Why Bangle Watches Are the Current Must-Have Accessory

Bangle watches are this year’s breakout trend. From precious metals to luxe finishes, here’s what’s making them a must-have in 2025.

This year, we’re seeing more brands reimagine their iconic watch designs in the form of bangles. What we really love about bangle watches is how easily they can be stacked with other pieces. The stacking game works any way you like—whether you prefer them all in the same colour or enjoy mixing and matching materials alongside your bracelets or chains.

Dress them up or down—from Cartier’s Baignoire to Chanel’s new Première Galon, these ultra-chic watches in precious metals are definitely ones to watch. With their small dials, these bracelet watches are part jewellery, part timepiece. They offer a modern twist on classic elegance, perfect for both minimalists and maximalists. As more maisons blur the line between accessories and horology, the bracelet watch is shaping up to be this season’s must-have statement.

Cartier Baignoire

Cartier’s tub-shaped 20th-century design is everywhere. The oval case shape is instantly recognisable as the Cartier Baignoire, complete with Roman numerals, blue hands, and a blue crown—all signature Cartier details. Its strength lies in its hybrid appeal: the Baignoire is a design that sits comfortably at the intersection of style, jewellery, and watchmaking, and therefore signifies different things to different collectors. We’ve seen the Baignoire on some of the biggest celebrities, like Kendall Jenner, Tyler the Creator, and even on Emma Chamberlain’s neck.

But the Baignoire Bangle is clearly on the rise. This year, at Watches & Wonders 2025, Cartier released a fresh take on the beloved classic. Rather than the traditional diamond-set bezel, they’ve introduced a playful polka-dot pattern, using diamond—spotted once on Anna Sawai at the MET Gala 2025. Whether this piece will become part of the core collection or remain a one-off is yet to be seen, but we’re already loving it.

Chanel Première Galon

First launched in 1987, this was Chanel’s debut watch, and it made quite the entrance. Breaking away from traditional masculine codes, it paired the octagonal silhouette of the N°5 perfume stopper with the leather-woven chain of the classic quilted bag. Fast forward to today, and the watch gets a fresh twist—literally. The new Première Galon takes its cue from one of the House’s most recognisable couture details: the braid. A key element in Gabrielle Chanel’s tailoring, the braid added structure and style to her suits, often contrasting or matching to make a bold statement. Now, that same spirit wraps the wrist in the form of a twisted braid bangle in 18-carat yellow gold, framing a sleek black lacquer dial stripped of any indicators. And for those who love a little extra sparkle, there are diamond-set versions too.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Perlée Toi & Moi secret watch

The Perlée Couleurs collection is where real magic happens. Defined by its charming golden beading and pops of vibrant stones, the line has just had a delightful refresh. Joining the family are two Toi & Moi Secret watches, a nod to the romantic ‘you and me’ setting. These beauties wrap around the wrist with an open bangle design, each end embellished with mismatched gems that meet in perfect harmony. And the point of a secret watch? Cleverly hidden behind the larger stone, encased in mother-of-pearl, golden beading, and a dusting of diamonds. Take your pick from blue quartz with chrysoprase or rose quartz with green jasper; Van Cleef & Arpels never cease to bring joy to their pieces.

Bvlgari Serpenti Aeterna

In 2025, the Bvlgari Serpenti story continues with Lady Solotempo—a new generation of an in-house automatic calibre, breathing new life into the Seduttori and Tubogas lines while celebrating the return of mechanical watchmaking for women. But Bvlgari doesn’t stop there. The Serpenti Aeterna reveals a new chapter that channels the very essence of a snake. Designed to wrap around the wrist in one fluid, sensual motion, Aeterna is unveiled in rose gold with diamonds, and in a breathtaking high-jewellery version in full pavé-set white gold. Its snow-set dial sparkles with precious stones that slink along the spine to the tip of the tail, while oversized gems on the white gold model add a dramatic, three-dimensional flourish. It’s Serpenti as you’ve never seen it before.