Moms. They’re pretty amazing, right? What better gift is there to give the woman who seemingly has it all than a stunning luxury watch? One that will suit her lifestyle and transcend time and fashion. We’ve taken the guesswork out of picking the perfect watch for her wrist with this Mother’s Day buying guide, full of luxury watches that Mom actually wants to wear. Watches that will take her breath away no matter your budget.
Which watches do moms actually want to wear? You already know your personal watch style, but moms are a different story. We’ve sought the expert advice of the mothers here at the Bob’s Watches HQ to help you pick the perfect gift for the mother, sister, or wife in your life. This guide is full of certified pre-owned luxury watches that any mom would proudly show off on her wrist. Ones that we think will speak to her style at every budget level.
Click here for our Mother’s Day Luxury Watches gift guide.
$5k and Under
Tudor Black Bay 39MM ref. 79030
The Tudor Black Bay watch collection is a practical choice for Mom. It was developed for diving, which means it can stand a lot of wear and still keep ticking. For a traditional tool watch, the Tudor Black Bay is not overly complicated, either. It features a simple time-only dial, and a uni-directional time-lapse bezel. And the best part is that ref. 79030 features a 39mm case, which is ideal for smaller to average-sized wrists. The Black Bay is also a heritage model with many vintage-inspired design elements. It has a retro and timeless feel that will appeal to any stylish woman on the go.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 67193
The Oyster Perpetual belongs on mom’s wrist simply because it’s an absolute classic, and it boasts the exclusivity of the Rolex brand. Not to mention, you can invest in a gold Rolex for under $5k because this Oyster Perpetual pairs stainless steel with 18k yellow gold. The Lady Oyster Perpetual is mindful of the smaller size and weight of a woman’s wrist and looks flattering on just about everyone. It looks exceptional when worn alone or stacked with other bracelets and is easy to dress up or down. The Rolex 67193 is a great all-rounder that you won’t regret gifting this Mother’s Day.
Oris Aquis Date ref. 01 733 7770 4150-Set
The Oris Aquis Date is a Swiss-made mechanical watch with self-winding technology and water resistance up to 300 meters/1,000 feet – all for under $2k. It’s fashion-forward, environmentally conscious, and the most affordable watch in this buying guide. Perfect for any mother with an eye for high style. At 36.5mm in diameter, it’s also one of the smallest dive watches on the market. The unique multi-colored dial made from recycled plastic is just the icing on the cake.
Rolex Ladies Oyster Perpetual 67194
The list starts with a watch box staple, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It’s elegant in its simplicity, featuring a time-only dial, automatic winding, a waterproof case, and a stainless steel finish. It isn’t too flashy and is easy to wind and set, yet it still exudes class. It’s the perfect everyday watch that looks lovely with casual or business attire. The OP is also easy to dress up for occasions that call for a nicer wristwatch. When it comes to buying Mom a versatile, user-friendly Rolex that looks stylish everywhere she goes for under $5k, the Oyster Perpetual 67194 is hard to beat.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 231.10.30.20.06.001
Why does the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is the perfect Mother’s Day gift? It’s a go-anywhere, do-anything, watch with a bit of soul! Not to mention it also features an automatic movement neatly packaged in a flattering 30mm case. Equal parts sporty and classy, this Omega will undoubtedly delight anyone lucky enough to wear it, including Mom!
$10k and Under
Cartier Tank Francaise ref. WSTA0067
90s fashion is making a serious comeback, and no other watch on our list embodies that trend better than the Cartier Tank Francaise collection. The model came to market in 1996 and is distinguished by a square-shaped case, Cartier’s signature octagonal crown, and an elegant Roman numeral dial. Ref. WSTA0067 is a men’s model that will appeal to women who prefer a larger watch, measuring 36.7mm x 30.5mm. It also sports a reliable mechanical movement with self-winding technology and an automatically changing date mechanism.
Omega Diamond Constellation ref. 123.25.35.20.52.001
The Constellation is one of Omega’s most successful models, instantly recognized worldwide for its distinctive integrated bracelet, decorative “Griffe” bezel, and reliability. It’s also an excellent opportunity to invest in a red gold and diamond Omega for just over $5k. Ref. 123.25.35.20.52.001 is a 35mm unisex model with water resistance up to 100 meters, scratch-resistant sapphire, and automatic winding. It’s a user-friendly watch that is easy to set and go, and it looks stylish and flattering on most wrists. What more could a mom ask for in a luxury watch?
