Pick one or suggest a third please.

[Gypsy]

I''ve pretty much decided I want a watch for my birthday (unless WF comes up with those scattered diamond huggies). But I don''t want to spend more than 300 dollars and want a pretty stainless bracelet watch for everyday.

Here are the two choices to date:

Citizen Palidoro with Diamonds. Petite. I like this one because of the discreet bling. Don''t know much about Citizen watches.

http://www.worldlux.com/cgi-bin/navigate.cgi?brand=CITI&model=Palidoro&dept=WATCH&collect=Palidoro&filter=

Coach Madison. Made by Movado for Coach. I like this one because it''s made by Movado and is very elegant and clean.

http://www.coach.com/content/product.aspx?product_no=7173&category_id=48

What do you think?

 

[Ellen]

I like them both, but to me, the first is a bit dressier, the second more practical. So I guess I''m picking the second.

 

[snlee]

I like the clean look of the Coach Madison but I love that the Citizen Palidoro runs off Eco-Drive technology and has some bling. My vote goes to the Citizen Palidoro!

 

[Miscka]

I vote for the citizens, I dont like the band on the coach, it just looks off. But I do like the face. I have a Citizens watch that I think is simple and elegant, and stands up well. However, I really liked that Roberto Coin pendant you posted in the other thread!

 

[Gypsy]

John made a comment about pendants in general the other day. His last jewelry gift to me was a pendant, so he wants to get me another type of jewelry this time. Also, I''d rather save the 150 bucks for the time being. So 300 is max.

 

[lyra]

I love the eco-drive watches, I have 2 of them and they''ve never given me a bit of trouble. I have the Stiletto with diamonds, which is similar to your first choice. The case is very thin, as opposed to bulky. It practically sits flush with the bracelet, which is a feature I love. I love the tank look of the one you chose, probably even better than mine (which is slightly rounded), but I don''t think it was available when I bought mine, otherwise I might have chosen it instead.

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so apparently I can get that same citizen for just over 200 bucks. Looking more attractive. Let me tell you.

http://www.bluedial.com/EG2020-52A.htm

Or get the larger version for just over 300 at bluedail. Anyone know anything about this vendor. Love the prices.

http://www.bluedial.com/EW9460-58D.htm

Still, I like that the coach is very simple and elegant, and made by Movado.

But this econodrive technology looks pretty attractive. And it's got a little bling so I could wear it at night. Hmmm.

 

[lumpkin]

It doesn''t have anything to do with experience with either of the brands, just based on looks, but I like the Coach one. I really like the lines of the face of it and I also like the band. It looks elegant to me, good for dress or casual and very classy.

 

[FireGoddess]

I prefer the citizen!!! Gorgeous!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 8/23/2007 1:31:20 PM
Author: Gypsy

Okay so apparently I can get that same citizen for just over 200 bucks. Looking more attractive. Let me tell you.

http://www.bluedial.com/EG2020-52A.htm

Or get the larger version for just over 300 at bluedail. Anyone know anything about this vendor. Love the prices.

http://www.bluedial.com/EW9460-58D.htm

Still, I like that the coach is very simple and elegant, and made by Movado.

But this econodrive technology looks pretty attractive. And it''s got a little bling so I could wear it at night. Hmmm.

Love it with the mother of pearl dial, very pretty!!

 

[isaku5]

Another vote for the Citizen because DH has one of their first Eco-drives and loves it. The technology has improved greatly since then so this one probably requires even less sunlight to recharge. Also, I like the "upscale look" of the Citizen and as has been mentioned the Coach looks "off" to me too

 

[Lynn B]

Oooooh, Gypsy, I love them both... but my only thoughts are... does either one (or both) allow adjustments to the length of the band (if that is important to you)? It is important to me (I have small wrists and can only buy watches that allow link adjustment, I don't like floppy watches)... so for me, that could be the deciding factor.

(ETA: Small threadjack, please... but have you seen the question I asked you in my cat teeth brushing thread regarding the packing popcorn type treats you use?! THANK YOU! xoxoxox)

 

[Gypsy]

Thinking I should try them on side by side. Wondering if Macy''s will have them both. Hmm.

I like the band of the Madison, actually. And I can swap the bracelet for a plain strap (I believe-- but will have to check). As for adjustments to links... I''ll have to ask, it''s a good point thanks Lynn.

 

[Gypsy]

Went to Macy's. Tried all of the above on.

http://www.bluedial.com/EW9460-58D.htm is the winner! It looked really nice on my wrist. Oh.. .and it has adjustment links.

Told John. He says he's going to hold off just to make sure I don't change my mind in the next week. Apparently the man thinks I'm fickle. LOL.

 

[Catmom]

Hi Gypsy, I have a very similar Citizen that I ordered from Blue Dial with no problems. The bands are adjustable, just take out links if you need to. Good choice! I can''t wait to see some pics when you get it.

