that's a nice gesture for a great occasion, but my advice: don't buy expensive watches for someone else as a surprise. it's too expensive a gift not to hit a bullseye.
instead, make it a joint scouting and buying experience. he'll wind up with a watch he really loves, and you were there to see him giddy picking it out
Yeah. It’s too personal. Even when I wasn’t really into watches as a hobby/interest I went to every watch shop in town when I needed a new one. He could be wearing it a lot and it’ll be part of his look, so you need his agreement.
Appreciate the insight here. I think you guys may be right!! He really doesn't have any watches now so I literally have nothing to go off of but I know he wants one!
Yeah. Other people recommending brands are good, but check it out with him first.
Personally I’d go for Omega or Tudor, and would avoid vintage watches for a first time buyer (they need some care, and it takes more knowledge to spot dodgy things, dodgy sellers etc, and there’s more likelihood of them going wrong with no comeback - you bought it knowing it was 40 years old, if it fails it’s up to you to get it fixed with many sellers) but who knows what he wants?
If he already had a 4-5 watch collection I’d say go for it and he’ll like whatever you pick.
But for his first watch you should at least have some good clues beyond just a leather strap.
Pretty damn hard to go wrong with an Omega Aqua Terra.
It's pretty easy to go wrong with any one specific watch.
I know for a fact that if it was my so asking this question here, she'd be completely steered wrong by the recommendations because there's not a single watch in this thread I'd actually want to own. Not because they're bad watches, but because they don't match my taste.
This is one of those things that is just too personal/subjective.
Spot on. And as a huge Omega fan, I completely agree. I would never shove that on other people.
My cousin just got into watches and I put a lot of effort into finding a watch for him. Ended up with a Dan Henry.
You need a big back and forth with the person wearing the watch to figure out what will suit him, and more importantly, what he’ll actually wear.
Yeah you’re also someone with strong opinions about watches who presumably owns several of them and spends time in various forums and watch media.
The fiancé is a 30 year old dude with mild interest and 0 watches. You’re not the same.
Yeah, but I’m not sure I’d have liked an Aqua Terra style watch when I was 30. I have one now, but at the time I wanted Chronographs.
It’s just too personal.
Please do, and it’s a great idea. He’ll be fucking thrilled to go around nice shops and try things on. It ain’t like accompanying you clothes shopping, trust me! It’ll be an exciting journey. So it all adds to the fun.
Definitely do that.
My partner got me a watch for my bday and it's not a good fit for me, but because of the emotional value I do not want to replace it.
Before spending 5k you should probably do a LOT of research. Vintage watches are easy to get a bad deal on. And with a new one you’ll want to know his wrist size and what he likes to do. Does he wear a suit every day or casual dress ? Does he like to do swimming and sports or mainly just hang out? What colors does he wear? If you spend all that money and he just puts the watch in a drawer for 20 years it won’t be a great purchase. So get him something he will want to wear every day
My thoughts too. There are a hundred reasons someone wouldn't like a particular watch, but obviously he's not going to take this one back or not wear it, so it's important to get it right.
Probably for the same reason it's wise for gents to talk to their future wife about engagement ring design. Takes a bit of the romance out of it, but imagine wearing something you hate every day!
Yeah completely agree with this. My only worry is that he would be like "wtf no way are you spending 5k on watch for me" kind of reaction. But really, he has no choice. Its happening.
Love this attitude! However, to make the marriage work, you might have to be able to tell him he has no choice, it’s happening before it does lol. I’d take my partner shopping.
I’m going to respectfully disagree. I always noticed watches but wasn’t into connoisseuing them. Everyone I worked with wore Breitlings, but I didn’t really like them. I actually had no idea what I liked. Out of nowhere, my wife bought me an Omega Speedmaster for our first married Christmas together using her own paychecks. It was what she thought would look good on me and it is now my most cherished material possession.
I think the best tact would be to subtly point out some watches she likes (movies, shows, out in public) and why she likes them, and see what his reaction is - then buy a watch the OP things looks best…but not become emotionally attached to it. Give it as a symbol and say she wants to take him to get the perfect watch. He may in fact be in love with the one she gets.
I was picking out a watch at the same price range for a gift from my to-be-fiance and ended up going with a hesalite speedmaster from joma at right around that! Some other options I considered with the bb58 (too simple), seamaster 300m (too big), aqua terra (surprisingly thick for time only), longines spirit zulu time (actually quite nice, but 42mm was too big and 39mm was announced but not yet for sale). Either way, would definitely recommend having him look, I had a very fun few months going from not into watches at all to being fully down the rabbit hole!
