Women’s Watches with Numbers: Top 5 for Readability

Hour markers in the form of lines, diamonds and Roman numerals are stylish, but they don’t improve readability. Take a look at some of these women’s watches with numbers!

Before I discuss my favorite women’s watches with numbers, you should know that Arabic numerals on watch dials are surprisingly rare.

Don’t get me wrong; I know a lot of watches use numbers. However, the numbers are only placed on the four major positions – 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock marks. That’s totally different than having all the 12 numbers on the dial.

To be honest, I understand why today’s watch manufacturers don’t usually place numbers as hour markers.

For starters, Arabic numerals are less appealing than diamonds and classy Roman numerals. Second, they occupy a lot of space. Lastly, it will take longer for watchmakers to form numbers – especially out of precious metals like gold.

Creating gold-plated lines is definitely much easier than forming the shape of curvy numbers like 2, 3, 5, and 8.

Moving on, here’s the comparison table containing my chosen women’s watches with numbers.

Based on the comparison table, what are the factors you should think about when looking for a watch with numbers?

If you’re going to search for more options, let me help you with this buying guide:

The Numbers

I recommend four designs that will look perfect on a dial full of Arabic numerals:

• White background + black numbers
• White background + white metallic numbers
• Black background + white numbers
• Silver background + gold numbers

With a white background (preferably mother-of-pearl for more depth) plus black numbers, you could instantly tell the time as soon as you lay your eyes on the dial. After all, this is the ultimate standard for easier readability, proven by countless books that use white paper and black texts.

Unfortunately, this design is too basic. It’s not very fashionable on the dial.

If you want a more elegant design, choose a watch that has a white mother-of-pearl dial with white metallic numbers. The metallic surface of the Arabic numerals improves readability since it provides a contrast with the plain light-colored background.

This combination is actually ideal for dress watches. The numbers won’t take away your attention from gorgeous features such as the diamond bezel, centerpiece, and classy watch band.

If a casual watch is enough for you, choose a black background with white numbers. Like the first design, you can easily tell time with this combination. The only difference between the two designs? The latter is more fashionable.

When it comes to luxury and oozing elegance, the last design is hard to beat. The silver background provides a high-end appeal. More importantly, it looks perfect with gold-plated numbers.

The design still looks basic, but the textures boost the beauty of the watch. This leads to a sophisticated appearance.

The Movement

Of course, let’s not forget about the watch’s movement. After all, it is the reason why an accessory can be functional for telling time.

Should you settle for a quartz watch or a timepiece with an automatic movement? Allow me to make it easier for you again with another comparison table:

To sum it all up, quartz movement is more practical to own. It can stay accurate without maintenance. You just have to replace the battery from time to time.

Quartz watches are also slimmer and more lightweight. They’re great for making a fashion statement without shelling thousands of dollars.

Some quartz timepieces can be expensive, yes, but that’s only because of luxurious materials like diamonds, gold, and genuine leather.

Despite all these awesome advantages when you wear a quartz watch, automatic movement can still win the entire game of watchmaking.

Automatic watches are sought-after by most people even though their price can be mind-blowing. They have this high-class system that’s meticulously made by hand for hundreds of hours. Buying one would be like buying a piece of art.

The Materials

Ever wondered why stainless steel, diamonds, leather, and gold are commonly used in watchmaking? The answer is simple - these materials make quality watches!

Stainless steel is probably the most common one since it is used for a wide variety of cheap and expensive watches. That’s a no-brainer; this metal is very tough for heavy use.

The best feature of stainless steel, however, is its high level of water resistance. A stainless-steel timepiece won’t corrode easily even when it’s often exposed to water.

Meanwhile, there are different types of stainless steel incorporated into watches. I’m going to compare them, so you’ll know exactly what you want:

What’s with chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, anyway? Why do they affect the quality of stainless steel? Here’s a list of advantages for each material:

• Chromium – corrosion-resistant
• Nickel – corrosion-resistant, hard, attractive, smooth
• Molybdenum – corrosion-resistant (especially against chloride)

Let’s focus on other watch materials I’ve mentioned earlier. First, diamonds provide added texture and shine to make the timepiece more beautiful and interesting to look at.

If you prefer a less sparkly watch, choose a timepiece that has tiny neatly-arranged diamonds around a slim bezel.

When it comes to the leather band, crocodile and satin are good options. Crocodile leather is smooth and flexible. On the other hand, satin leather has a subtle texture for a more sophisticated look.

Out of all the precious metals, gold is everybody’s favorite. It can be yellow, pink or white, depending on the type of alloy. More importantly, it is very valuable. An expensive gold watch is a good investment.

