Budget up to around 3-4k

[Asterix]

As I'm about to drop close to 5k on an engagement ring - the missus said she's like to get me something in return - I was in the process of buying a new set of golf clubs at the time and she ventured to pay or them - nice idea but given time they will become and old set of golf clubs and not really something a memento of the time.

I ummed and arred and decided on a watch. Coz I like them

My everyday watch is a TAG Carrera and I'd like something that is still smart but is more harder wearing and more water resistant. So... I've been thinking of the following...

Omega Speedmaster Moon watch
Rolex Submariner or Sea Dweller
IWC Pilot (not sure of the model number)
or something else along those lines.

Did think of Panerai but I have medium to slim wrists and they may look a bit too large.

You're thought please.

Now I know the above are at different price brackets - but that's not the point - I want to give her the choice so she still has the final say and is a gift from her - I'm just pointing her in the right direction as I'm a fussy bugger.

Pictures would be most appreiciated so I can forward them to her.

Thanks in advance chaps.

J

[cottonfoo]

The 40mm Panerais may work, I like you don't have wrists like thighs, but you'll need to try them on to be sure.

Steve.

[Hunttheshunt]

Sub or IWC

[bigsi]

All great watches, how about targeting a special edition or unusual version, from the year you get/got engaged? IWC do the Exupery limited in gold(s) or stainless, not impossible to get and rather nice!
Also did you check out the Chopard Mille Miglia range?

regards

[Don1]

Personally I'd like a Zenith 'Open', and would like to think it's a nice item...

[lowdrag]

I have an IWC Spitfire chrono I bought six months back and so far it has proved waterproof and accurate. However, compared to my Breitlings it is somewhat lightweight and I am not sure it is going to stand the test of time like my Superocean for example. I love the style and they are watches you don't often see but since your specification includes toughness I am hesitant to recommend it long term. My Breitlings are years old with never a problem and possibly this will be too though. Only time will tell.

[kippax]

Definately the Rolex Submariner for me just look at it http://www.rolex.com/en/collection/rolex-gallery/s... best price i've found is £3799.


H

[pastrana72]

Rolex Millguass would be first choice, unfortunatly getting one is tricky as they appear to have a waiting list already

But for 3 - 4K choice is huge, IWC, Panerai, Bell&Ross.

Choose with the heart and not the head, Hope you get a stunning and Special Watch.

Good Luck.

[CmdrBond]

Out of the list, either the Omega Speedmaster (but I think they are a little to similar in style to the Carrera, which incidentially is my everyday watch also) or the IWC.

Go onto the IWC website and you can order the 2008 catalogue which comes with a authorised retailer list and price list.

Good luck and let us know how it goes

[Asterix]

Thanks guys. All comment much appreciated - going to have a look at some others over the weekend as well.

[Wadeski]

either IWC or Sub...

[dom9]

I have a black Rolex Submariner, non date and a 42mm IWC Spitfire Chrono...

The Rolex has never let me down and I love it as an everyday watch... The Spitfire has been repaired twice in the last 18 months and you need fairly big wrists to pull off the 42mm case in my opinion. I expect your missus would consider the Rolex more 'special' as she has probably heard of them, would she consider IWC to be the same? It might swing the decision being that it is the equivalent of an engagement ring!?

Good luck, whatever you choose - I am sure you will love it!

[Asterix]

dom9 said:

I have a black Rolex Submariner, non date and a 42mm IWC Spitfire Chrono...

The Rolex has never let me down and I love it as an everyday watch... The Spitfire has been repaired twice in the last 18 months and you need fairly big wrists to pull off the 42mm case in my opinion. I expect your missus would consider the Rolex more 'special' as she has probably heard of them, would she consider IWC to be the same? It might swing the decision being that it is the equivalent of an engagement ring!?

Good luck, whatever you choose - I am sure you will love it!

I hadn't thought about the brand recognition aspect - you're right, she'll never have heard of IWC and anything like that - even the moonwatch was new to her.

[BigAlinEmbra]

I'd go for something classic and non-chrono seeing you've already got a chrono. Also, I think that chronos tend to date more, as very often their design is a bit more "fashion" dictated.

Don't know what it is, but there's something about Rolex's I'm just not keen on.

I'd maybe be tempted by something vintage like this boy...


Then again I wouldn't buy one now as I inherited one just like it. I do think it's a beautiful classic design though. New constellations don't really do it for me either.

[Asterix]

I'd love to look at something vintage but apart from waiting until I'm back in the UK in the summer then I don't trust anyone here in Dubai.

[BigAlinEmbra]

Waiting 3 months for a watch that's going to last a lifetme is hardly the end of the world though is it?
Not like you're a bird and have to get the ring on your finger pronto.

[Asterix]

I'm with you Big but trust me, coming back to the UK for two weeks and I have to do over 1,000 miles just to get round and see the family, go to a wedding, get some relaxing time - I'm not going to have the time to mooch around for a watch - I'd love to!

[Irish]

cottonfoo said:

The 40mm Panerais may work, I like you don't have wrists like thighs, but you'll need to try them on to be sure.

Steve.

Would be my choice. Starting the hunt for a PAM 123

[andy tims]

Hunttheshunt said:

Sub or IWC

Sea Dweller or IWC, or Bell & Ross.

If it were me, I'd get 2 good pre-owned watches then you could ring the changes.

[Stitch]

five grand on a ring!!!!!!!!!!!!