Delicate women’s watches replace chunky styles in fashion

Women’s watches are shrinking in size as fashion shifts away from chunky, masculine styles. 

Collectors and shoppers are turning to cocktail watches, slim straps, and bracelet-like designs that double as jewelry. 

Online vintage marketplace Gem and eBay report surging interest, with searches for cocktail watches up 170% year-over-year in June 2025.

Cartier’s curvy Baignoire, first introduced in 1912, has skyrocketed on resale sites—from $1,300 just five years ago to about $10,000 today.

Experts say the trend revives a century-old tradition when delicate timepieces complemented evening wear. 

The pandemic also fueled the change, as women sought subtle glamour for Zoom calls. The look feels powerful yet refined—proof that small is making a stylish comeback.