Yellow gold is definitely the most luxurious one. However, if you want a subtler look, then go for a white gold watch. Rose gold, on the other hand, is very feminine.

Finally, it’s time to discuss each watch model!

Get ready to learn the pros and cons of the five watches I’ve introduced earlier:

Philip Stein 1SD-NFMOP-OCHP

One of the most unique watches I’ve ever seen, Philip Stein 1SD-NFMOP-OCHP looks rectangular but actually has an oval-shaped case to hold two dials.

The purpose of having two dials is to give you an opportunity to monitor two time zones. Of course, the bigger dial will be for your real-time monitoring.

Meanwhile, the leather band is embossed with an ostrich skin pattern for a more luxurious appeal. The texture matches well with the champagne color of the strap.

Despite the fragile look of this watch, its water resistance level of 30 meters is enough to keep it tough against rain or small splashes of water. Just never take a bath or swim with this timepiece.

One thing I like most about this watch, however, is how similar the case and band are when it comes to the width. The result is a dress watch that’s perfect for women with smaller wrists.

Unfortunately, because of the bulky look of ostrich-embossed leather, the watch band seems a little rugged for a sophisticated dial. The metallic shine of the case looks mismatched with the heavy texture of ostrich skin.

Before we proceed to the next model, check out the specs of Philip Stein 1SD-NFMOP-OCHP first:

• Dial: Mother-of-pearl with dual time zones
• Dial window: Mineral crystal
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Case: Stainless steel
• Lugs: Accented with 24 full-cut .18-carat diamonds
• Band: Interchangeable ostrich-embossed leather
• Closure: Tang buckle
• Movement: Japanese quartz
• Water resistance level: 30 meters (99 feet)

Victorinox Swiss Army 24831

A stainless-steel beauty, Victorinox Swiss Army 24831 is a sight to behold. Everything on this watch is light-colored with a bit of shine and sparkle. It looks fabulous without going overboard on diamonds.

Now, focus your eyes on the dial. See how elegant the dial is when the white mother-of-pearl background is paired with white numbers? Even the hands are white! Surrounded by diamonds, the watch’s face looks divine.

Regarding the stainless-steel bracelet, it still looks unique despite millions of watches using this type of band.

When you look closely, you’ll see that the links are arranged in an interesting way. Good thing that the small center links are placed vertically to prevent that annoying bulky look some women’s watches have.

Another detail you have to notice is the 24-hour markers. Beside each number, there’s a smaller black one to represent the time in the 24-hour format. Subtle but useful, right?

Even though this timepiece looks delicate, you may actually wear it while swimming. With its 100-meter water resistance, the only thing you shouldn’t do is dive with it.

If you’d ask me, I prefer simple, practical watches like this model. However, some women will surely look for something more stylish and colorful.

Meanwhile, find out the specs of Victorinox Swiss Army 24831 below:

• Dial: Mother-of-pearl with a 24-hour display and a date window at the 3 o’clock position
• Dial window: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
• Bezel: Accented with diamonds
• Case: Stainless steel
• Lugs: Stainless steel
• Band: Stainless steel bracelet
• Closure: Deployment clasp with push button
• Movement: Swiss quartz
• Water resistance level: 100 meters (330 feet)

Gevril 7246NL

With its irresistible blend of queenly elegance and ruggedness, Gevril 7246NL is a must-have casual watch.

The dial and bezel are stunning, yes, but the dark crocodile leather strap is something you’ll see on men’s watches. Whether you like it or not, I believe the watch has the best of both worlds.

Additionally, I always have a thing for diamond-accented rectangular cases. I think it’s because they serve as a gorgeous frame for artistic watch dials. More importantly, the gemstones used are Top Wesselton diamonds. This type is one of the best because it represents fine white diamonds.

Speaking of artistic dials, I like the creative appeal of the numbers. The Arabic numerals are specially designed to match the rectangular case in a stylish way.

Let’s not forget about the green centerpiece as well. It highlights the interesting shape of the hands.

Even though the dark crocodile leather band is a great contrasting element to such a glamorous timepiece, I think a softer material would make the overall design even more beautiful.

Now, let’s get into the specifics of Gevril 7246NL:

• Dial: Silver guilloche background with a green mother-of-pearl centerpiece and a date window at the 6 o’clock position
• Dial window: Curved scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
• Bezel: Accented with Top Wesselton diamonds
• Case: Stainless steel
• Lugs: Accented with Top Wesselton diamonds
• Band: Crocodile leather strap accented by tonal stitching
• Closure: Tang buckle
• Movement: Swiss quartz with a 10-year battery
• Water resistance level: 50 meters (165 feet)

Zenith 16-1230-4021-21-C545

Another timepiece combining feminine and masculine beauty, Zenith 16-1230-4021-21-C545 has a heart-shaped exhibition on the dial and a plain black leather strap.

