watch suggestions for my wife

[jasper]

I need you help.

My wife wants a watch for Christmas which is excellent news for me because I don't have to wonder what to get her! Normally I struggle and end up with something lame. I'd like nothing more than to have her wearing a good quality nicely styled classic timepiece.

I'm prepared to spend decent money, but not (necessarily) Rolex money. It can be a quartz, but replacing batteries is something I find objectionable so I personally would prefer something automatic or maybe one of those new fangled electric automatic things.

She has a small wrist, but she thinks she'd be ok with a bigger dial. She would prefer numbers over sticks.

Neither of us like the classic "ladies" styles which are all fancy and glittery. It shouldn't be too dressy, but it shouldn't be a military style or anything.

She does need decent water resistance, but it doesn't need to be a diver - a 30 m rating is appropriate.

She prefers a steel bracelet over a strap, but is open to anything.

Can those of you who are wise about these things suggest anything?

Thanks

[DSJ]

A Rolex Ladies Oyster 26mm, SS Oyster bracelet, domed bezel, dial of her choice.

[Incurable]

What do you think of this...



31mm x 8.3mm
ETA 2824-2 (lightly decorated)
Sapphire, front & back
30m WR

[jasper]

Originally Posted by DSJ

A Rolex Ladies Oyster 26mm, SS Oyster bracelet, domed bezel, dial of her choice.

I think I arrived there last night as well...reference 76080 in black dial with arabic numbers at 3,6,9 - domed bezel - oyster bracelet.

Very specific watch though - it will be hard to find and willnot be cheap.

[swatch]

I'm fairly sure I saw that configuration pre-owned in Royal Arcade Watches, just of Old Bond Street in London. It might have been with the turned bezel but defiantly black 369 dial and oyster bracelet.

[mfer]

Rolex Mid Size SS/Pt YM,
Rolex Explorer I,
Rolex Explorer II White, (fits smaller than any other 40mm watch)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, (some sweet blue and pink markers with arabics at 3,6,9)
Cartier Tank Francaise full sized (my GF has),
Tudor Sub (mid sized, not lady sized)

What's your budget? Will you consider used?

[Toxicant]

I'd look at a Cartier Santos. I was going to buy my wife one before I found a good deal on a two-tone date with a Tiffany dial.

It comes in auto or battery.

The movement is nothing special but I don't think the movement in a ladies Rolex is either.

Nicely finished....take a look.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by jasper

I think I arrived there last night as well...reference 76080 in black dial with arabic numbers at 3,6,9 - domed bezel - oyster bracelet.

Very specific watch though - it will be hard to find and willnot be cheap.

Nice watch, like a lady-size Explorer1.

I'd like to get my wife something like that.

You could always do a dial swap on one like this:
http://www.demesy.com/Merchant2/merc...uct_Code=50228

[jasper]

I will consider used for sure. Budget wise...geez, I love her and all but anything north of $2K would be kind of *wasted* given she's not really a WIS or anything.

I'm narrowing in anyway.

[TheDude]

The Chanel J12 line is super popular with the ladies. I think the white one is worn by Mrs. McCain.

Hillary too...

[Lisa]

Have you consider a Tag Heuer? That's what I wanted for a long time, before my husband and his buddy steered me to Rolex.

Photobucket (credit to chuckspooner):

[jasper]

Yes - absolutely we are considering tag heuer, but when I went shopping recently nothing caught my eye. I'l check out their website now that you mention it.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by jasper

Yes - absolutely we are considering tag heuer, but when I went shopping recently nothing caught my eye. I'l check out their website now that you mention it.

Good to hear! My friend has this Tag Aquaracer (not the style you described wanting but it's pretty in its own right):

[Terry Newton]

I have one of the Tag Heuer Kirium Chronometer that Lisa displayed. Mine has a black dial and it is a very attractive and rugged watch. It is all brushed stainless steel and I have had mine for over 7 years. It is smaller in diameter and would look good on a woman's wrist as well.

Terry Newton

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Terry Newton

I have one of the Tag Heuer Kirium Chronometer that Lisa displayed. Mine has a black dial and it is a very attractive and rugged watch. It is all brushed stainless steel and I have had mine for over 7 years. It is smaller in diameter and would look good on a woman's wrist as well.

