Ladies' watches: diamonds or no diamonds?

[rossi46]

Originally Posted by Easy Rhino

However, being married more than 35 years to a non girly-girl, in the foofie sense of the word, and rather an athletic, adventuresome type, having sailed to Hawaii in a 49' schooner, earned a black belt in karate, and hiked half of the Appalachian Trail with me. Nonetheless, she likes me to see her as feminine, and while she neither shops heavily, nor wears tons of jewels, she likes tasteful gifts that are high-quality and very feminine. Her rather large diamond ring is a counterpoint to her athleticism. Go figure.

Congrats on 35 years of marriage to what sounds like an amazing wife! Your description (the part I put in bold) is spot on to my gf as well. With that said - are you recommending diamonds or plain dial?

May I ask what kind of watch your wife wears?

The moral is: while it is cool to give a surprise gift, sometimes it makes sense to get some input before the purchase.

Great advice, thank you Mark. We have spent hours in watch stores here in NYC (Wempe, Tourneau, Kenjo, William Barthman, etc) and at brand boutiques (IWC, Omega, Rolex, Cartier, etc). So much time, actually, that she's "burned out" hah. Her top two are the IWC I posted previously and this Tudor. She didn't have a preference one way or the other for the diamond hour makers on the Tudor.

[Easy Rhino]

Originally Posted by rossi46

Congrats on 35 years of marriage to what sounds like an amazing wife! Your description (the part I put in bold) is spot on to my gf as well. With that said - are you recommending diamonds or plain dial?

May I ask what kind of watch your wife wears?

Thanks, Dan;

She has put up with me for all these 35 years - there is probably no greater evidence of her being an amazing lady!

Allow me a rejoinder to your question: Since you are here and doing the deep dive, you have a greater chance than average of nailing the selection, so good on you.

My wife has skin sensitivity to nickel, and as such cannot wear 904L stainless (Rolex) without breaking out, although she like the looks of the ladies DJ with diamonds (but worries that it's too showy). So she wears a titanium-cased watch that she found on line. It's a cheap-azzed costume jewelry watch that she picked out, and oddly enough she selected a (fake) diamond encrusted one with two rows of diamonds in a bezel. Note that while she wears (fake) diamonds on her cheap watch, she is concerned that Rolex + Diamonds may be too showy.

On a typical day the total jewelry she wears is limited to her engagement/wedding set, her watch, subtle earrings, and maybe a high-quality white gold/platinum necklace. If I can solve the nickel skin sensitivity, I will get her a Rolex within the next few years (but we will need to gain a granddaughter in order for their to be an heir for it). This probably means that she "requires" a white gold or platinum watch and bracelet. When I do get her one, it will be silver in appearance, and will have diamonds, but they will be on the dial only, and none of the bezel, as she will wear it everywhere, like taking our crazy, athletic yellow lab to the beach to run, golf, and gardening (I wear my Sub everywhere). Although you didn't ask, she prefers the small bezel, even though she has an athletic build, and is not a dainty lady. Again, she considers the large dial watches too showy and unsubtle.

BTW, thanks for your service, and congrats on the Columbia/NYC outcome.

My oldest son (USN SWO) is graduating Georgetown Law in May, and on his way for a position he accepted in a NYC Big Law firm. He is one of the two subjects of my "Sub/Two Sons/Inheritance" thread.

Sorry for the length, I hope this both answered your question, and is helpful.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by rossi46

Congrats on 35 years of marriage to what sounds like an amazing wife! Your description (the part I put in bold) is spot on to my gf as well. With that said - are you recommending diamonds or plain dial?



May I ask what kind of watch your wife wears?







Great advice, thank you Mark. We have spent hours in watch stores here in NYC (Wempe, Tourneau, Kenjo, William Barthman, etc) and at brand boutiques (IWC, Omega, Rolex, Cartier, etc). So much time, actually, that she's "burned out" hah. Her top two are the IWC I posted previously and this Tudor. She didn't have a preference one way or the other for the diamond hour makers on the Tudor.

Got ya. Good on you for doing the front end homework. I get the point of your post now. You know this is "the" watch just deciding between diamonds or not. Looking at the photos of both models I agree with others the diamonds appear to be to somewhat of an afterthought.
I would go without diamonds on this one.
Good luck!

[BNA/LION]

A few options w/ diamonds...

[txstats]

The diamonds definitely add a feminine touch. I think it depends on her personality, is she the more fashionable type or casual? If she's into fashion, go with the diamonds. Casual, go with the regular stick. Good luck!

[RXAPPP]

My good lady prefers diamonds but each to their own

[Heo2]

As it's already been said, this is a discussion you should be having with her - not us. How are we to know what your GF wants.