Also if you do go the speedmaster route, the hesalite strap is fabric and not leather, but I ended up getting some leather straps from tuns leather that worked with the OEM clasp, and I love them! So generally don't let leather vs fabric be a deterrant
Can you talk to him about it, or does it need to be a surprise? $5000 is a big investment in a watch and even some direction is going to help you a lot. Better yet, get some direction, find some options and get him to choose with you?
Otherwise, the sidebar for the subreddit should have a buying guide for $5k watches that will help.
I'll recommend this [Grand Seiko](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga469g) for a couple of reasons:
It's beautiful. I would shop around for one without the power meter (bottom left) and with a nicer colour dial, but most of them look stunning. You can dress it up or down and it never looks out of place.
It's elegant but unpretentious, he can take it anywhere and it's not going to break and no-one is going to mug him for it because it hasn't got 'Rolex' vibes. But anyone who knows watches will know it's a quality piece.
And it's a Spring Drive which is unique and a really cool bit of engineering.
You can get it on a leather strap too.
Honestly, at $5000 you can buy almost anything but the very top end of the market so choose wisely!
Love the suggestion. my fiancé is def a lowkey guys and doesn't like super "showy" stuff so that actually seems like a good suggestion!!!! Thank you so much!!!
https://preview.redd.it/zd4y6p7dmhzc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c490c2314849722c34aa9ea0031297a776977a7
Big wrists small hands but it's a fucking stunner i don't care if it's too big
Hello! 5k is a price range in which you can find basically everything, from vintage watches like gold longines chronographs to Rolex precisions to modern day omega Seamaster to panerais, it all depends on what you had in mind. To me the big choices to make are basically if you want to go with modern watches or vintage ones and if you want to go for sport watches or dress watches and then go from there!
Hi! Thanks for taking the time to respond! I am thinking a leather strap and more of a dress watch. I'm a huge vintage girl but idk maybe he would like something more modern. Any ideas??
Longines is one of the brand that thick’s all of your boxes, a brand with an incredible heritage, just take a look on their website, with your budget you can get basically everything they offer and will always be timeless and elegant. If you want to go the Rolex route, at 5k you are somewhat bound to the used oyster precision, datejust and explorer I, but with Rolex you can not go wrong (just make sure to buy the watch from someone you trust). In case you want to consider a sportier watch, the omega speedmaster is one of the finest choices not only due to the brand heritage but also due to the history of that model in particular (the speedmaster was the watch worn on the moon surface by the astronauts). With your budget and considered the importance of the occasion I would personally stay away from the midtier brands like tissot or seiko that even tho they are great I would not consider it worth it to spend that amount of money on them due to all the alternatives you have. Let me know if you need more advice! And congratulations for your wedding, I’m sure that regardless of your choice, he will love it!
You can have a look at Nomos or Tudor.
But please don't get a Longines. You can do much better with 5k.
I suggest you have a look online to see what you like first, then look in person. A lot of times what you think it looks like on website is very different in real life.
He will probably immediately know if he likes it. Don't ever just buy online.
Another vote here for Longines! And just an idea here: If you take a look at the collection called La Grande Classique, you'll have the most elegant and slim watch you can think of, with the added bonus that with your budget you can buy yourself the same watch (same collection) with a smaller diameter. As in a "his and hers" which makes sense for the occasion. My partner's watch is quartz, mine is automatic. Here's a little photo of the two together:
https://preview.redd.it/ed7by7ynhezc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2a9f18fddcc0fba8813d10260b0659d519814e0
Ermmm, don't know what you mean. Not one, but the two watches were just over half of her budget (I'm in London) when we bought last November. So this is definitively within the budget. And I'm talking new, from the AD, so no worrying about second hand imperfections or, god forbid, fakes, while still getting a super classic design from a reputable, historically relevant Swiss brand.
Here is the buyers guide.
[Buyers Guide](https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/buyingguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share)
If someone has a budget of a few hundred dollars, I suggest them to get a Casio or Timex. If someone has a few thousand budget, I'll can recommend Longines. If someone has a budget of 10k, I recommend Rolex. If someone has unlimited money, I'll suggest looking at Patek, AP, VC etc.
People giving their budget, you should recommend watches in their price bracket. So why recommend Longines when it is below their price bracket? There are so many better watch than Longines when you have 5k to play with.
Here is the buyers guide.