Terry Newton

Terry, what is the size of that watch? Similar to, say, a 36mm datejust? I wonder if they make a ladies' version. Is it quartz? I think it's a really nice design.

[Cuyperx]

Originally Posted by jasper

I think I arrived there last night as well...reference

Very specific watch though - it will be hard to find and will not be cheap.

Recently I bought Rolex 76080 in blue dial with Arabic numbers at 3, 6, 9 domed bezel oyster bracelet for my GF as a gift for her birthday... I wish to inform you that the watch looks simple & nice if you not into bling bling aka diamond setting watches... the price is very reasonable and the watch is as quote at ROLEX official website (obsession with perfection)

[Terry Newton]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Terry, what is the size of that watch? Similar to, say, a 36mm datejust? I wonder if they make a ladies' version. Is it quartz? I think it's a really nice design.

It is 37 mm in diameter and it is a mechanical timepiece. It has a bezel that is rotating and is a nice sized watch for women as well as men.

I have had mine for over 7 years and it is in excellent shape with a little band stretch.

Terry Newton

[steelrolex]

Some women don't like wearing a secondhand watch but as she knows what the present is going to be then it's alright to ask! If she isn't one to appreciate a mechanical movement then I personally would go for quartz (accuracy/no servicing required of the movement). I wouldn't buy gold plated. I would see what Raymond Weil had to offer in stainless steel. Gucci have done some nice classic styled watches in the past. A secondhand ladies Rolex would be something special though. Have you done any 'window shopping' on ebay?

[brettpaul]

I think all of the members offered very good choices, and I would add Ebel to the list of potential candidates. They offer a really nice line of sophiscated ladies watches that are 'sporty' without being sport models.

Let the forum know which way you go and send pics....maybe before you buy?

[-Subsevens]

Originally Posted by jasper

I think I arrived there last night as well...reference 76080 in black dial with arabic numbers at 3,6,9 - domed bezel - oyster bracelet.

Very specific watch though - it will be hard to find and willnot be cheap.

Excellent choice!! That's the same model watch I chose for my wife. The only exception was that the dial was blue. It's amazing how beautiful that watch is!!! Best of luck with your purchase!

[ErikAalto]

I bought this for my wife on our honeymoon in Jamaica, it's a Movado Ono with Diamond bezel. They have a smooth bezel version with no diamonds at all and a black face that can be had for less than $1,000. Probably not as water resistant as you may need, but it's a pretty watch, that can double as a stylish bracelet from afar.

[buz-lh]

Everyone's taste is different but to me this is a very striking ladies watch. I saw this last night and think it looks awesome. Can be seen here
http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...=3991025&rid=0

[jasper]

Originally Posted by steelrolex

Some women don't like wearing a secondhand watch but as she knows what the present is going to be then it's alright to ask! If she isn't one to appreciate a mechanical movement then I personally would go for quartz (accuracy/no servicing required of the movement). I wouldn't buy gold plated. I would see what Raymond Weil had to offer in stainless steel. Gucci have done some nice classic styled watches in the past. A secondhand ladies Rolex would be something special though. Have you done any 'window shopping' on ebay?

Indeed - she has mentioned that she doesn't want a *used* watch, but we all know a well cared for previously loved ROLEX would be fine. I'd also point out that the Tag Kirium are no longer in production and the current Link lineup just isn't as nice (IMO).

With regards the Ebel and Raymond Weil suggestions...are any of these really water resistant? She's on about wanting a waterproof watch. I've tried to explain that the term water"proof" isn't used anymore but she's skeptical. Id like to think somewhere along the way there would be a 30m rating I could point to. Lord knows she's not going to actually enter any body of water past here knees...watch on her wrist or not.

Thanks for the suggestions folks - I'll post when I find something.

[cmr]

i bought my wife a new ladies platinum yacht master, she loves it.

[steelrolex]

Have a look round Ernest Jones' website. They've got a ladies 300m water resistant Longines that looks nice. And they offer a 30 day money back offer or exchange.

http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/detail/R/6080901/

[GinGinD]

Originally Posted by Toxicant

The movement is nothing special but I don't think the movement in a ladies Rolex is either.

I'm curious about this. I've always heard the Rolex 2235 (in both the midsize and Lady DJs) has the best pass/fail rate of any COSC certified movement. Is that not correct?

Jeannie