Ladies' fashion watches

Start with the dial

The dial decides how much room a watch takes on the wrist. Shape comes first, then colour, numerals and any decorative detail. Round, square and oval faces each draw a different outline under a sleeve, so it is worth settling that question before anything else.

Round dials for a balanced look

A round face reads at a glance and sits easily under a cuff. It works with quiet straps and with busier prints alike, which makes it the safest starting point when you are undecided.

Square and rectangular dials

Angular faces line up with the edges of the strap and look more graphic. On a vintage-styled model the shape carries the design, so the strap can stay plain.

Oval and shaped dials

An oval or shaped case lengthens the wrist a little and feels dressier. Silver-toned versions with a black face, or with rhinestone detailing, belong to this group.

Dials with chronograph-style sub-dials

A few silicone models carry printed sub-dials and markers for a sportier face. Whether they work as a chronograph or simply dress the face is a question for the individual description.

Then choose the strap

Once the face is settled, the band decides how the watch feels all day. A soft, wipe-clean strap behaves nothing like woven cloth, so start with the lighter everyday bands if comfort comes first.

For a smooth surface closed by a buckle, the faux leather styles come plain or printed, including one with a teddy bear family across the strap.

Woven bands put the pattern on show. Floral, paisley and multicoloured prints run right across fabric strap watches, an easy match for a plain top.

And if buckles are a nuisance, look at the designs that pass straight over the hand: no adjustment, no spare holes to find.

Women's watches for a small wrist

Strap length is rarely printed, so the fit is easiest to judge from the fastening itself. An elastic band stretches to the wrist and needs no setting, while a buckled strap depends on where the holes fall. Where a page gives the case diameter, a smaller round or oval face keeps the proportions right on a slim wrist.

Everyday care, and when to see a repairer

With no water-resistance note, treat the watch as one to take off before a shower or a swim. A soft dry cloth suits the case and the glass. For a battery, a seal or opening the case, ask a watch repairer rather than forcing anything.