Are you looking for gender-neutral watches? Check out these super cool options.
Unisex watches come in various shapes and styles. From modern, minimalist designs to classic icons with universal appeal - there's plenty to choose from.
The challenge, however, is in identifying and finding watches that rarely fit into the unisex category.
Are Watches Unisex?
Watches are watches. They all work the same but come in different styles and sizes.
The fact that we still distinguish between "men's" and "women's" watches, or even "unisex," speaks to our collective obsession with categorization. After all, a unisex Rolex Yacht-Master will function the same, whether worn by a female sailor or a male yachtsman.
One could argue whether we need to categorize men's and women's watches at all. On one hand, it simplifies the buying process. But if we all knew what size fits us best, we wouldn't even need to look for "unisex" watches.
We'd simply shop by size and choose the design we liked without thinking, "I'm buying a women's watch," or vice versa.
Today, watch manufacturers make significant efforts to bridge the gap between truly masculine and decidedly feminine products. Yet, rarely do they call these models "unisex watches."
If you're wondering, "Are watches unisex?" the short answer is yes. Watches are unisex; they just rarely label themselves as such.
Not all men are drawn to muscular, athletic-looking titans, and not all women are charmed by gold and diamonds. Enthusiast tastes are limitless, as are the styles available on the market.
What Are Unisex Watches?
The definition of what unisex watches are still varies widely. For me, they represent a golden mean. The space between ultra-masculine and gently feminine. Sizes between 41 mm and 33 mm. And if you think about it, that's quite a broad category.
It's challenging to answer the question "What are unisex watches?" because there's no single defining characteristic. Even without the label, women often wear men's watches, and vice versa.
Most people, when looking at a watch, won't know if it's for women or men. If a watch fits well and the wearer feels comfortable with the style, it remains a watch.
Generally, mechanical watches preferred by men are larger. Most women's watches are smaller and feature quartz movements. Women's watches with automatic movements are also not uncommon. Just like men's quartz watches.
The notion that gender should dictate what watches you wear is a very outdated view. Influencers and public figures help us shed this stigma.
Victoria Beckham prefers wearing men's Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/R in chocolate brown and rose gold. Lionel Messi also wears women's Patek Aquanaut Luce Rainbow watches.
Best Gucci Unisex Watches
Since 2020, Gucci has been striving to make its designs more inclusive. To do this, it launched a "genderless" shopping category called Gucci MX. The Italian fashion house aims to debunk and dismantle binary and biased gender perceptions.
By dissolving the boundaries of gender division, these goods mostly consist of bags, accessories, luggage, and shoes. But that doesn't mean the brand lacks a range of genderless watches.
In fact, many Gucci watches and jewelry pieces can be categorized as neither men's nor women's. Take, for example, the Gucci Grip watches.
Gucci Grip Watches
The Gucci Grip series features some of the best Gucci unisex watches. These watches look great on both men's and women's wrists, thanks to square dials and softened round edges. They are neither too bold and extreme nor too soft and feminine.
Gucci Grip Watches
The key design feature of the Gucci Grip is the rotating display. It shows hours and minutes on a retrograde-type wheel, as well as the date.
Men and women can choose between automatic or quartz Gucci Grip watches. The collection also includes stainless steel and gold-plated options. Additionally, you can choose between a metal or leather bracelet.
Best Casio Unisex Watches
When buying Casio watches, you can explore various styles and genres. You can choose between sporty models, tool watches, vintage models, retro digital watches, and virtually indestructible G-Shocks. But what about Casio unisex watches?
Casio Vintage Iconic Premium A1000MA-7EF
If you like retro-style digital Casio watches, then this unisex model is perfect for you.
You can choose from various finish options. For example, there are models with white and black mother-of-pearl elements - neither of which appears too feminine. Meanwhile, the A1000MA-7EF is a universal silver color that won't tire you of the classic look anytime soon.
Casio markets these Vintage Iconic watches for women's wrists. However, with a diameter of 39 mm, these watches also fit smaller men's wrists.