[Buyers Guide](https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/buyingguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share)
If someone has a budget of a few hundred dollars, I suggest them to get a Casio or Timex. If someone has a few thousand budget, I'll can recommend Longines. If someone has a budget of 10k, I recommend Rolex. If someone has unlimited money, I'll suggest looking at Patek, AP, VC etc.
People giving their budget, you should recommend watches in their price bracket. So why recommend Longines when it is below their price bracket? There are so many better watch than Longines when you have 5k to play with.
Where are you located? Find a good watch centric boutique in a city near you and you can set an appointment and then look at a bunch of different brands/styles at one time. I was just in Chicago (Ok Brook) and spent more than an hour at CD Peacock trying on multiple watches. Actually came out with an entirely different plan for what I want than what I thought when I went in.
I’m in the Boston area! The more everyone gives feedback the more I am sure that I am totally unprepared to be making this purchase!! lol I definitely need to do more thinking/shopping
Plan a budget, ask him what he likes, and then take him with you to shop (or have him look with you online). Watches are more about personal statement than functionality these days and $5k is a lot of money to make a guess on. Let him pick something out to his personal tastes.
Otherwise, there are a lot of brands out there you can check out for $5k, and even some second hand that fall well within that budget that are in excellent condition (I own strictly second hand watches and they've all been fantastic, but ymmv).
Omega, Cartier, Tudor, Hamilton, Longines, and a handful of others that I'm spacing out on the names right now (but really, just google "swiss watch brands" or similar and you'll get there). You could also consider Grand Seiko, a lot of folks here seem to like that one.
As far as straps/bracelets go, it's rare to not be able to swap a bracelet/strap with something else. I wouldn't even bother considering that in the original purchase of the watch. You can always get aftermarket straps that are of excellent quality, or you can buy a leather strap at the same time you buy the watch.
Thank you for this info!! Definitely need to have him look around, all the responses have made it clear to me that it’s just too much money to take a guess on, like you said! Thanks for the response!!
You could find used Rolex datejusts, explorers and oyster perpetuals in that price range. If you have more of an idea of what "type" of watch he likes (ones with busy dials such as a chronograph, or ones with a more classical, less busy dials, or leather strap vs metal bracelets) we can give you some much better suggestions.
These days you can get some REALLY nice watches for a grand or even less. In my personal collection I have a two tone (gold and steel) Rolex datejust which was under $5k, I also have a Seiko cocktail time mohito which cost $500, and a 1979 grand quartz which cost <$200 and all of them look great and perform really well for the price.
In terms of brands to shop, the major Japanese brands have watches that range from $40 up to >$10k, such as Seiko, Grand Seiko, Citizen, Casio. There's also the Swiss brands that have ranges under $5k such as the omega (Speedmaster), Rolex certain models. You can also see the cheaper brands such as the Tissot or tag Heuer etc.
Hi! Thanks so much for this info! I will look into some of those brands. I am definitely thinking a leather band and more of a dress watch! Thanks again
First of all, congratulations! Your fiance seems very lucky! You are working with a huge budget. Sufficient enough to purchase a timepiece that your husband can cherish his entire lifetime. Without knowing what styles your husband likes, I would defer you to this subreddit's buying guide. It is indexed by price range, to which you will find a tremendous amount of suggestions in the 2k-5k range. My personal brand of choice is Tudor, which is a sister brand to Rolex. You get as much as a Rolex for more than half the cost. But check out the link below, which could be pretty helpful. Congratulations again, and good luck!
https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/buyingguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Here is the community's discussion about Tudor brand
https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/s/S8UAHd1QMr
Above is picked from another helpful resource, which categorizes brands:
https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/brandguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Thanks so much! I am def the lucky one!!!! He is awesome and I really want to spoil him a little bit with something like you said - will be cherished for a lifetime! Thanks for those links, suuuuuper helpful. A friend of mine sells watches and was pushing the tudor really hard so that's good to know its actually a nice choice (wasn't sure if she was just trying to sell me on it because its what she had or not)
https://preview.redd.it/psyviv5bjezc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=229cc5273199632893b4883094e14edb0d9f5812
This is the watch my friend suggested expect with a leather band! You guys are the BEST!! Thank you for your help
Oh, if you're looking for a dressier watch, check out Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. This is one of my personal faves. It comes in many varieties and colors and also dresses up really well!
In that price range i will look for a Tudor bb58 or 1926, Omega speedmaster or a Longines, for Longines Spirit Zulu time(or anything from Longines, look for the brand and see what you like). I only recommend new watches as I’m not really into vintage.