 

[Gypsy]

Macy''s "sale" price right now is the same as Blue Dials. And John says he prefers buying from them because they are easy to get a hold of if there is a problem. And, he doesn''t mind the additional sales tax. Thanks Catmom. I''m happy with the decision.

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 8/23/2007 5:06:23 PM
Author: Gypsy
Went to Macy''s. Tried all of the above on.

http://www.bluedial.com/EW9460-58D.htm is the winner! It looked really nice on my wrist. Oh.. .and it has adjustment links.

Told John. He says he''s going to hold off just to make sure I don''t change my mind in the next week. Apparently the man thinks I''m fickle. LOL.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

Me LIKEY!!!

 

[FireGoddess]

I love it Gypsy!!! LOVE it!!

 

[Sundial]

I love watches and that is a really nice choice Gypsy! Have a happy birthday and please post wrist shots for us!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks All, it''s nice you hear you guys like it too! I will post wrist shots when I''ve got them!

 

[snlee]

Yay, I love it! Can''t wait to see wrist shots!

 

[risingsun]

Excellent choice

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks everyone. I know it''s not as nice as so many of the watches on here-- and believe me there were a few that tempted me sorely to spend more. But I''m not used to wearing a watch... haven''t worn one regularly in over 10 years... so I figure I''ll start with this one that has the styling I want, without the large price tag... and if I wear it? Great, and I''ll get a nicer one a couple years down the road. And if I don''t? Well, when I see it sitting in my jewelry box for months on end, at least I won''t feel like I wasted a ton of money.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hey, Gypsy! I''ve been busy getting ready for school to start back and just saw this thread. That very watch is on my list! I have one Eco-drive watch and it is wonderful not to have batteries! It keeps perfect time, but I just don''t love the looks of the watch itself. So I was thinking of getting another one for my birthday which is in a couple of weeks. My decision was basically whether to get another Eco-drive (like the one you are getting) or whether to step up to a pricier brand. I am curious as to how the diamonds look on this one. The ones on mine are barely chips. Please post pictures the minute you get it! (Incidentally, my other one came from BlueDial and it was fine.)

Here is the other one I was considering, but I''m just not sure the price is worth it since it is still stainless steel and quartz!!!

http://www.thewatchery.com/Baume-&-Mercier-Watch-4119.htm

or this one, if I wanted more diamonds

http://www.thewatchery.com/Baume-&-Mercier-Watch-3005.htm

 

[Gypsy]

Hey DS I'll definitely post pics! The diamonds didn't look like chips to me. But I'll have to get it home under regular lighting and see how it performs.

I was looking at Baume Mercier too!

The I really liked were from their Hampton collection, like this one. I really like the first one you posted too:

http://www.thewatchery.com/Baume-&-Mercier-Watch-2073.htm

http://www.thewatchery.com/Baume-&-Mercier-Watch-3632.htm

I know what you mean about the price. I'm just not sure I'm going to wear a watch everyday! But if you are... these are beautiful watches. I'm sure others would tell you more about the brands.

These are the Longines I really liked as well.

http://www.mcpeekstimepiece.com/watches/longines/dolcevita/final/DLFD_L5.155.0.16.6.php

http://www.mcpeekstimepiece.com/watches/longines/dolcevita/final/DLFD_L5.155.0.84.6.php

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, those are all pretty, too! It''s funny because I''ve always had round faced watches and really changed to wanting a rectangular one. I think it''s from dreaming of a Cartier tank watch, but I won''t pay those prices!

My main problem is that I don''t know anywhere who carries those B&M watches, and I''m sure it would help me decide what I like the most if I could try them on. But if that Palidoro looks as good in person as it does in the ads, I probably couldn''t go wrong with it. So that is why I am anxious to see some real wrist shots!

Have you taken a break on the ring setting project, or have I missed a decision?

 

[Gypsy]

We''re going to go to Macy''s tomorrow to go see the watch again, now that you''ve mentioned the ''chip'' concern, I''m really going to take a good look at the diamonds. As I hadn''t gone there expressly to see that watch, I wasn''t paying as much attention as I could. I won''t have pics to provide until next week though. Macy''s sale ended today, and starts again for Labor Day... and I get my present on the ''day of'' not before.

