The first wristwatch was invented in 1868 by Patek Philippe. Watches have come a long way since then. Whether you are looking for multiple functions, elegance, fashion forward style, a collector's piece or something simply to tell time, you have countless options from which to choose. This year, inventive watch makers have improved old designs, incorporated extraordinary functions and created watches that are so striking you almost forget to read the time when you stare at its beauty. Here are some styles that are sure to be on the wrists of people around the world this season:

Rubies, topaz, sapphire, and peridot are just a few of the gemstones that are embellishing the latest timepieces. Women everywhere have coveted gemstone jewelry for years: it is only natural that gemstones are finally dripping from watches. Some are simply accent stones, while others become the main focus. David Yurman's new Color Cable watch has blue topaz accents on the bezel and cabs on the top of its signature silver cable bracelet. ESQ and Concord both have new watches on the market that have the lustrous brown hue of tiger's eye. A favorite of celebrities like singers Eve and Ashlee Simpson are the over the top gemstone watches from Meyers. Meyers watches have gemstones dangling and dripping off the face, giving it movement and tons of glamour. For a timepiece that is like a piece of jewelry, the Corum Potpourri watch has a four-strand bracelet with different shaped color gemstones like citrine and amethyst.

This year might be best known in the world of watches as the year of the tourbillon. Tourbillon is a complicated feature where constant rotation compensates for the effects of gravity when the watch is in a vertical position and thus improves the accuracy of the timepiece. Even though tourbillons were invented in 1795, more and more watch companies are incorporating them into their collections today. While men have previously been the gender purchasing and appreciating complications in their watches, it is women who are finally catching on and purchasing these high-end timepieces for themselves. Women will love the Zenith Starissime Tourbillon, a diamond set tourbillon with whimsical diamond numerals. The Chanel J12 Tourbillon with a bezel of pink sapphires is also targeted for the ladies. Roger Dubuis tourbillon watches are made for men but men aren't the only ones who can wear them. The company says that women have been known to wear them too.

Flowers are often a symbol of life and happiness. Some of the freshest watches this season are in the shape of flowers and bring out those same emotions. The Tissot Flower Power watch has an enamel flower that can bloom right before your eyes with a simple twist of the dial. It begins as an unadorned watch but as you twist the dial, the petals are unveiled. The new Malic Dior Romantic watch, designed by John Galliano, has a floral print embroidered removable cuff. Pippo's "My Panse" watch has brightly colored resin flower petals that surround the face making it playful and fun. Chanel's ultra feminine "Camellia" collection is as sweet as it comes with the diamond and pink sapphire petals that encircle the pink mother of pearl face. The Citizen Lobella Collection has a charm-like flower on top of its dainty oval face watch.

Pink is no longer an "it" color but rather a new staple. Last year rose gold began to rise in popularity and this season, rose gold watches are coming into their own. And pink is not just for the ladies. Ladies' watches with pink straps or pink faces, like the new Ritmo Mundo Divina watch and others from companies like Color Story, Chopard, and Coach are fabulous but it is the gentlemen's watches in rose gold where pink is making its biggest impression. Rose gold can have so many different looks, from soft and romantic to strong and distinguished. The slim and sculpted rectangular face of the Concord Delirium La Nuit is brought to life in shiny rose gold. Cartier's Pasha de Cartier has a 42mm pink gold case that epitomizes sophistication. Other companies like Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Corum, and Zenith also have rose gold watches to choose from. If it is the look you love but want it at a lower price, Timex has a rose gold inspired watch that is stainless steel wit the color of rose gold.

Some watch makers have turned to ceramic for a sleek, bold look that is durable. The high tech ceramic is an avant-garde, scratchproof material that is setting itself apart in the watch world. These smooth and shiny ceramic watches will no doubt draw attraction from on lookers and its durability will keep it scratch-free and looking new. The J12 watch from Chanel looks almost high tech in white ceramic, while the black version is simply out of this world. Eight Degrees ceramic watches are classic in design but the polished, silky appearance of the ceramic makes it pop on the wrist. Technomarine is no stranger to creating fashionable watches and they make no exceptions with the Technodiamond Chrono Ceramique. The ceramic bracelets come in colors like ocean blue, baby pink, black and brown.

Telling time has always been the reason to wear a wristwatch. However, today it is also about being fashionable. Some of the hottest new watches on the scene are so much about fashion that it is hard to even tell the time on them. In Van Cleef & Arpels' secret watch, the watch pulls out from under a rectangle of diamonds. When the watch is put away, the piece looks like a diamond bracelet. Chopard's Happy Spirit watch has concentric circles on the dial over the hands that enclose their famous mobile diamond. Voila's hypnotic Lost In Time watch is said to express a woman's most carefree desire by only showing the time when she wants to really see it.

No matter what watch you choose, make sure you purchase it through a reputable jeweler or authorized watch dealer. For more watch information and to find a jeweler in your area, visit our "Find A Reputable Jeweler" section.