration with Breitling. The designer has co-designed a 1500 limited run of its Chronomat Automatic 36 watches, playing with colour in its face with shades of petrol blue, sand, grey and jade green. And each design follows suit of this trend in being a sharp twist on a classic, more traditionally masculine edition.

If the time has come for you to find your forever-favourite then look no further than this definitive edit. Whether you are looking for something timeless from Cartier, something bold and bedazzled from Breitling, a souped-up Apple smartwatch courtesy of Hermès or even a more budget-friendly timepiece to simply get your through each day (Olivia Burton nails this brief), these are 26 of the best women's watches for you to shop now:

Breitling by Victoria Beckham Chronomat Automatic 36

Chronomat Automatic 36

Breitling by Victoria Beckham Chronomat Automatic 36

£4,700 at Breitling

The fashion designer has turned her hand to watch design, inspired by her own collection of timepieces.

Chanel Diamond Watch

Diamond Watch

Chanel Diamond Watch

Forget a bag and invest in a Chanel timepiece instead.

Ferragamo Curve Watch

 Curve Watch

Ferragamo Curve Watch

Maximilian Davis' sleek Ferragamo aesthetic now comes in a timepiece.

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Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch - £6500.00

Datejust Stainless Steel Watch - £6500.00

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel Watch - £6500.00

Shop secondhand securely with eBay's authenticity guarantee service.

LONGINES Dolcevita Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

Dolcevita Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

LONGINES Dolcevita Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

This Longines timepiece is one of the most covetable investments to make.

Versace V-Eternal 41mm Watch

V-Eternal 41mm Watch

Versace V-Eternal 41mm Watch

Now 30% Off

Featuring the brand's Medusa iconography, this watch - complete with Roman numeral dial - packs a real punch.

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Jacquie Aiche Vintage Rolex Oyster 34mm

Vintage Rolex Oyster 34mm

Jacquie Aiche Vintage Rolex Oyster 34mm

Jacquie Aiche takes gorgeous vintage watches and refreshes them with mystical watch faces.

BREITLING Chronomat 36

Chronomat 36

BREITLING Chronomat 36

Credit: .

Make a true statement with Breitling's stainless steel and diamond watch.

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch 40mm

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch 40mm

Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch 40mm

As its name suggests, the Ballon Bleu's soft silhouette has been inspired by balloons.

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Apple Watch x Hermès Silver Stainless Steel Case with Attelage Double Tour

Silver Stainless Steel Case with Attelage Double Tour

Apple Watch x Hermès Silver Stainless Steel Case with Attelage Double Tour

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The cult Apple watch gets a high-fashion makeover courtesy of Hermès. Trop chic.

Chanel Premiere Edition Originale 20mm Ladies Watch Medium

Premiere Edition Originale 20mm Ladies Watch Medium

Chanel Premiere Edition Originale 20mm Ladies Watch Medium

This Chanel watch takes the classic handbag chain and turns it into a hyper-elegant strap.

Rotary Ultra Slim Ladies Pink Watch LB08012/41/D

Ultra Slim Ladies Pink Watch LB08012/41/D

Rotary Ultra Slim Ladies Pink Watch LB08012/41/D

Few brands do affordable luxury timepieces like Rotary, and this two-tone rose gold style is one of our favourites.

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Chopard Stainless Steel and Diamond Happy Sport Automatic Watch

Stainless Steel and Diamond Happy Sport Automatic Watch

Chopard Stainless Steel and Diamond Happy Sport Automatic Watch

A true investment piece, this diamond-filled Chopard watch is one to treasure forever.

TAG Heuer Link Ladies Watch

Link Ladies Watch

TAG Heuer Link Ladies Watch

This statement watch, featuring diamond watch markers, oozes glamour and elegance.

Michael Kors Lauryn Ladies' Green Dial & Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch

Lauryn Ladies' Green Dial & Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch

Michael Kors Lauryn Ladies' Green Dial & Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch

This green face offers a striking detail.

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Hermes Timepieces Heure H 17.2mm

Heure H 17.2mm

Hermes Timepieces Heure H 17.2mm

We love the classic Hermès orange strap on this, which adds the right pop of colour to any outfit.

Swarovski Mixed Metal Watch

Mixed Metal Watch

Swarovski Mixed Metal Watch

Talk about an impactful piece - we're mesmerised by this classic with a sparkling twist.

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Watch

Serpenti Tubogas Watch

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Watch

An epic watch-slash-jewellery hybrid in the shape of a serpent. It could only be Bulgari.

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CHANEL H5700 J12

 H5700 J12

CHANEL H5700 J12

Watches don't come more classic than Chanel's enduring blanc timepiece. Wear in lieu of evening jewellery for a look that feels particularly contemporary.

Tiffany & Co 2-Hand 29 mm Watch

2-Hand 29 mm Watch

Tiffany & Co 2-Hand 29 mm Watch

This watch dazzles in its simplicity with its brilliant white face and cool silver surround. One for the minimalists among us.

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