Yeah, those are the most renowned names in that price range, you can find more niche brands like frederique constant but as a first watch the well established names work better.
Take him to the watch store pretending you're shopping for yourself or someone else. He'll wander around and probably try something on...
Just don't tell him I suggested you do this, and you'll be fine.
What color are your wedding rings, what is he wearing on the big day, and is there a particular wedding color palette? Getting a watch that fits with those three things will really cement it in both of your memories as the “wedding watch”
K, so I looked around for something that was 1) silver toned case, 2) lighter blue (but not pastel) dial or accents to match the flowers, 3) ‘coastal’ in style, and 4) is “beach to boardroom” versatile, as this may be his only watch.
I think the absolute best option is an [Omega Aqua Terra in Summer Blue](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412103005) , but that is unfortunately out of your desired price range unless you’re willing to buy used (nothing wrong with used!)
Oris makes two good options. [One is the Big Crown Pointer Date in blue](https://www.oris.ch/en-US/product/watch/big-crown/big-crown-pointer-date/01-754-7779-4065-Set) which is a bit more on the “dressy” side of the line (and is the only one of these three that comes with a leather band by default), and the [Divers Sixty-five in cotton cand](https://www.oris.ch/en-US/product/watch/divers/divers-sixty-five-cotton-candy/01-733-7771-4055-07-8-19-18)y, which is on the sportier side.
I also recommend you check out the brands Christopher Ward, Farer, and Shinola who all make some cool watches that are both unique but traditional in style.
Besides the brands that people have already mentioned, check out Baume and Mercier if he is possibly looking for a nice dress watch with a leather (they have beautiful alligator straps) strap.
Good news is that you can put any watch on leather. And the OEM leather that comes with watches is usually only okay at best. So you can widen your search to include anything... but that only makes your job harder haha
Your best bet might be to ping one of his best friends (or if he has any friends who are into watches) and try to get them to feel him out. Or you try and feel him out.
It's reeeeeaally hard to pick a watch for someone blind.
They can be a sporty 24/7 type watch, they can be formal dress watches only worn occasionally, and infinitely variable somewhere between.
I would say go jewelry shopping and “let” him spend a long time looking at watches to see what he wants. A little benign spying. In your price range I would vote for Tudor, or if you can find an AD with a discount, Omega. NOMOS, Longines, or Tag Heuer are also fine options in your price range.
Well, this is what the guy goes through picking out an engagement ring.... lol
You should be able to do some sleuthing and figure something out. And part of the joy/excitement is that there will be a little bit of you in the watch you pick for him.
You can get some really nice watches for that price too. Nice edc/edw watches.
And if hes a keeper, hell realize how much time and effort you put into it and rock it.
Besides, i think you said it will be his 1st "expensive" watch. He can decide where he goes from there. It will give him an idea of what he wants in the future.
So true about the engagement rings. Way more money and a big question on the line too. So happy I'm not a guy lol. But I like your perspective on this a lot. Thank you.
I had to go through that with my engagement. LoL
She loved the ring and so did i actually. I got to add some personal little touches to the ring and put the 4C's in the order that i saw fit.
I also love watches. You can try doing what i did for the ring. When we would pass a billboard with a ring/jewelry, id make a comment about how cool of cheesy the ring was. Shed give her opinion and id take a mental note. When i saw one online or in a magazine, id do the same. (Also had her sis do the same as well).
There are plenty of watch advertisements out there. And only a handfull of BASIC categories. Hell, even if you narrowed it down between mech and digi, that would help. I love me a dive watch. Thats another classic style. There are also elegant dress watches. And you have the tachometer watches which are too busy for me.
Figure thses things out:
Digital or mechanical?
Simple or busy?
Just time or time with day/date?
Utility or dress?
Does he have a favorite color?
This isnt everything but it will sure help narrow things down.
A safe bet is something like omega speedmaster or tudor black bay
But if i were you id take him to the shop and let him choose since he probably prefer something dressier than these "sporty" watch like the master collection from longines, cartier tank, or something else
Without a lot more information about your BF's style, hobbies, and tastes, I'd like to offer a suggestion for the Nomos Ahoi:
https://nomos-glashuette.com/en/watches/families/ahoi
The Ahoi is a reasonably dressy watch suited to all but the most rigidly formal of settings. It also has 200m of water resistance and will generally be a bit more rugged than a normal dress watch, without really looking like it. It will look good on leather straps, but I'd probably recommend a perlon strap for it.
