[firstechelon]

Hello - I am fairly new at this watch thing, but it seems enjoyable. I would like to buy a watch for my girlfriend for our 4 year anniversary. I believe this is probably the last chance I'll get to spend money on her before I actually have to start spending some real money on her, if you know what I mean

Commitment aside, I'm looking in the ~$500 range. I have been struggling to prevent myself from projecting my own interests on her, and in this struggle, I decided to turn to others, better than myself. I spent quite some time looking at watches with her, and this appears to be her criteria:

1. The case must be large, 35 mm at a minimum. It is very difficult to find non-fashion women's watch in this size, but she wouldn't even look at watches in the 20 mm range
2. It must have Arabic numerals on the face. Even if it's only 12 3 6 9
3. She does not like the tank style
4. She does not like two-tone bands
5. She says she either wants a steel band, or a "distressed leather" style band, although I am not sure what that means. Whether that means a vintage watch is in the realm of possibility is unclear, although I doubt she'd go for it
6. Quartz movement is probably a must, as I cannot see her enjoying winding a watch
7. She is a school teacher, so it probably shouldn't be too terribly flashy

The watches she liked the most were the Michael Kors 'Blair' Watch and the Victorinox 'Chrono Classic'

I would like to get her a respectable watch brand, but ultimately, I want her to like the watch. After difficulty finding any Seikos, Citizens, or Casios she liked, I thought I would turn to the experts to see if any suggestions could nudge me in the right direction.

Thanks for your time.

 

[downtempo76]

Welcome to WUS Affordables firstechelon!

In a recent thread I suggested this Nautica, made by Timex I believe, which looks a bit like the VSA she likes. The strap is pink, but the standard lugs make it easy to change the strap for something she'd like.

Here's a link to the other thread, maybe it will help you out a bit.

 

[firstechelon]

Thanks, Simon. That is right on the money, stylewise. Honestly, it's a little on the cheaper end of what I was thinking I would spend, though. Very nice find.

-Andy

 

[tissotgirl]

Tissot PR50. I love these, although I like the roman numeral faces. Check ebay, there are quite a few on there right now.

 

[firstechelon]

This is awesome. I love the Tissots, and I think they are right up her alley. I found a really great one on Amazon that has just about everything she's looking for. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

Watch Information
Brand Name:	Tissot
Model number:	TIST0502171605200
Part Number:	TIST0502171605200
Item Shape:	round
Dial window material type:	antireflective-sapphire
Display Type:	analog
Clasp:	Buckle
Case material:	stainless-steel
Case diameter:	35 millimeters
Case Thickness:	10 millimeters
Band material:	calfskin
Band length:	womens-standard
Band width:	19 millimeters
Band Color:	black
Dial color:	black
Bezel material:	stainless-steel
Bezel Function:	stationary
Calendar:	Date
Special Features:	chronograph
Movement:	Quartz
Water resistant depth:	99 Feet
Warranty Type:	Contact seller of record

 

[tissotgirl]

Congratulations! That is a nice watch. I love my Tissots (obviously) and am happy to spread the love! I hope she enjoys it and wears it in good health!

 

[johnnylin]

I was in the same boat just a few weeks ago. My girlfriends birthday was coming up and I wanted to surprise with something cool, so I decided a while ago I'd go with a watch but I didn't know what kind I wanted or anything so it sounds like you're a little ahead of where I was. I looked around and found this website Best Women's Watches for the Money 2012 - 2013 - Designer, Fashion, Luxury and I was expecting to spend a lot more but found some pretty good deals. I'm a newbie to watch buying so I don't know what other advice to give you or where to send you, but I hope you get a good watch she's happy with.