The watch case is made of stainless steel but is also available in shades of yellow or rose gold. As mentioned, these are small digital watches with many retro features.
The rectangular case with rounded corners is reminiscent of 1980s Casio watches and features scratch-resistant mineral glass to protect the dial.
Thanks to their unobtrusive size, all A1000 models can be considered unisex watches. They all come with a perpetual calendar, alarm, and stopwatch function.
This Casio A1000 unisex model has a 12- or 24-hour format and an ultra-retro stainless steel bracelet.
Best Rolex Unisex Watches
Rolex does not aim to create watches that are neutral for men and women. Enthusiasts simply make them what they want. Someone who loves Rolex watches will buy and wear them regardless of gender and wrist size.
Rolex watches are a great unisex option because they typically come in gender-neutral colors and reduced sizes. These smaller watches have all the same functions as their larger counterparts. Let's look at two of the best Rolex unisex watch options.
Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 Everose
The Rolex Yacht-Master Everose is a watch that both men and women can wear. Rolex's signature case material is used in vintage men's watches, regardless of its "pink" status.
The sporty matte black dial combined with the Everose case is a great combination. The Oysterflex strap provides 24-hour comfort and pairs perfectly with the black Cerachrom bezel. The 40 mm watch looks great on any gender and wrist size.
Rolex Day-Date 36 128238
The original Rolex Day-Date watches were 36 mm in size. In fact, the brand never released an official "women's" Day-Date model. But these watches are worn by many women, including celebrities like Victoria Beckham and the Kardashians.
A few decades ago, 36 mm Rolex watches were considered too large for a woman's wrist. This indicates that trends point to larger boyfriend watches - a style that has been infiltrating our lives for several years.
One of the latest additions to the lineup is the Rolex Day-Date 128238. It boasts a vibrant green ombre dial adorned with diamond hour markers and a luxurious 18-carat yellow gold case.
The dial starts with a rich green shade in the center and gradually transitions to a deep black masculine edge. Meanwhile, the use of diamonds and the compact 36 mm case make the watch comfortable for women's wrists as well.
People of all genders can enjoy the Rolex modification that added concentric gradient dials. Moreover, the watch still features the legendary fluted bezel - one of the most beloved features of the Day-Date model.
Best Cartier Unisex Watches
Cartier watches create a feeling of impeccable French refinement. Some are distinctly masculine, while others are undoubtedly luxurious and glamorous. These world-class models are also available in unisex form.
For example, the Cartier Tank Francaise is one of the best Cartier unisex watches on the market.
Cartier Tank Francaise
The Cartier Tank Francaise watches are unisex watches with a relatively affordable price tag. In the early 2000s, the watches were recognized as mature women's watches. These watches were worn by Princess Diana, Kate Moss, and more recently, Meghan Markle.
The new generation was introduced last year, but it has become larger and added matte end links to the bracelet. The case has become more ergonomic, with a recessed crown and a more streamlined profile. Middle dials now feature a satin finish, and Rolex applies, rather than prints, the numbers.
Now, with the strong influence of social media and nostalgia, there couldn't be a better time for the genderless Cartier Tank Francaise.
Conclusion
When it comes to watches, the unisex style is becoming diverse and unbranded.
If men's watches typically range from 36 to 45 mm and boast masculine colors and architecture, women's watches are smaller.
Some women's watches emphasize feminine aesthetics using diamonds, gemstones, and bright materials like mother-of-pearl.
Unisex watches occupy the middle ground.
The rise of unisex fashion has led to the gradual disappearance of gender division. Today, men can wear women's watches and vice versa without judgment.
In a sense, watch collecting would become more liberating if we discarded the "unisex" label altogether. But for now, there are plenty of unisex styles that make excellent everyday watches and reliable investments.
Do you own a unisex watch? Does the thought of wearing a watch labeled "women's" put you off? Or are watches just watches, regardless of material, style, or size? Share your thoughts with us on our Telegram channel!