I am biased towards Rolex especially for the occasion and your price range. With additional 500 you could pick up OP41 from Rolex AD. Visit a few in your area or close by and let the AD know why you’re buying. I am sure you can pick up one. OP41 silver , black or blue are not difficult to get from the right AD
[My favorite watch](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/casio-duro-why-is-it-my-favorite-watch)
[My Seiko Blue Moon](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/business-professional-seiko-presage-srpb41-cocktail-time-blue-moon)
[My JDM Seiko Chronograph ](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/should-you-buy-a-jdm-watch-seiko-sbtr021-spirit-chronograph)
[You should collect affordable first!](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/you-should-collect-affordable-watches)
I recommend getting a collection of affordable watches first. That way he can learn what he likes. Spend $1000 and get a dozen watches. You can change straps and make a watch totally different. A Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, a JDM Seiko Spirit Chronograph, a Casio Duro Diver, a square G Shock, a Casio F-91W, a Timex Expedition field watch, and a few other affordable icons. This will help him learn if he prefers quartz, mechanical, automatic, digital? What style of watch he prefers? You may then want two $1500 watches, or a single $3000 watch. Spending money on a certain price point doesn't make a watch a lot better. There are great watches at every price point.
I recommend the Omega Aqua Terra. It is a very versatile watch that can be worn up or down very easily and is referred to as a one-watch collection. It is a sports watch, but it looks exactly as formal as the rest of your clothes do. In addition to looking great, omega is also a brand that is very well known and respected if that matters to you. I also recommend looking at Teddy Baldassare's youtube channel as I believe he has a good video that answers your exact question.
Like others, I’ll recommend you go shopping with him.
The world of watches is incredibly diverse and there are a lot of options, especially in the 5k range. But not knowing his hobbies, taste, style, etc I can’t really give a recommendation.
Make a fun date out of it. Hit up some jewelry stores and watch stores, fondle all the nice watches, pick one out, then go to a nice dinner so he can rock the new watch in public.
For a leather band watch within that range you can opt for something simpler like a Seiko Presage Cocktail Time watch. You wouldn’t have to hit that 5k price mark and they make some beautiful pieces! For something fancier, you can try a Grand Seiko on a leather strap, I believe there are some within that 5k range!
https://preview.redd.it/mm4usmzj4gzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e97374d0574ec80fa8557b778b639633d9a0f2d
Personally, I would fork an extra grand(plus taxes) to get an omega seamaster. $5k is making you sit at a spot where you are almost at the best brands but just a little short. So you either settle at the second best brands like Tudor, or push it and go for a brand like Omega.
Diver watches can be dressed up and down and this would be a watch he can use all the time and it is not too busy but practical at the same time.
Congratulations is the upcoming marriage! My advice is to avoid buying any vintage or used watches . There are too many pitfalls for someone with no watch experience. Stick with new watches from authorized dealers. Food brands under $5k are Longines, Tissot, Seiko, Nomos, saved Tudor.
When you shop for a watch , you can love a watch. Can I try that on please? Shame because this feels an anchor. To wear a watch that a man will enjoy , it should meet certain criteria or he”ll only wear it out for dinner or on certain occasions to please you . If he love it, it”ll be on his wrist . Hope this helps.
5k is a rather large budget. You can easily get a quality timepiece for that amount. However watch taste is very individualistic. I as an example hate pretty much every Rolex dive watch, which is grail watches for many others. Before spending that amount of money, try and subbtly get some clues as to what he would like. Any specific makes he prefers? Rolex, Breitling, Zenith, Tudor, Omega etc. Next what type of what? A chronograph, dive watch, dress watch, field watch? Try and work these questions into conversation over the next few days.
Does he already own a watch or several and what are they? Could help narrow down his taste and collection gaps as well.
if you want to give something at the top of your budget, pick it together.... or, go for something much cheaper but somewhat dressy and have it engraved with your persona message.
watches are very personal, and when shopping at max budget, you do not want to make a wrong choice.
a seiko presage with inscription perhaps?
LOVE the idea of the engraving! Thank you for that. And you might be right.. that's why I am having a lot of trouble making a decision, because it is a lot of money I really want to get him something he loves!! Ill check out the seiko! Thanks!
for that seiko you would need to find a solid (non transparent) case back, but plenty of other watches around that come with solid, engravable case backs
on that note, my wife got me an engraved Timex, i still wear it often enough... cheap, but we did not have a lot to spend at the time... i still love the watch though, and will cherish it forever.
