Suggestions and guidance appreciated on ladies watch

Interrobang

I'd appreciate any guidance anyone here has when it comes to wrist watches.

I need a replacement everyday ladies watch, and I've had a very kind offer of a new watch as a gift. Since I won't be buying it myself I want to keep to a budget of up to the €500 mark (to which I will discreetly add, however, if I find something I really like, so don't let that be too much of a limit).

In terms of what I like:
Overall look: Simple, clean and uncluttered - no flashy bling, additional buttons or dials, chronographs, etc.
Strap: Preferably metal, but not yellow or rose gold. (I like the look of leather straps, but metal straps feel more comfortable on me and this will be worn daily.)
Dial: I prefer markers rather than numerals or numbers, or no markers at all. I'm more readily drawn to dark faces, but like light colour ones too so either is good.
Hands: Thin and elegant - no chunky, clunky stuff.

If I were to go for a more classic look, something like a Longines Flagship would be the sort of watch I'd go for (esp L4.216.4.12.6), while if I were to go for something more contemporary it would be something like a Movado Serio with no markers. As both are out of my gift giver's budget and they are aware of this, however, it'd be nice to find something similar for less. If there are any post-Christmas sales to be recommended, all the better, as it's a birthday gift for January rather than a Christmas gift.

I'm also not averse to pre-owned watches, nor anything that doesn't look remotely like the sort I've already mentioned, so I'm open to persuasion if anyone has any leftfield suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

Eoin

My wife has a Longines that is similar enough to the one you posted, but I don't think it was much more than 500 quid.

Tissot could be an option?

White faces, markers on dial:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tissot-T-Classic-Ballade-Automatic-T97118331/dp/B000KKIKE8/ref=sr_1_68?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387762014&sr=1-68&keywords=tissot+ladies+watches

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tissot-T0352101101600-TISSOT-COUTURIER-Quartz/dp/B00ADZ8RPM/ref=sr_1_109?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387762096&sr=1-109&keywords=tissot+ladies+watches

Black faces, markers on dial:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TISSOT-T-TREND-T035-210-11-051-00-LADIES-STAINLESS/dp/B005OGCFQM/ref=sr_1_124?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387762096&sr=1-124&keywords=tissot+ladies+watches

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tissot-Ladies-Watch-Lovely-T0580091105100/dp/B003Z9BG60/ref=sr_1_162?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387762183&sr=1-162&keywords=tissot+ladies+watches

blindsider

How about this? (This is a very slim watch - 7mm diameter)

http://www.watchshop.com/ladies-victorinox-swiss-army-victoria-watch-241512-p99944023.html

or this (Dreyfuss are the 'luxury' brand of Rotary)


http://www.watchshop.com/ladies-dreyfuss-co-1890-watch-dgb00087-21-p99960259.html

(Are the hands too broad on the Dreyfuss?)


http://www.watchshop.com/ladies-dreyfuss-co-watch-dlb00051-01-p99960239.html

Another Dreyfuss, in the 'Tanque americaine' style


http://www.creationwatches.com/products/hamilton-watches-250/hamilton-grey-dial-h38411183-3593.html?zenid=94f5f0df81a5fcee97143370e8293f6c

A nice-looking Hamilton and well under budget - you'll pay customs charges of around €15 from this site, according to other posters here. This site is based in singapore and has a very good reputation - you can see testimonials bu country.

finally, this might be worth browsing around - and I'm sure there are several others.....

http://www.poshtime.co.uk/watchviewpt.php?st=LADIES

Best of luck, and let us know what you decide.......

Interrobang

Thanks so much for the ideas - I really appreciate the time you've taken to read through the post and come up with some really nice suggestions.

Eoin wrote: »

My wife has a Longines that is similar enough to the one you posted, but I don't think it was much more than 500 quid.

I'd be interested in knowing where you sourced this, if you can remember.

Thanks for the Tissot suggestions. I overlooked them (to be fair, I didn't even think of them) but these two that you suggested in particular are really nice:

Eoin wrote: »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tissot-T0352101101600-TISSOT-COUTURIER-Quartz/dp/B00ADZ8RPM/ref=sr_1_109?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387762096&sr=1-109&keywords=tissot+ladies+watches

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tissot-Ladies-Watch-Lovely-T0580091105100/dp/B003Z9BG60/ref=sr_1_162?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387762183&sr=1-162&keywords=tissot+ladies+watches

They'd also be more wallet-friendly... I'd feel better not maxing out their budget! :-)

blindsider wrote: »

How about this? (This is a very slim watch - 7mm diameter)

http://www.watchshop.com/ladies-victorinox-swiss-army-victoria-watch-241512-p99944023.html

That's lovely. I wouldn't have thought I'd go for anything like that starburst effect on the dial, but it's actually quite subtle and it's a very handsome watch.

blindsider wrote: »

Are the hands too broad on the Dreyfuss?