The heart-shaped transparent area on the dial brings out the intricate beauty of automatic movement that can’t be surpassed by quartz technology. You’ll be able to see the tiny gears and components that give this accessory a practical purpose.

I should also highlight the plainness of the leather strap that’s perfect with the complexity of the dial’s design. If there would be additional details on the strap, I think the entire design would come across as unnecessarily complicated which could be off-putting.

Can you guess the disadvantage of this watch? That’s right – the dial has too many details. It kind of ruins the essence of Arabic numerals which is better readability.

Overall, though, this timepiece is a masterpiece! The following specs will only prove how great Zenith 16-1230-4021-21-C545 is:

• Dial: Black background with a heart-shaped exhibition covering 9, 10, and 11 o’clock positions
• Dial window: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Bezel: Accented with diamonds
• Case: Stainless steel
• Lugs: Stainless steel
• Band: Black leather strap with a satin layer
• Closure: Tang buckle
• Movement: Swiss mechanical automatic self-winding
• Water resistance level: 30 meters (99 feet)

Vacheron Constantin 47560/D10R-9672

Finally, here’s a gold watch you’ll surely love! Despite its simplicity and wide solid bracelet, Vacheron Constantin 47560/D10R-9672 is fashion-forward because of its unique details.

Seriously, this watch only highlights two materials – 18-karat rose gold and diamonds – but the intricate details are just stunning. I also love how tiny the diamonds are because they subtly focus your attention on the simple dial.

Now, I’m going to discuss the dial. First, it looks plain. Second, the numbers aren’t stylish at all. BUT, let me tell you this – I love everything about it! The shiny silver background and rose gold-plated numbers are enough to make the watch’s face beautiful.

Besides, the dial should be simple in the first place. Look at how complicated the details are around the bracelet. Trust me; each element works on this watch.

Learn more about Vacheron Constantin 47560/D10R-9672 below:

• Dial: Silver background with luminescent rose gold hands and Arabic numerals plus a date window at the 3 o’clock position
• Dial window: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
• Bezel: Accented with 88 0.39-carat diamonds
• Case: Brushed and polished 18-karat rose gold
• Lugs: 18-karat rose gold
• Band: 18-karat rose gold bracelet
• Closure: Deployment clasp with push button
• Movement: Vacheron Constantin Caliber 1226 Swiss automatic with a 40-hour power reserve and anti-magnetic protection
• Water resistance level: 50 meters (165 feet)

To give you more essential information, I’ll present some useful customer/user impressions.

Luckily, I’ve come across some interesting user comments to help you with your buyer’s decision. Here are some non-verbatim highlights:

Philip Stein 1SD-NFMOP-OCHP

• The dual time zone feature is very useful for travelers, career women with overseas clients, and ladies who are in a long-distance relationship.
• The design indeed looks fabulous.
• This watch will look good with your work attire and, surprisingly, sportswear.

Victorinox Swiss Army 24831

• This timepiece is ideal as a birthday or wedding anniversary gift for female loved ones.
• This watch is a good investment because of its high quality.
• Aside from being elegant, this model is also comfortable to wear mostly because it is lightweight.
• The date window is too small.
• This watch is more stunning in person.
• The bracelet is delightfully smooth.
• The overall design is versatile enough for daytime and evening wear.
• This is a classy watch with a little bit of bling, which is just perfect.
• The dial is not too big.
• This watch can withstand heavy use – even for several years.

Gevril 7246NL

• The accuracy of this watch is very reliable.
• In natural light, this timepiece sparkles beautifully.
• Under direct sunlight, this watch glitters in a colorful way which is mesmerizing.
• The green centerpiece looks great with any outfit.

Conclusion

If you prioritize readability, definitely buy a watch with Arabic numerals. As long as the color combination is pleasant, and the shape of each number is clear, you’ll find it easier to tell time. Remember this as you visit the Amazon links I’ve posted.

References

https://www.christopherward.co.uk/blog/quartz-vs-automatic/

http://blog.karlexwatches.com/stainless-steel-watches/

http://saskarc.com/understanding-strengths-weaknesses-metal-alloys-fabrication/

http://www.directex.net/blog/buyers-guide-to-metal-hardware-materials-finishes-and-processing/

https://www.baunat.com/en/faq/terms-top-wesselton-river-etc