Rolex Lady-Datejust ref. 179174
We can picture this versatile White Rolesor Rolex Lady-Datejust tucked under a blazer for a day at the office or dressed down with a t-shirt and jeans. It looks refined and elegant. At the same time, it isn’t too flashy and is incredibly wearable – perfect for mom. Rolex ref. 179174 features a silky stainless steel bracelet and case and a gorgeous 18k white gold fluted bezel. The white dial complements the white metal finish beautifully, creating a stunning luxury watch that will practically live on mom’s wrist.
Rolex Lady Yacht-Master 169622
For under $10k, you can buy Mom a Rolex with a bit more bling. The Yacht-Master in Rolesium pairs a durable stainless steel case and bracelet with a lustrous 950 platinum bezel. It also brings a bit more to the table regarding functionality than the Oyster Perpetual because it features a date display on the dial and a rotating timing bezel. At 29mm in diameter, the ladies Rolex 16922 is larger and more contemporary than most women’s Rolex dress watches yet still very flattering and comfortable on the wrist.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 15200
The Date is the quintessential, all-occasion luxury watch, an absolute staple. At its core is a simple design that is easy to dress up or down. With a waterproof Oyster case, Mom can go about her day without damaging the movement inside. The Rolex Date also features convenient automatic winding technology, an easy-to-read date mechanism, and durable stainless steel. And the best part? You can buy the Rolex Date 15200 for just over $6k.
$15k and Under
Rolex Two-tone Explorer ref. 124273
Rolex released a dressed-up version of the no-nonsense Explorer in 2021, featuring Yellow Rolesor. It’s the perfect Rolex tool watch for Mom because it pairs a stylish two-tone finish with a moderate 36mm case. The Explorer 124273 is also famously a time-only watch decorated with easy-to-read luminous hour markers and hands. It was developed for scaling the world’s tallest mountains but is also at home on mom’s wrist.
Rolex Pepsi GMT Master II ref. 16710
For around $15k, you can upgrade your mother’s watch game to the Rolex 16710 Pepsi model. The GMT Master II outfitted with a red and blue Pepsi bezel, is the grail watch of many horology enthusiasts and is almost guaranteed to turn heads. The two-tone bezel was developed for dual timekeeping and features two colors to track AM and PM hours. The GMT Master II also famously features an independent GMT hand, allowing the watch to display up to three time zones. If your mom loves to travel, has vested interests overseas, or simply appreciates a timepiece with a great history, the Pepsi Rolex GMT might be the watch for her.
Rolex Lady-Datejust 279171
Two-tone watches will never go out of style, and the Rolex Lady-Datejust in Everose Rolesor is perfectly on-trend. Everose is Rolex’s patented term for their proprietary 18k rose gold alloy. It adds a certain amount of warmth and luster to this edition of the famous Datejust watch that most women will find hard to resist. The fluted bezel glitters in the light from nearly every angle, and the silky 5-piece link Jubilee bracelet drapes effortlessly around the wrist like fine jewelry. It features everything your mom needs in a watch, including high style, convenient automatic winding, a jump date mechanism, and a tough waterproof Oyster case. We’re confident she will love showing this Rolex off and wearing it every single day.
Rolex Explorer 124273
Consisting of a highly legible dial and a durable Oyster case, the Rolex Explorer is the brand’s original sports watch built for an active life outdoors. However, while the classic model was entirely constructed from stainless steel, the two-tone Explorer ref. 124273 features accenting components crafted from solid 18k yellow gold for a luxurious take on one of Rolex’s most traditional and utilitarian designs. Additionally, at 36mm in diameter, the Rolex Explorer 124273 wears comfortably on virtually every possible wrist size and with 100 meters of water resistance, it makes the perfect luxury watch for the active mom who is always on the go, yet still wants something a bit more classy and luxurious than a purpose-built stainless steel sports watch.
$20k and Under
Rolex Day-Date ref. 18238
Fashion trends come and go, but the gold Rolex Presidential Day-Date is always in style. Featuring a 36mm Oyster case, fluted bezel, and three-link President bracelet, the Day-Date ref. 18238 makes a bold statement on the wrist. Mom will also enjoy the convenience of a waterproof Oyster case, a Perpetual movement with automatic winding, and dual apertures displaying the day spelled out in full and the date.