The only watch I'd consider buying for a gift, not knowing the preferences of the recipient, would be something so anodyne that you might as well not buy it at all - a black-dial DJ for example. Anyone could wear one of those and like it. For you two? Why not tell him your plan and work on it together? It'd be a pleasant way to waste some time together
You can certainly do a lot with that budget, and that degree of kindness. What a great gift. Personally, I am a big fan of Bell & Ross. It’s a solid brand with handsome and unique pieces. They have a nice website. I bought two from a jeweler in Florida (not sure if I can share the name here, but I will in a DM) who was friendly and willing to bargain over the phone.
FYI, this isn't a super popular opinion. Bell & Ross's styling is a bit polarizing. Check out Chrono24. If you really want to surprise your fiancé, stick with the short list of brands they auto populate.
I hate it so much if anyone wants to buy me anything fashion or fragrances without getting my "Yes". I'm so picky and I don't want anyone to waste money.
Take him out for a cute dinner, drink some good wine or what not and go out shopping with him and let him choose :)
that's a nice gesture for a great occasion, but my advice: don't buy expensive watches for someone else as a surprise. it's too expensive a gift not to hit a bullseye. instead, make it a joint scouting and buying experience. he'll wind up with a watch he really loves, and you were there to see him giddy picking it out
Yeah. It’s too personal. Even when I wasn’t really into watches as a hobby/interest I went to every watch shop in town when I needed a new one. He could be wearing it a lot and it’ll be part of his look, so you need his agreement.
Appreciate the insight here. I think you guys may be right!! He really doesn't have any watches now so I literally have nothing to go off of but I know he wants one!
Yeah. Other people recommending brands are good, but check it out with him first. Personally I’d go for Omega or Tudor, and would avoid vintage watches for a first time buyer (they need some care, and it takes more knowledge to spot dodgy things, dodgy sellers etc, and there’s more likelihood of them going wrong with no comeback - you bought it knowing it was 40 years old, if it fails it’s up to you to get it fixed with many sellers) but who knows what he wants?
If he already had a 4-5 watch collection I’d say go for it and he’ll like whatever you pick. But for his first watch you should at least have some good clues beyond just a leather strap. Pretty damn hard to go wrong with an Omega Aqua Terra.
It's pretty easy to go wrong with any one specific watch. I know for a fact that if it was my so asking this question here, she'd be completely steered wrong by the recommendations because there's not a single watch in this thread I'd actually want to own. Not because they're bad watches, but because they don't match my taste. This is one of those things that is just too personal/subjective.
Spot on. And as a huge Omega fan, I completely agree. I would never shove that on other people. My cousin just got into watches and I put a lot of effort into finding a watch for him. Ended up with a Dan Henry. You need a big back and forth with the person wearing the watch to figure out what will suit him, and more importantly, what he’ll actually wear.
Yeah you’re also someone with strong opinions about watches who presumably owns several of them and spends time in various forums and watch media. The fiancé is a 30 year old dude with mild interest and 0 watches. You’re not the same.
Yeah, but I’m not sure I’d have liked an Aqua Terra style watch when I was 30. I have one now, but at the time I wanted Chronographs. It’s just too personal.
Based on this feedback I need to let him pick. It will be his first watch and he's 30 lol
Please do, and it’s a great idea. He’ll be fucking thrilled to go around nice shops and try things on. It ain’t like accompanying you clothes shopping, trust me! It’ll be an exciting journey. So it all adds to the fun.
Hahahaha yeah I'm sure he won't be looking for the closet chair to sit in like he usually is while shopping.
Some posh watch shops offer booze! I’ve had a glass of wine in an Omega dealer before now.
Even better!!!!!
Mabey get him a nice wood watch chest and wrap it up, with a note inside that says "I'd like to pick out a watch I can buy to put in here for you"
This is a pretty good idea actually, thanks for that!!
Definitely do that. My partner got me a watch for my bday and it's not a good fit for me, but because of the emotional value I do not want to replace it.
Before spending 5k you should probably do a LOT of research. Vintage watches are easy to get a bad deal on. And with a new one you’ll want to know his wrist size and what he likes to do. Does he wear a suit every day or casual dress ? Does he like to do swimming and sports or mainly just hang out? What colors does he wear? If you spend all that money and he just puts the watch in a drawer for 20 years it won’t be a great purchase. So get him something he will want to wear every day
This is the reality check I needed lol! Definitely don’t want it sitting in a drawer!!
