Watch for the missus - Rolex or JLC?

[Shaoxter]

First time wandering over to this sub forum... I'm looking at getting a nice watch for my wife, around £10-15k mark. It will be her first expensive watch (probably entry level by PH standards ).

Seen these two and she really liked them for different reasons: Rolex because it's a Rolex and there's lots of choices for the faces, bezel, bracelet etc. but the JLC is just so elegant and looks even better in real life than in person. Not sure if the JLC will be suitable for a daily wear though?

https://www.rolex.com/watches/datejust/m279383rbr-...

http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/eu/en/watches/rend...

Any other suggestions also welcome!

[CRB14]

Probably the Rolex of the two. Have you looked at Cartier? The Tank is a classic but being square isn’t for everyone.

I’d think you should be able to score a big discount on the Rolex

[Shaoxter]

That's going to be my next question actually - how and where do I get discounts? Just walk into WoS and ask for a discount?

[Dicky Knee]

I was going to buy a Rolex for Mrs Knee but she didn't like them! Ended up with a Cartier which she loves. Lots of choice given the budget. Patek Philippe, Omega with lots of diamonds, Chanel?, Blancpain. If you are close to London a morning in NewBond Street window shopping would cover most brands.

it's worth mentioning that Dom Hackett is well worth a call once you know what you want. I and many other PHers have bought watches through him. Service and prices are excellent.

[julesGB]

If buying a JLC speak to Dom Hackett - you can contact him via his PH profile or his web site.

I bought a JLC Reverso Duetto for my wife and Dom was a total gent, and saved a chunk off list price too

[steve2]

Definitely look at Cartier as I think they look very elegant , so much so I bought the wife a Tank last year

[CRB14]

Shaoxter said:

That's going to be my next question actually - how and where do I get discounts? Just walk into WoS and ask for a discount?

Could be worth checking the grey dealer. This isn’t the exact watch but it seems a reasonable discount. I’ve bought from them before for my Omega and the service was excellent. You could probably chip a little more off too.

https://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-lady-datejus...

https://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-lady-datejus...

https://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/rolex-lady-datejus...

[griff7]

Shaoxter said:

First time wandering over to this sub forum... I'm looking at getting a nice watch for my wife, around £10-15k mark. It will be her first expensive watch (probably entry level by PH standards ).

Seen these two and she really liked them for different reasons: Rolex because it's a Rolex and there's lots of choices for the faces, bezel, bracelet etc. but the JLC is just so elegant and looks even better in real life than in person. Not sure if the JLC will be suitable for a daily wear though?

https://www.rolex.com/watches/datejust/m279383rbr-...

http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/eu/en/watches/rend...

Any other suggestions also welcome!

I bought my wife the 26mm with mother of pearl face from watches of Switzerland at Heathrow airport when we flew out to Dubai and it is a beautiful watch.You can get them to order it in for you before you fly as its a normal stock model.With a 20% saving on duty as well its worth thinking about.

[Koln-RS]

I thought, these days, it was cooler and more fashionable for women to wear men's watches - 'ladies' watches being for the older set?

Obviously not too big, but Rolexes - 36mm and 40mm - work well, and bought sensibly, should be financially prudent.

[critical mass]

JLC all the way. No contest

[Miopyk]

For £15k you could get 1 of each then she'll have the best of both worlds

[LaurasOtherHalf]

There are many watches prettier than a datejust but personally I feel that JLC isn’t one of them-not that that matters to you though!

When I bought my wife a watch however, I insisted it must be worn daily (what’s the point in owning beautiful things in a safe?!) and it’s hard to beat a Datejust for that. So that’s what I bought her.

It’s very unpopular on PH to admit it but it’s a Rolex too and like it or not, that means something to a lot of people.

[Graemsay]

How about an A Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin?

The case diameter is 37 mm, so should work on a smaller wrist, and they're a very pretty piece, especially from the back.



Lange are considered up there with Patek, and this is their entry level (at around £10K) piece. I like it an awful lot.

Hodinkee have a value proposition and a week on the wrist if you want more reading.

[Shaoxter]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice, anything larger than 32mm won't really work, her wrist is very slim.
Still weighing up the options and have contacted Dom who's been helpful so thanks for the recommendation there.

[Graemsay]

Buy her the Lange, and when it turns out to be too big, keep it for yourself.

If you're worried about size, take your wife along to 155 Regent Street, Selfridges, or Harrods, and let her try things on. Watches are very personal, so see what she thinks works for her.

[DJMC]

How about a DJ31?...




This is the one she had last year (bottom), and me a DJ41 (top)...

https://www.rolex.com/watches/datejust/m178343-001...