Kate Spade watches: quick answer
Kate Spade New York watches are fashion watches. Expect small 34 mm cases (the Gramercy bracelet is 38 mm), Japanese quartz movements and playful details such as the pink spade logo or large dot hour markers. Buy one for style and everyday wear, not for swimming or hard sport.
Who it suits and who should skip it
A good fit if you want a watch that looks like a piece of jewelry, works with both work outfits and weekend wear, and sits comfortably on a smaller wrist.
Skip it if you need real water resistance (the listed ratings are only 10 to 30 meters, which means rain and splashes), a mechanical movement, or a very rugged watch.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Recognizable, cheerful design that stands out from plain fashion watches
- Light 34 mm cases that suit small and medium wrists
- Japanese quartz movement: accurate, no winding, low maintenance
- Mineral crystal dial window protects the dial from everyday scratches
- Wide choice: leather straps, gold-tone bracelets and a hybrid smartwatch (Grand Metro)
Cons
- Fashion-brand pricing, so you pay partly for the name and design
- Water resistance of 10 to 30 m, so no swimming or showering
- Gold-tone plating and leather straps wear faster with daily use
- Quartz, not mechanical, so these are not collector watches
Popular lines at a glance
- Metro (34 mm, leather band, dot markers): the everyday pick; the Black Dot model is rated to 10 m
- Holland (34 mm, three-hand quartz, mineral crystal): slim and dressy, rated to 30 m
- Gramercy (38 mm stainless steel bracelet, sunray dial with subdials): the most polished look
- Grand Metro Hybrid (KST23102): a classic-looking watch with smartwatch features
However, model lineups change often, so check the current listings below for what is in stock and at what price.
About the brand
Kate Spade New York started in 1993 as a handbag brand. Today, its watches are designed and distributed by Fossil Group under a licensing agreement announced in 2015, with the first Fossil collection arriving in 2016. In addition, the brand itself is owned by Tapestry (the company formerly known as Coach), which bought it in 2017.
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FAQ
Are Kate Spade watches good quality?
They are well-made fashion watches with reliable Japanese quartz movements. Therefore, they are not luxury or mechanical watches, so judge them on design and value rather than craftsmanship.
Can I swim or shower with one?
No, because the ratings of 10 to 30 meters only cover splashes and rain. Therefore, take it off for showers, pools and the sea.
Which one should I buy first?
Start with a Metro or Holland on a leather strap for everyday wear. However, choose a Gramercy bracelet if you want a dressier, more polished look.
Who makes Kate Spade watches?
Fossil Group produces them under license for Kate Spade New York.
Our recommendation
If you want a stylish, light women’s watch for work and weekends, a Kate Spade Metro or Holland is an easy choice. If water resistance or durability matters most, look at a sport quartz watch instead. Compare current models and prices below.
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See also: Best dress watches for men