Yes, they are rather broader than I'd like, but thanks for taking the time to suggest it. The second Dreyfuss is a bit too cluttered, but that first Swiss Army one is definitely on the list.



Thanks again for the suggestions, folks.

Ionised

My own personal choice...for clarity of dial without numbers... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mondaine-Ladies-Stainless-standard-bracelet/dp/B001W1EDOK/ref=sr_1_40?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1387877711&sr=1-40&keywords=mondaine

Eoin

Think she bought the Longines in Fields - it's a quartz one in case that's an issue. I'll try and get more details later for you.

Zagato

Bought my Mum this Longines, for her birthday recently, she loves it. I got it in Weirs (10% off what they were asking which was €750 if I recall correctly), if you are passing through the Airport that is a good place to buy Longines and other Swatch group watches.

Eoin

More Hamiltons:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HAMILTON-AMERICAN-CLASSICS-JAZZMASTER-H32315131/dp/B0040DFDDM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1388067093&sr=8-4&keywords=Hamilton+ladies+watch

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hamilton-Jazzmaster-H32261115-Ladies-Watch/dp/B005GXPM5Y/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1388067093&sr=8-7&keywords=Hamilton+ladies+watch

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hamilton-Jazzmaster-H32261137-Ladies-Watch/dp/B0099QU6DM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1388067093&sr=8-9&keywords=Hamilton+ladies+watch

This one is very nice:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/HAMILTON-AMERICAN-CLASSICS-JAZZMASTER-H32315141/dp/B007X5UYN8/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1388067093&sr=8-12&keywords=Hamilton+ladies+watch

Interrobang

Zagato wrote: »

if you are passing through the Airport that is a good place to buy Longines and other Swatch group watches.

That's a good idea, I hadn't thought of that. My husband has a business trip to the States coming up in January, so that's definitely an option. Thanks for the tip.

I love that La Grande Classique and it's always been a watch that I keep coming back to, but I've a feeling that the part of the strap that comes out past the curve of the face would catch on things.

Eoin wrote: »

More Hamiltons

The first and last ones are lovely, especially the last one with the blue dial, and I really like the shape of the markers and the indentation in the hands. Thank you - that last one is definitely on the shortlist.

Eoin

Interrobang wrote: »

That's a good idea, I hadn't thought of that. My husband has a business trip to the States coming up in January, so that's definitely an option. Thanks for the tip.

If he's going through Terminal 2, then "Hour Passion" might do the trick; as has been mentioned, they sell a few of the Swatch Watch group bands, including Hamilton. I like Hamilton as a brand - normally pretty good value for money (though £500+ for a quartz seems a bit pricey, now I look at them).

MiCr0

Christopher ward are having a sale
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/sale/womens-50/w60-sws.html

Interrobang

Update: Well, damn you all and your forum!!

All I wanted was a watch. Just one watch. A simple, straightforward, functional watch to wear on a daily basis, that did its job without fuss and wouldn't mind the odd bash.

I should have stopped coming here. I should have just taken your recommendations and gone with them. But no, I had to click into one thread. Then another. Then another. The history buff in me got sucked in by so many posts. I've read stories that have sent me Googling for more. I've seen things of beauty that I can't unsee. I've a bookmark folder that's growing steadily.

And I still haven't found a watch. Because I no longer just want a watch.

Damn you all!

blindsider

LOL!!!

Squish up folks - we caught another one!!!

Interrobang - consider buying sth like a Seiko for everyday use

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-SXDE67-SXDE67P1-Ladies-Watch/dp/B008PZ7AZA/ref=sr_1_16?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1394635995&sr=1-16&keywords=ladies+watches

and then take some time to research (and save!) for something you really like......

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Omega-Constellation-Brushed-Quartz-123-10-24-60-02-001/dp/B003XRBDKS/ref=sr_1_3?s=watch&ie=UTF8&qid=1394636184&sr=1-3

BTW - did you ever consider a Russian watch?

