Advice on a ladies watch - 2K budget

Barack Obama

I'm looking to get my wife something special for an upcoming 'major' birthday and have a budget of about €2k. I'm not that really knowledgeable about watches - I got myself a Tag Heuer Carrera a few years ago and it's safe to say that both of us prefer subtle over bling

One thing is that I'm flying to Los Angeles via Heathrow in January, so would it be an option to buy in Heathrow or just wait until I get to the US? I have the option of purchasing online and getting it delivered over there so are there any recommended websites or are shops better? I've been using Amazon.com & Jomashop.com as a rough guide. I have it narrowed down to these at this stage -

Cartier Ronde Solo W6701004 -


Tag Heuer Link WAT1416.BA0954 -


Tag Heuer Link WAT1314.BA0956 -


As I said, I'm not too clued up on these things so would welcome any alternative suggestions. The Cartier is a good deal more expensive than both Tag's so I need to be sure that it is worth it.

Finally, where to buy, where to buy... My thinking is to find some offical dealers near where I will be in the US and send them the watch I am looking for along with a link to the cheapest online price I can find. If they match it then they have my business. Simple!!

Cyrus

of those 3 id pick the cartier every time.

you may be able to get a ladies rolex pre owned at near that price if you were that way inclined

Barack Obama

Thanks Cyrus, but why is the Cartier so much better?

I really cannot get a pre-owned watch for a present to be honest. I understand that I'd get much better value but maybe if this was for a collection then I'd have a different opinion. Also, I had a look at the Rolex range in Weirs a few weeks ago and didn't like them at all - the big bubble over the date that seems to be on every one of their watches is very off-putting imo. Beauty must be in the eye of the beholder!!

Cyrus

Barack Obama wrote: »

Thanks Cyrus, but why is the Cartier so much better?

I really cannot get a pre-owned watch for a present to be honest. I understand that I'd get much better value but maybe if this was for a collection then I'd have a different opinion. Also, I had a look at the Rolex range in Weirs a few weeks ago and didn't like them at all - the big bubble over the date that seems to be on every one of their watches is very off-putting imo. Beauty must be in the eye of the beholder!!

well its a much nicer looking watch for a start, also cartier will resonate much better with a lady imo versus Tag and has a much richer history.

ncmc

Cyrus wrote: »

well its a much nicer looking watch for a start, also cartier will resonate much better with a lady imo versus Tag and has a much richer history.

I agree with Cyrus, the Cartier is far nicer than the Tag and being a woman, I would love to own something from Cartier!

Barack Obama

Thanks for the input!!

Eoin

Longines make some nice ladies watches too, but I agree with the others; I think Cartier would be a nice one to have.

Barack Obama

Wow - that is seriously cheap Eoin (relative to the watches above of course!).

Do Longines traditionally have blue hands or is that a bit of a copy of the Cartier range?

Eoin

I don't know if they normally have blue hands, but I don't think it's a Cartier thing at all - lots of dress watches have them. I love the look myself.

dandyo

I bought my better half this recently and she was suitably impressed
Tag's are certainly more "contemporary" than the likes of Rolex / Cartier, but as has been said, it is very subjective, you will know your wifes personal taste better than any one

Barack Obama

Very nice Dandyo. What model is that?

I'm guessing that the price rockets once those diamonds are included!!

ncmc

The more I look at the Cartier, the more I like it. I think it's timeless and classic, but I love the modern twist of the blue hands and blue winder. I'm jealous of your wife! Think I will email this thread to my hubby :pac:

dandyo

Barack Obama wrote: »

Very nice Dandyo. What model is that?

I'm guessing that the price rockets once those diamonds are included!!

Its the Ladies Carerra with Mother of Pearl Face and Diamond Bezel -- Diamonds added quite a bit to it / there is a model without he diamon bezel, but independent "randomers" in the shop (Fields) bullied me in to going for the diamond bezel..

Ps : I managed to bargain with Fields a relatively substantial discount..

Barack Obama

ncmc wrote: »

The more I look at the Cartier, the more I like it. I think it's timeless and classic, but I love the modern twist of the blue hands and blue winder. I'm jealous of your wife! Think I will email this thread to my hubby :pac:

Maybe I'm him

Barack Obama

dandyo wrote: »

Its the Ladies Carerra with Mother of Pearl Face and Diamond Bezel -- Diamonds added quite a bit to it / there is a model without he diamon bezel, but independent "randomers" in the shop (Fields) bullied me in to going for the diamond bezel..

Ps : I managed to bargain with Fields a relatively substantial discount..

Think I found it! There is a substantial difference in price between the two you mentioned!!
http://www.jomashop.com/tag-heuer-ladies-watch-wv1413ba0793.html
http://www.jomashop.com/tag-heuer-carrera-wv1411-ba0793.htmll

dandyo

Barack Obama wrote: »

Think I found it! There is a substantial difference in price between the two you mentioned!!
http://www.jomashop.com/tag-heuer-ladies-watch-wv1413ba0793.html
http://www.jomashop.com/tag-heuer-carrera-wv1411-ba0793.htmll

With the Diamon Bezel (If I can remember) there is 0.8 Carat worth of Diamond (with all the certs etc) and maybe in the other one there is 0.18 (that mightn't be accurate)

So the extra cost is really a direct cost for the diamonds, and we all know who's best friend diamonds are

blindsider

Cartier.

Daylight

Tag.

I believe it was Breguet who introduced the 'blued hands' - now there's a watch of substance...http://www.chrono24.com/en/breguet/white-gold-marine-diamond-watch-8400bb--id1972386.htm?gender=1402&manufacturerIds=30&picnum=0&tab=pics&urlSubpath=%2Fbreguet%2Fprices-for-ladies-watches--att105.htm

for another fine example of 'blued hands' have a look at Stowa:

http://www.stowa.de/Marine+matt+silbernes+Zifferblatt+Datum,i2.htm

The hands on these are known as 'Breguet-type' becasue of the elegant style, and as I said IIRC it was they who 1st introduced 'blued hands' ....but open to correction...

Hope she likes the Cartier!