Every collegiette™ wants to keep it classy, but practicality matters, too. We’ve found a way to combine both with our list of the top 20 watches, each of which will get you places — in style and on time. Read on to find a watch that meets your needs and suits your tastes, no matter your budget.
$30 and under
Simple Sapphire
Keep it simple with this baby blue Xhilaration watch. Its silver rim and white center give off an air of sophistication, but its bright strap is full of fun.
Turquoise Jel Trans Analog Watch, Xhilaration, $12.99 at Target
Polygon Pink
Give your wrist a break with a watch that’s super light — both on the wrist and on the eyes. It tells you the time without any extra clutter from bulky buttons and doubles as a mod bubble-gum pink accessory.
VanDam Pink Silicone Digital Stretch Watch, RumbaTime, $16 at Kohl’s
Charming and Chunky
Be bold with an oversized watch in your favorite color — this one comes in green, orange, red and cobalt. Match it to complement your outfit or your pretty eyes; mix it for a pop of color.
‘Soft Touch’ Watch, Titanium, $18 at Nordstrom
Two Tone Intertwine
Be chic without going broke with this gold- and silver-toned watch, dressed up in disguise as a bangle bracelet. The mother-of-pearl and crystal accents will shimmer and shine on any night out.
Women’s Two Tone Open Work Bangle Bracelet, Style & Co., $29.98 at Macy’s
Themed Throwback
Ever get nostalgic about your childhood trips to Disneyland? Keep your childhood alive while looking all grown up with this sparkly, black-banded Mickey Mouse watch.
Black Enamel Crystal Accent Mickey Watch, Disney®, $30 at JC Penney
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$50 and under
Square & Sleek
Take on an air of mystery with this lustrous, numberless Liz Claiborne watch. Its black patent leather strap and geometric design create an enigmatic elegance.
Iconic Square Watch, Liz Claiborne, $33.75 at JC Penney
Color Me Eco
Being eco-friendly just got a little more stylish with this colorful watch, which is made from biodegradable materials. SPROUT™ has redefined “going green” — this piece is available in four different color combinations.
2-Color Strap Watch, SPROUT™ Watches, $35 at Nordstrom
Roman Numeral Rose
Pale and pretty, this skinny-banded watch is perfect for both daytime play and nighttime adventures. Consider it an accessory that will always get noticed — without screaming for attention.
Round Skinny Bangle Watch, Anne Klein, $38.90 at Nordstrom
Double Dare
While this double-wrap leather strap exudes sophistication, the star of the show is right in the middle — a stylish silver centerpiece that shines in any light.
Round Double-Strap Watch, $39.90 at The Limited
Sport and Spunk
Add some fun to your workout with this sports watch from Adidas. It’s stacked with useful gadgets: alarm, chronograph, countdown timer, ten-lap memory and of course, a bright blue exterior.
Candy Blue Polyurethane Strap, Adidas, $50 at Macy’s
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$75 and under
Braid-Banded Beauty
Be careful not to confuse this timepiece with your new favorite bracelet. This watch features a chic black-and-silver band, as well as an almost numberless center. And you thought braids were just for school girls.
Women’s Black & Silver Braid Band Watch, Relic®, $52 at JC Penney
A Time to Love
One part gold chain, seven parts charm and three parts edgy black accents. Mix it all together and you get a heart charm bracelet that’s fully functioning but still looks oh-so-sweet.
Women’s Heart Charm Watch, Armitron®, $60 at JC Penney
Futuristic Fun
Cool and cubic, this watch gives an ultramodern air with its vivid color scheme and geometric design. Pair it with casual clothes or wear it to work out; it’s easy to match and easy to read!
The ‘Time Teller’ Watch, Nixon, $60 at Nordstrom
Rainbow Round
Don’t feel like choosing a color to accent your outfit? Have them all when you sport this funky Betsey Johnson piece, equipped with a comfy strap, a cute, pink dial and all the colors of the rainbow.
Lots ‘n’ Lots of Time Multi Color Dial Watch, Betsey Johnson, $65 at Nordstrom
Temporal Attraction
Whoever said opposites attract must have been in the fashion industry. This watch features multiple contrasts: a brown strap lined with silver threading along with a large centerpiece and a skinny strap — both combinations guaranteed to turn heads.
Bridgette Leather Watch, $75 at Fossil
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$100 and under
Time Butterflies
Go graphic with Ed Hardy’s Flora watch. Its colorful twist on the classic leather strap and its butterfly design are pretty and edgy at the same time.
Flora Women’s Purple Watch, Ed Hardy®, $80 at JC Penney
White Wonder
Keep a little bit of nature with you at all times with this clean, white watch, adorned with a gorgeous rose design and round silver case.
Women’s Rose Dial White Leather Strap, GUESS, $85 at Macy’s
Preppy in Pink
Lacoste made your favorite polo, and now it’s made your favorite watch, too. This one matches its centerpiece stripes with its multi-colored straps, giving your wrist a coordinated kick.
‘Goa’ Stripe Silicone Strap Watch, Lacoste, $95 at Nordstrom
The Classic
You can never go wrong with a stainless steel watch, but Fossil has taken it one step further by combining contemporary features with a classic color. Wear this on date night; it’s timeless and romantic.
Georgia Stainless Steel, $95 at Fossil
A Show of Hands
Every watch comes with hands, but not quite like these. American Apparel’s watch is super trendy, but its dichotomous color scheme is easy to pair with any outfit. Can I get a round of applause?
Vintage Hands Swatch Artist III, $100 at American Apparel