The top 10 luxury watches for women at CHRONEXT in 2017

Ladies' watches are often overlooked by watch collectors and critics, but the tide is turning. Wrist watches for women are finer than ever before, thanks to firms wising up to a new generation of canny female connoisseurs. Women are not only demanding better quality and attention, but are also increasingly inclined to embrace men's timepieces as a fashion choice.

The number of women wearing men's watches has been growing for some time, and we expect it to continue for women's watch trends in 2018. Cartier was one of the best female watch brands of 2017 - but most of the others are major Swiss bastions like Rolex, TAG Heuer and Omega, all better known for their watches aimed at men.

As ever, this list of the top rated women's watches of 2017 had to leave out some wonderful timepieces, including the likes of IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Piaget. Still, we think you will see why these exceptional watches made the top ten best-sellers.

Rolex knows how to treat its ladies. Where some brands make simple fashion statements, Rolex lavishes every ounce of its horological prowess on its women's watches, including its superb in-house movements. The Datejust has long been among the most popular and desirable, thanks to its peerless and iconic design, with its breathtaking range of variant editions.

Seen on the wrist of: Rihanna, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie and Kendell Jenner, Victoria Beckham

Hailing from the Art Deco golden age of the early 20th century, the Tank has been a symbol of sophisticated taste for a century. Timeless, elegant and effortlessly Parisian, the watch was conceived by Louis Cartier after encounters with actual tanks. Today it remains one of the most popular watches among women who know their horology.

Seen on the wrist of: Jennifer Garner, Angelina Jolie, Kirsten Bell, Jackie O, Michelle Obama

The Submariner revolutionised diving in the 1950s, being one of the first legendary tool watches of its kind. It soon became a huge fashion symbol too, seen on the wrists of all the early James Bonds. Today it is perhaps the most successful and popular watch in the world, beloved of men and women alike, and highly prized for its versatility.

Seen on the wrist of: Cindy Crawford, Sharon Stone, Drew Barrymore

Often mentioned in the same breath as the Submariner, above, the Seamaster has forged a legend in its own right. Equally responsible for innovations in diving technology, it has since evolved into a range of glorious new incarnations, including the delightful Aqua Terra. Both men's and women's versions are popular among ladies thanks to their superb synthesis of form and function.

Seen on the wrist of: Alessandra Ambrosio, Rachel Weisz, Bonnie Wright, Minka Kelly

The stunning watches made by the House of Cartier go far beyond the Tank. Its circular timepieces are equally classy, as seen in the magnificent Ronde series. These watches still bear all the hallmarks of exquisite French sophistication, from the Roman numerals to the blued sword hands and rail-track minutes ring. Don't forget the iconic sapphire cabochon on the crown.

Seen on the wrist of: Amber Heard

The Aquaracer came to fame in the 1980s thanks to a memorable, racy photoshoot featuring Bo Derek, and it has since gone on to capture the attention of glamorous women everywhere. The watch perfectly captures a fusion of both stylishness and sportiness, making it very appealing for women who want a timepiece that is as functional as it is fashionable.

Seen on the wrist of: Maria Sharapova, Bo Derek, Cameron Diaz

In a world oversaturated by French concepts of style, many trendsetters are turning to alternative visions. Ultra-elegant independent watchmakers, such as those operating in the German watchmaking town of Glashütte, have become increasingly trendy. Nomos, especially with its Orion models, is at the forefront of this movement, thanks to its stunning Bauhaus-inspired minimalist design concepts.

The Oyster Perpetual was one of the greatest watchmaking breakthroughs of the 20th century, fusing water resistance with automatic winding. In addition, its flawless, pared-down design makes for a timeless classic. Today it remains a very popular watch family, especially since Rolex continues to offer it in a range of sizes and materials to suit every taste.

Seen on the wrist of: Samantha Ronson, Demi Lovato, Sonam Kapoor

One of Switzerland's oldest and most prestigious watchmakers, Longines is highly prized by all those who admire watchmaking of the highest quality. First unveiled in 2005, the Master series is a particularly consummate example of its capabilities, designed to show off the best of the brand's traditions and heritage. The watches are breathtakingly elegant and well-constructed.

Seen on the wrist of: Kate Winslet

One of Rolex's newer collections (only 25 years old!), the Yacht-Master has quickly become a spectacular fashion symbol, evolving the look and feel of the famed Submariner. This extraordinary version, new in 2015, features a range of cutting-edge materials, from the proprietary Oysterflex elastomer strap to the lustrous cerachrom bezel and the sumptuous Everose gold case - an alloy unique to Rolex.

Seen on the wrist of: Ana Ivanovich, Ellen DeGeneres, Lorena Ochoa