Rolex Submariner Kermit ref. 16610LV
The 50th anniversary Rolex Submariner 16610LV is a cult favorite among die-hard collectors because it was the original green Submariner. Rolex released the beloved “Kermit” in the mid-2000s, outfitting it with a green bezel instead of the usual black. Ref. 16610LV was also the first Sub to sport the modern Maxi dial with slightly larger hour markers. It’s a colorful take on the classic Submariner dive watch that will add serious value to your mother’s jewelry box while keeping perfect time as she goes about her day.
Cartier Pasha de Cartier ref. WJPA0012
The women’s Cartier Pasha de Cartier fully embodies the distinctive and refined aesthetic the famous Cartier Maison is known for, with elegant, sword-shaped hands, a cabochon spinel, and a uniquely shaped case. Ref. WJPA0012 is a timeless rose gold and diamond example of the collection that features a bezel sparkling in brilliant-cut diamonds, an 18k rose gold case, a silver flinque dial, and a supple leather bracelet.
Rolex Lady President 179178
Does it get any more iconic than an all-gold Rolex watch? We think not! The gold watch any mom would want to wear is the feminine and timeless Rolex Presidential Datejust 179178. It features the flattering size and weight of a traditional Lady-Datejust watch but on the more luxurious President bracelet with semi-circular links. This Rolex will match most of the jewelry in your Mom’s jewelry box and looks exceptional for just about any occasion, whether she’s heading into work or getting dressed up for a night out on the town. With glittering diamonds and solid gold, it will also hold its value well long after you gift it to her this Mother’s Day.
Unlimited Budget
Tiffany Blue Rolex Oyster Perpetual 124300
The Rolex 124300 Tiffany blue watches are having a moment right now, with nearly every major brand in the luxury watch industry getting in on the trend. The watch on everyone’s wrist is the turquoise blue – aka “Tiffany Blue” – dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual. It’s no longer a dial color option for the 41mm model, meaning it now commands well over the original retail price to purchase one on the secondary market, but mom’s worth it! With an unlimited budget, it doesn’t get much better than the Tiffany dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41. Even better, this watch will likely hold its value long term and will become a cherished family heirloom mom can pass down to future generations.
Rolex Daytona white dial ref. 116500
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona looks cool on just about any wrist, whether it’s racing legend Paul Newman himself or your lovely mom. Ref. 116500 is gift-worthy because it is such an important edition of the Daytona. It was the first stainless steel model to sport the lustrous ceramic bezel and the last to feature the caliber 4130 movement. It was recently discontinued and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after watches on the secondary market. Make sure your mom is wearing the best pre-owned Rolex watch by investing in the Daytona 116500.
Rolex Day-Date ref. 228238
We saved the very best for last, the impeccable Rolex Day-Date 40 ref. 228238. With its refined case, glittering fluted bezel, and solid 18k yellow gold finish, the Day-Date 40 has immense wrist presence yet is still easy for women to wear and has all the benefits of a durable Rolex timepiece. The case is waterproof up to 100 meters and is outfitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The Day-Date 40 looks remarkable as a standalone statement piece or with matching jewelry.
Rolex Platinum Lady President 179136
What is the one watch you would choose for a mom with an unlimited budget? The platinum Rolex Presidential Datejust with an ice blue diamond dial, hands down. This Rolex is among the brand’s finest offerings, perfect for one of the most important women in your life. It uses the finest materials available, including 950 platinum and shimmering brilliant-cut diamonds hand-set by expert Rolex gemologists. While it’s certainly opulent, this stunner wears comfortably on the wrist at 26mm in diameter and with Rolex’s supple President bracelet. It pairs nicely with most jewelry and is the perfect gift for any sophisticated and stylish woman.
Rolex Root Beer GMT-Master II 126715
Our last pick requires a significant investment, but Mom is worth it! We’re talking about the Everose Rolex GMT-Master II, aka the “Root Beer.” Featuring lustrous rose gold, a two-tone ceramic bezel, and a black Maxi dial decorated with Chromalight, this Rolex is fashion-forward and modern. Mother’s Day aside, this watch is widely sought-after by collectors year-round:
“I WANT THIS WATCH! Ladies LOVE precious metals & two-tone should you prefer that variant. It’s big, it’s sporty, but it’s great for ladies as well as men. 10/10 would rock this ON THE DAILY!” – Watch Gringa
And there you have it, folks – a watch fit for just about any mother’s wrist!