As for the ring. I''m struggling with a few things about it right now. Struggling isn''t the right word, makes it sound like I''m really engaged in the process of it. I''m not, but I have a few things I''m mulling over. There is a Beverly K setting I had not previously seen, and that isn''t listed on their website, that I stumbled across a short while ago quite unexpectedly, and I like it quite a bit so I contacted Bill Pearlman about it and he''s getting it in, then sending to me to check out. Which is wonderful of him. It could be the right setting for me as it''s got a lot of the elements I really love, and it''s from a designer whose work I''ve seen in person and really like, and from a vendor I trust implicitly. On the other hand, a lot depends on what the ring looks like in person, and on my hand. So that''s one venue I''m exploring. The reason is, it doesn''t look like I can get my ''custom'' design handmade by a designer I trust in platinum, and will have to go the CAD and cast route for that. Which is not one I''m comfortable with, honestly. If the casting isn''t done correctly then the ring risks not being very durable and having problems. Which with a design as delicate as the one I want, would be a real liklihood and would make me very unhappy-- especially as I''ve waited for so long for the new setting. So it''s either have it done in 18K handmade, or get a stock setting. I ws seriously considering the 18K... but then I saw the Beverly K... and talked to Bill honestly about the whole, custom/CAD/Handmade thing and the fact that I wasn''t 100% sure about the Bev K and didn''t want to waste his time, but he just accepted all of it, and is going to send me the ring when he gets it in (5 weeks or so) for a trial run away. Which is just fabulous of him. SO... that''s the LOOOOOONG update about the setting. And I was and AM still thinking about just scratching the watch, adding the $$ to the ring budget and saying what the heck to handmade. But for the simple design I want I just KNOW I''m going to upset with myself if I pay over 3K for the ring (which I would have to in platinum). I saw a similar ring to my custom design, only with a square halo amd more substantial AND with more diamonds, in a relatively pricey jewlery store here a little while ago priced -- with no haggling and full retail-- at 1,600! I''m too budget concious to be able to do that. Everytime I looked at the ring, I''m afraid I''d think "you were a spoiled brat and HAD to have this, so you paid too much for it, are you happy now??" Don''t want buyer''s remorse.
Late night ramblings though. Don''t read too much into the above. Just... info dump. Not a lot of thought... just a lot of typing. Expect the part about Bill being great. That is just a fact. The man is a wonder. I''d love to purchase from him.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 8/23/2007 5:06:23 PM
Author: Gypsy
Went to Macy''s. Tried all of the above on.

http://www.bluedial.com/EW9460-58D.htm is the winner! It looked really nice on my wrist. Oh.. .and it has adjustment links.

Told John. He says he''s going to hold off just to make sure I don''t change my mind in the next week. Apparently the man thinks I''m fickle. LOL.

Yes out of the two you were looking at I like the bracelet on this one the best!!!!

Oh and you''re not fickle -- you just need to review all of the options!

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 8/24/2007 10:09:02 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Hey, Gypsy! I''ve been busy getting ready for school to start back and just saw this thread. That very watch is on my list! I have one Eco-drive watch and it is wonderful not to have batteries! It keeps perfect time, but I just don''t love the looks of the watch itself. So I was thinking of getting another one for my birthday which is in a couple of weeks. My decision was basically whether to get another Eco-drive (like the one you are getting) or whether to step up to a pricier brand. I am curious as to how the diamonds look on this one. The ones on mine are barely chips. Please post pictures the minute you get it! (Incidentally, my other one came from BlueDial and it was fine.)

Here is the other one I was considering, but I''m just not sure the price is worth it since it is still stainless steel and quartz!!!

http://www.thewatchery.com/Baume-&-Mercier-Watch-4119.htm

or this one, if I wanted more diamonds

http://www.thewatchery.com/Baume-&-Mercier-Watch-3005.htm

Hey Diamondseeker!!! I was wondering if you''d decided on a watch. I''m beginning to think about a watch for myself. I just love the ones you posted. I too like the tank look but wonder about paying so much for quartz. Also my husband thought that the tank didn''t look as nice on my small wrist as the round.

It''s time to start another thread in the jewelry forum on watches....there are just so many options to review before buying.

 

[Gypsy]

We bought my watch!!!!

Here's the scoop.

This citizen looks the most like a higher end watch. But it's got crystals, not diamonds. although the crystals look better than the real diamond 'chips' in the one below :
http://www.worldlux.com/cgi-bin/navigate.cgi?brand=CITI&model=Palidoro&dept=WATCH&collect=Palidoro&filter=

This Citizen, while pretty with its Mother of Pearl face and containing real diamonds, has 'chips' and when compared to the higher end watches it's meant to emulate (see the Baume Mercier and Longines I posted) it looks, well... like an inexpensive knock off.
http://www.bluedial.com/EW9460-58D.htm

So I got the coach Madison with the silver face, and I love it. I like the fact that it's made by Movado and it feels right on my wrist. The only thing I don't like about the watch is it's clasp, which isn't the same as the ones that, even when open, remain a bracelet. But otherwise, I've been staring at my wrist all day (I'm wearing it) and I'm really happy. It's very practical, classic and elegant. Won't have pics till next weeks.

http://www.coach.com/content/product.aspx?product_no=7173&category_id=48


DiamondSeeker:
The Macy's I was at had Baume Mercier and Longines... the same ones that are in this thread, and I was able to try them on and compare them to the citzens and there is NO comparision when the watch has diamonds in it. I perfered the Baume mercier to the Longines, my mother has the Longines, and Baume Mercier has a slightly larger face and its a nicer. The Baume and the Longines had 'real' diamonds and they were VERY VERY elegant.

Without diamonds... just stainless... well, it's a little more subjective as to which is appreciably nicer.