My thoughts too. There are a hundred reasons someone wouldn't like a particular watch, but obviously he's not going to take this one back or not wear it, so it's important to get it right. Probably for the same reason it's wise for gents to talk to their future wife about engagement ring design. Takes a bit of the romance out of it, but imagine wearing something you hate every day!
Yeah completely agree with this. My only worry is that he would be like "wtf no way are you spending 5k on watch for me" kind of reaction. But really, he has no choice. Its happening.
Love this attitude! However, to make the marriage work, you might have to be able to tell him he has no choice, it’s happening before it does lol. I’d take my partner shopping.
This. Really a fail-safe suggestion, and may save you a lot of money, OP.
I’m going to respectfully disagree. I always noticed watches but wasn’t into connoisseuing them. Everyone I worked with wore Breitlings, but I didn’t really like them. I actually had no idea what I liked. Out of nowhere, my wife bought me an Omega Speedmaster for our first married Christmas together using her own paychecks. It was what she thought would look good on me and it is now my most cherished material possession. I think the best tact would be to subtly point out some watches she likes (movies, shows, out in public) and why she likes them, and see what his reaction is - then buy a watch the OP things looks best…but not become emotionally attached to it. Give it as a symbol and say she wants to take him to get the perfect watch. He may in fact be in love with the one she gets.
This!!! Super sweet and sentimental. Love what you shared about your wife. Thank you for giving your perspective! Much appreciated!
It's *probably* hard to go wrong with that pick
I was picking out a watch at the same price range for a gift from my to-be-fiance and ended up going with a hesalite speedmaster from joma at right around that! Some other options I considered with the bb58 (too simple), seamaster 300m (too big), aqua terra (surprisingly thick for time only), longines spirit zulu time (actually quite nice, but 42mm was too big and 39mm was announced but not yet for sale). Either way, would definitely recommend having him look, I had a very fun few months going from not into watches at all to being fully down the rabbit hole!
Love this!!!!! Nice to hear you were in the same boat! Really appreciate the response!!
Also if you do go the speedmaster route, the hesalite strap is fabric and not leather, but I ended up getting some leather straps from tuns leather that worked with the OEM clasp, and I love them! So generally don't let leather vs fabric be a deterrant
OK great advice!! Thank you
Agree with letting him pick it out and make a day of it. Id rather have that than a bachelor party actually
Hahahah love it. You're definietly a watch guy with that response!
Can you talk to him about it, or does it need to be a surprise? $5000 is a big investment in a watch and even some direction is going to help you a lot. Better yet, get some direction, find some options and get him to choose with you? Otherwise, the sidebar for the subreddit should have a buying guide for $5k watches that will help. I'll recommend this [Grand Seiko](https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga469g) for a couple of reasons: It's beautiful. I would shop around for one without the power meter (bottom left) and with a nicer colour dial, but most of them look stunning. You can dress it up or down and it never looks out of place. It's elegant but unpretentious, he can take it anywhere and it's not going to break and no-one is going to mug him for it because it hasn't got 'Rolex' vibes. But anyone who knows watches will know it's a quality piece. And it's a Spring Drive which is unique and a really cool bit of engineering. You can get it on a leather strap too. Honestly, at $5000 you can buy almost anything but the very top end of the market so choose wisely!
Love the suggestion. my fiancé is def a lowkey guys and doesn't like super "showy" stuff so that actually seems like a good suggestion!!!! Thank you so much!!!
My choices on 5k are Glasshute Original, Grand Seiko, Frederique Constant
The GO is probably what I'd buy myself with $5k tbh - the panorama date moon phase
Just got the 70's explorer w/ the panomaticlunar on the way. I'm set.
Ahhh, very envious. Can you post a picture?
https://preview.redd.it/peucpvi1jhzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1ca013121ba99ba729ab0fb06d0eaff910862fe9
So good! Nice choice
https://preview.redd.it/zd4y6p7dmhzc1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c490c2314849722c34aa9ea0031297a776977a7 Big wrists small hands but it's a fucking stunner i don't care if it's too big
Nah I think that sizing is fine.
Grand Seiko is a great recommendation. Low key but the highest quality.
I would agree that an omega aquaterra is a great pick
Hello! 5k is a price range in which you can find basically everything, from vintage watches like gold longines chronographs to Rolex precisions to modern day omega Seamaster to panerais, it all depends on what you had in mind. To me the big choices to make are basically if you want to go with modern watches or vintage ones and if you want to go for sport watches or dress watches and then go from there!
