Women’s Watches Under $40: Two Picks and How to Choose

You do not need to spend a lot to get a watch that fits a smaller wrist and looks right every day. Under $40, the choice mostly comes down to size, strap and style. Here are the two women’s watches in our catalogue at this price, and what to check before you pick any watch.

Lige 9812: the leather-strap everyday pick

The Lige 9812 women’s watch ($29.99) has a 34.5mm case that is only 10.5mm thick, so it sits flat and light on the wrist. The strap is leather and 16mm wide, and it comes in black, purple, red, white and white pink. It suits people who like a classic, simple look that works with jeans or a work outfit. As with any leather strap, keep it away from water and wipe it after wearing.

Wwoor 8825: the slim steel-band pick

The Wwoor 8825 women’s watch ($29.74) is smaller and slimmer, with a 26mm dial, a 9mm case and a 12mm stainless steel band. It has a quartz movement and comes in gold, pink, rose and white finishes. It looks like a piece of jewellery more than a sport watch, and it is a good match if you wear other bracelets. A steel band is easy to wipe clean and does not mind sweat.

How to choose the right size

Dial size is the first thing to check. A dial around 26mm reads as delicate, one around 34mm reads as classic and more visible. Measure your wrist with a strip of paper or a soft tape and compare it with the strap length in the listing, since a band that is too long or too short cannot be fixed easily. Thickness matters too: under about 10mm looks elegant and slips under a cuff.

Leather or steel?

Leather is softer and more casual, and it is the comfortable choice for all-day wear, but it needs more care. Steel lasts longer and cleans easily, though the links can be fiddly to adjust. Our watch strap guide compares the options in more detail, and our care guide explains how to keep either one looking good. If you are new to watches, the quartz vs automatic article explains why quartz is a sensible, low-maintenance choice at this price.

What to expect at $30

At this price, the value is in the design and the fit, not in advanced features. Treat both watches as splash-proof unless the listing states otherwise, and expect to replace the battery after a year or two. If you want a watch you can wear every day without worrying about it, a simple quartz model like these is a reasonable place to start.