My Husband Wants a Watch - Help!

[blushingbride]

Hi All - for our 1st anniversary, my husband has been hinting at wanting a watch. I''d like to keep it under $3K, but I really want to get him something nice seeing as he gave me a Cartier tank watch as my wedidng gift!

He definitely wants a leather strap and wants it to be clean, but modern looking. Some watches I was thinking of were:

Longines

 

[blushingbride]

Tag

 

[blushingbride]

Baume & Mercier

 

[blushingbride]

What other brands our out there that are worth the money and have a similar style?

 

[Lorelei]

How about Omega, Speedmaster and Seamaster I think are some nice styles for guys. Breitling are another good brand.

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Have you checked out NOA watches? Go to Watches, 16.75 Collection, Gents003
LINKI

Good luck!

 

[baby monster]

Ditto on Omega watches - I like DeVille in addition to Seamaster and Speedmaster. Check out Raymond Weil as well.

 

[blushingbride]

Thanks Lorelei and LWD!

I like the NOA watches - what''s the price range?

 

[ladypirate]

A couple of questions:

1. Is he set on a brown leather strap or is he also looking at black leather?

2. Are you sure he wants a white face? Would he be open to other colors there?

3. How big are his hands & wrists? Does he want a big watch or something a bit more subdued?

ETA: Also, does he want a chronograph on it (i.e. a pilot watch) or would he rather it just told time?

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Date: 4/2/2008 4:33:03 PM
Author: blushingbride
Thanks Lorelei and LWD!

I like the NOA watches - what''s the price range?

Your welcome blushingbride!

I believe they are right in your budget of 3k and under -- some models more, some models less.
On the site click on "Where" and type in your state -- it will show retailers who carry the brand...

Good luck !

 

[jewelerman]

I really like my Omega!If I had 3 grand to spend i would make sure that i get an automatic movement rather than a quartz movement.Baumes are nice watches and would own one because they are classic in design.

 

[Sparkster]

How about an IWC? I love the look of them, but I have no idea as to how much they are

 

[Sparkster]

or this one

 

[Sparkster]

Oops - didn''t work....try again

 

[CareBear]

I got my hubby a IWC watch for his birthday last year and he loves it! A lot of IWC watches come in both metal and leather strap.

 

[blushingbride]

Thanks - I never heard of IWC. I like the look of those!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/3/2008 10:56:45 AM
Author: jewelerman
I really like my Omega!If I had 3 grand to spend i would make sure that i get an automatic movement rather than a quartz movement.Baumes are nice watches and would own one because they are classic in design.

Omega are excellent watches!

www.omegawatches.com for you to check out.

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

Date: 4/4/2008 9:07:15 AM
Author: blushingbride
Thanks - I never heard of IWC. I like the look of those!

I think these are out of the 3k range however --

 

[ladypirate]

Just wanted to throw out there, since I'm still not exactly sure what you're looking for, that watchluxus.com has an awesome database with pretty much all the major brands in there and it allows you to search by 15-20 different parameters.

IWCs and some of the Omegas will definitely be a bit pricier than you're looking for, but it's worth calling around and seeing if any authorized dealers have older models at a discount. You'll save a ton of money by not buying brand new.

Another brand you may want to consider is Bell & Ross--great watches and they have a cool look.

If you're going to go with an Omega, I'd definitely look at the DeVilles based on the "wants it to be clean but modern looking" caveat--I'm guessing that means he's not so into the pilot-style chronos (like the IWC Pilot or the Breitlings). Plus, the DeVilles will probably be a little less expensive due to having less features.

If you live somewhere where there's a good watch shop, maybe go in and try some on with him? Watches are like jewelry--you want to make sure it'll look good on his wrist before plunking down a few grand. Also, you want to make sure he likes it--guys can be really picky about watches.

ETA: Also, whoever said to get an automatic/self winding movement, I totally agree! You could go with hand-wound as well, but most guys who aren't already watch aficionados will probably not want to deal with that.

 

[pennquaker09]

Between Nate and myself, we have 5 Tags and I enjoy the two that I have.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

My DH likes Panerais, although I think they start around $4k. But! If you (or DH) ends up liking Pams, you may want to consider 97-99% condition, slightly used watches at Pam sites likes www.paneristi.com. Another website worth checking out is www.timezone.com.

 

[monarch64]

I love the Tag...DH is a huge fan of Tag Heuer and so am I...I do think the Carrerra you posted looks more modern compared to some others. Good luck in your decision!

 

[Sparkster]

You''ve got the beautiful Tank Watch, why not consider a Ronde Louis Cartier watch (once again not sure of price)

 

[diamondfan]

What about the Baume Mercier Hampton? It is a rectangle, you can get it in stainless with a leather strap. They make a chrono for around 2200.00 retail I think. It is a nice looking simple but elegant watch and can be casual or dressier.

 

[ladypirate]

Date: 4/5/2008 12:05:53 AM
Author: HeartingDiamonds
My DH likes Panerais, although I think they start around $4k. But! If you (or DH) ends up liking Pams, you may want to consider 97-99% condition, slightly used watches at Pam sites likes www.paneristi.com. Another website worth checking out is www.timezone.com.

Panerais are gorgeous--I actually almost suggested that, but I was worried it was too out of budget. I second that idea, though!

 

[~*kalypso*~]

Hi,

Have you looked into Breitling? They''re a bit over $3000 but they are really nice, and a nice watch lasts for such a long time I think. My BF has said he''d like me to get him one as a wedding gift, but not with a leather strap (we''re not even engaged yet so I won''t have to worry for MANY years

).

If you want it "clean" looking, these might not be the ones for you, but I thought I''d just post a pic and you could decide.

This is the Breitling Professional Skyracer:

 

[~*kalypso*~]

Here's a link for a few more examples: http://watchluxus.com/search-watches?search=566,47,29,13&seed=658214258&manufacturer=21
This is a Breitling Navitimer:

 

[lovewhitediamonds]

My DH is really into this watch right now U-BOAT WATCH
Check out the Flightdeck -- which is similar to the pics that have been on this thread...

 

[diamondfan]

Also know that many places will discount or if you buy out of state you save tax. Certain models get higher discounts than others, but it is worth looking into for sure.

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 4/4/2008 9:09:00 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 4/3/2008 10:56:45 AM
Author: jewelerman
I really like my Omega!If I had 3 grand to spend i would make sure that i get an automatic movement rather than a quartz movement.Baumes are nice watches and would own one because they are classic in design.

Omega are excellent watches!

www.omegawatches.com for you to check out.

Hmm...I never considered an Omega...I really do like them. I will definitely keep them as an option.