Sotto voce "Peasaant!"

Interrobang

blindsider wrote: »

LOL!!!

Yeah, yeah, laugh away... when I squander the kids' college funds on watches I will hunt you guys down!

You've posted two nice watches there, but I've discovered a preference for men's watches. Not big blinging ones, but older, more classic styles - they just make for a more handsome watch IMHO, and there's far more choice, too.

I also thought I had an aversion to any sort of complication on a dial, but some of the military issue watches are clean rather than fussy so my opinions on that score have been moderated somewhat.

I don't really value or covet 'things', but I do value stories, histories and legacies, so I can see myself spending quite a bit more time on this. It's been quite an education so far!


BTW... "a" Russian watch? As in only one?

peasant

Interrobang wrote: »

BTW... "a" Russian watch? As in only one?

Allow me to introduce you to the Russian watches starter kit

The Raketa skolnije or "school" watch.

As the name implies, it was made for schoolkids (also available in a more girly pink but somewhat rarer) but fits perfectly on a female wrist.




http://www.ebay.ie/itm/100-SERVICED-RARE-USSR-WATCH-RAKETA-19J-NICE-MINT-DIAL-SCHOOL-NEW-strap-1224-/221275299119?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3385091d2f


Certainly NOT an everyday watch, but good fun for under 30 quid and a good tester if you can live with more delicate vintage watches ...because if you can, as a woman with smaller wrists, there are thousands of beautiful men's vintage watches out there for you that find it hard to find male buyers these days because of their rather small diameters of 33 - 36 mm and can be had for very little money.

And that's not just Russian vintages, but most of them, regardless of provenance.

blindsider

Interrobang wrote: »

Yeah, yeah, laugh away... when I squander the kids' college funds on watches I will hunt you guys down!

You've posted two nice watches there, but I've discovered a preference for men's watches. Not big blinging ones, but older, more classic styles - they just make for a more handsome watch IMHO, and there's far more choice, too.

I also thought I had an aversion to any sort of complication on a dial, but some of the military issue watches are clean rather than fussy so my opinions on that score have been moderated somewhat.

I don't really value or covet 'things', but I do value stories, histories and legacies, so I can see myself spending quite a bit more time on this. It's been quite an education so far!


BTW... "a" Russian watch? As in only one?

You're right re men's watches - far more choice...shame really.

I've got a 1960's Omega which is 36mm and is small - even on my 6 3/4" wrist. So yes, you'll have lots of fabulous pieces to choose from.

Wibbs is a fount of knowledge, and will happily advise on some brands which are (potentially) under-valued. You could probably get quite a bit of bang for your buck if you shop around.

Re your horological education, sounds like you're well and truly hooked madame - enjoy!

Interrobang

peasant wrote: »

The Raketa skolnije or "school" watch.

The way form reflects function in the design of that watch is great fun, especially the dial that recalls ruled copy books. Can't see it working as well in girly pink, though (but then again, I am rather biased against girly pink). Even from the VERY limited bit of reading I've done, I've really been surprised by the variety and creativity of Russian watches - it's nice discovering that my assumption that I'd find a more collectivist approach to design and production was completely off the mark.

peasant wrote: »

there are thousands of beautiful men's vintage watches out there for you that find it hard to find male buyers these days because of their rather small diameters of 33 - 36 mm and can be had for very little money.

Perfect size - dainty girly watches are just too teeny. Sooooooo... lots of them, you say? For very little money, you say? I see...

blindsider wrote: »

Wibbs is a fount of knowledge, and will happily advise on some brands which are (potentially) under-valued.

Any pointers, Wibbs, now that I'm starting afresh and not tied to the whole present thing? And any and all pointers from anyone else, too, since you're collectively the reason why I've been browsing until the wee small hours for the past few months. I'm a patient old sod, so can happily wait for the right opportunities, and would like to keep learning more in the meantime anyway.

In the meantime, I should probably go and warn my husband that despite all evidence to the contrary to date, I may in fact have an interest in shopping after all...

Wibbs

What style do you like IB? Square or circular? Pale or dark dial? Silver or gold coloured case? Dressy or sporty? Any particular decade's style appeals? 50's 60's 70's.

