I have no problem with designer watches at all, they serve a purpose and I do like some of their styles which at times you just cannot get from an actual watchmaker.
Some prioritize the look/style some prioritize the movements and some prioritize the resale value, you just got to get what you like.
And for women who really aren't even into watches, Michael Kors or any designer watches are fine, just do not pay retail as most of those go on very deep discounts. If a woman do not care about watches, I'd actually not even bother trying to convince or giving them a nice, expensive watch. I've seen it too much that they would not bother to wind a manual or automatic watch and end up not wearing them at all.