Excellanc black ladies' watch with mesh strap, 41 mm

At 41 mm across and 8 mm thick, this is a watch that makes its presence known on the wrist. The round case is a good deal larger than the classic ladies' format, so it suits you if you like a watch that is easy to spot and easy to read. The case is black metal, and it sits flush with a black stainless steel mesh strap that is 20 mm wide.

The dial has a zebra-stripe pattern, which gives the face some texture without making it hard to read. Slim baton markers indicate the hours and the display is analogue. A mineral glass covers the dial. The overall effect is restrained: all black, with the pattern as the only decoration.

The mesh strap is fine and flexible, so it follows the wrist rather than sitting stiffly on it. It closes with a magnetic clasp that snaps into place in a single movement, which is handy if you put your watch on one-handed. The watch measures 26 cm from end to end when laid out flat. If you like the look of a woven bracelet, you can compare it with the other women's mesh strap watches in the shop.

Inside is a quartz movement. It is a simple, accurate mechanism, and when the battery eventually runs out, a watchmaker can replace it in a few minutes. Black goes with almost anything, so this women's watch works from daytime to evening without a change of strap, and it makes a sensible gift for someone who prefers a larger dial.