Peasant's dead right regarding the size thing with vintage men's watches. There are some serious bargains to be had because of the modern trend of very large watches for men(and women). Before the 60's men's watches were smaller, more "dressy", women's watches were near microscopic. With a few rare exceptions even "tool" watches tended to be smaller. Tool watches were rare enough anyway. If you saw a pilots or divers watch on someone it meant they were likely to be actual pilots or divers and they would most likely have a smaller dress watch when "off duty".

"Big" name vintages that are IMH underpriced? Longines, Movado, Zenith spring to mind. Even Omega's that have a very strong vintage market can be gotten quite cheaply in the smaller sizes.

Interrobang

Wibbs wrote: »

What style do you like IB? Square or circular? Pale or dark dial? Silver or gold coloured case? Dressy or sporty? Any particular decade's style appeals? 50's 60's 70

Round or rectangular, primarily. I'm drawn more to dark dials, but I've come across some beauties with silver and champagne dials too, so I've no major preference there. I prefer stainless steel cases, but older gold cases with champagne dials are beautiful. Definitely not sporty. Style-wise, 1920s-1950s appeals most.

Interrobang

Whoops - double post.

Wibbs

OK, lets try the art deco stylee as a starting point.

Gold plated Junghans 1950's 53 quid buy it now price.

Round one this time. Stowa rose gold plated. 1940's I'd say. 120 quid Buy it now. The glass is fecked but a new glass would cost about a fiver and whatever a watchmaker would charge to fit it.

Big name? Here's a 1930's Omega, only the price has gone up to 400. Depends on your budget.

Fancy bidding? Here's a real beauty of a Bulova. It couldn't be any more art deco if it tried. I'd bid up to around 200 for that.

Another fancy name, a 1940's Girard Perregaux Again I'd go up to 200 on that one.

Here's another GP and a nice one too.

A Cyma for 47 euro Buy it now.

Another Junghans you could bid on.

OK that's a small taste of art deco square watches anyway. Next I'll have a look for round more 40's 50's watches.

Interrobang

This forum is very quickly becoming NSFW - not safe for wallet! Thank you - will be back once I take them all in properly, but the Stowa and the Bulova... ooohhhhh....

Wibbs

Yep. That Bulova has a very nice little movement in it. High quality.

Actually check out the sellers other watches. All v nice.

http://www.ebay.ie/sch/budleigholdtimer/m.html?item=351019331626&pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item51ba61f02a&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562

Interrobang

And two nights later I emerge after swapping FAR too many sleep hours for more reading. Thanks for the recommendations so far - they've sent me off on brilliant research tangents that I've really enjoyed.

Any pointers on what to look out for to avoid being taken for a ride when taking the plunge and bidding or buying?

blindsider

Depending on what you're buying and how much you're paying, this might be worth investigating.....http://watchguy.co.uk/buy-with-confidence-service/

Otherwise, I've picked up the following tips, mostly from here...

If you're buying in person, consider getting a jeweller to authenticate the watch - a genuine seller should agree to this. The jeweller will charge a small fee.

Be careful where you meet etc - more cash = more care.

Online: e.g. ebay - feedback score/rating is important. Don't be tempted.

Some countries have a reputation for dodgy fakes - e.g. I wouldn't buy a vintage Omega from Prince Adebayo in a large west African country well-known for its dodgy email scams.

Otherwise the usual rules apply - use Paypal etc

And, as with everything else, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

Let us know how you get on...

Interrobang

Thanks, blindsider - great pointers again.

blindsider wrote: »

Don't be tempted.

Easily done, but I'm happy enough to take my time, watch auctions, get to recognise how bidding goes, visit a few B&M dealers to get a better feel for what I want, learn more as I go along, etc. That might mean missing out on something as I go, but If I do, so be it. (Posting this now is just ASKING to give in to a impulse buy... :rolleyes:)

Thanks again.

Wibbs

Interrobang wrote: »

That might mean missing out on something as I go, but If I do, so be it.

Good call IB. Except in very rare examples, a type/make of watch you miss will come up again. Often enough in better condition or cheaper. These aren't one offs, or are very rarely one offs. Except for really rare items, even the most lauded watch models were made in their hundreds if not thousands. In all my years of window shopping/browsing I've only missed out on two real bargains. Examples of watches very badly listed that went for nothing that were worth a helluva lot more any day of the week. Now the thoughts of what I turned down for feck all money in the pre web 80's and 90's bring me out in hives....

Research and patience wins out every time.