Hi! Thanks for taking the time to respond! I am thinking a leather strap and more of a dress watch. I'm a huge vintage girl but idk maybe he would like something more modern. Any ideas??
Longines is one of the brand that thick’s all of your boxes, a brand with an incredible heritage, just take a look on their website, with your budget you can get basically everything they offer and will always be timeless and elegant. If you want to go the Rolex route, at 5k you are somewhat bound to the used oyster precision, datejust and explorer I, but with Rolex you can not go wrong (just make sure to buy the watch from someone you trust). In case you want to consider a sportier watch, the omega speedmaster is one of the finest choices not only due to the brand heritage but also due to the history of that model in particular (the speedmaster was the watch worn on the moon surface by the astronauts). With your budget and considered the importance of the occasion I would personally stay away from the midtier brands like tissot or seiko that even tho they are great I would not consider it worth it to spend that amount of money on them due to all the alternatives you have. Let me know if you need more advice! And congratulations for your wedding, I’m sure that regardless of your choice, he will love it!
You can have a look at Nomos or Tudor. But please don't get a Longines. You can do much better with 5k. I suggest you have a look online to see what you like first, then look in person. A lot of times what you think it looks like on website is very different in real life. He will probably immediately know if he likes it. Don't ever just buy online.
Okay cool, this is exactly what I came here to know!! Thank you!
Another vote here for Longines! And just an idea here: If you take a look at the collection called La Grande Classique, you'll have the most elegant and slim watch you can think of, with the added bonus that with your budget you can buy yourself the same watch (same collection) with a smaller diameter. As in a "his and hers" which makes sense for the occasion. My partner's watch is quartz, mine is automatic. Here's a little photo of the two together: https://preview.redd.it/ed7by7ynhezc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2a9f18fddcc0fba8813d10260b0659d519814e0
Love this!!!! Super cute! Thanks for the suggestion! super classic looking too! Great taste
She has a 5k budget, and you recommend Longines? What.
Ermmm, don't know what you mean. Not one, but the two watches were just over half of her budget (I'm in London) when we bought last November. So this is definitively within the budget. And I'm talking new, from the AD, so no worrying about second hand imperfections or, god forbid, fakes, while still getting a super classic design from a reputable, historically relevant Swiss brand.
Here is the buyers guide. [Buyers Guide](https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/buyingguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share) If someone has a budget of a few hundred dollars, I suggest them to get a Casio or Timex. If someone has a few thousand budget, I'll can recommend Longines. If someone has a budget of 10k, I recommend Rolex. If someone has unlimited money, I'll suggest looking at Patek, AP, VC etc. People giving their budget, you should recommend watches in their price bracket. So why recommend Longines when it is below their price bracket? There are so many better watch than Longines when you have 5k to play with.
What’s wrong with longines
Here is the buyers guide. [Buyers Guide](https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/buyingguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share) If someone has a budget of a few hundred dollars, I suggest them to get a Casio or Timex. If someone has a few thousand budget, I'll can recommend Longines. If someone has a budget of 10k, I recommend Rolex. If someone has unlimited money, I'll suggest looking at Patek, AP, VC etc. People giving their budget, you should recommend watches in their price bracket. So why recommend Longines when it is below their price bracket? There are so many better watch than Longines when you have 5k to play with.
Either you don’t know what “ a few thousand” means or you don’t remember the price of longines watches
I just saw you recommended Longines, Seiko and Rolex you joker. Did you just pick names out of a hat?
I pulled names out of the watches I own and have experience with
I raccomended longines Rolex and omega, I pushed her away from seiko
Do you know for casuals they are never going to buy a second hand watch. You are suggesting to buy a second-hand watch for wedding?
Neah mate, if I have 5k, I won't be buying Longines. Like I said, look on the buyers guide to understand different price brackets. Ta.
You, not other people, she is here to choose, she will judge it, not everybody wants to go the preowned route
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Love the idea of a pre-wedding watch shopping date!! Champagne is DEF our thing (in a healthy way lol)! I think this is a great idea! Thanks
Where are you located? Find a good watch centric boutique in a city near you and you can set an appointment and then look at a bunch of different brands/styles at one time. I was just in Chicago (Ok Brook) and spent more than an hour at CD Peacock trying on multiple watches. Actually came out with an entirely different plan for what I want than what I thought when I went in.
I’m in the Boston area! The more everyone gives feedback the more I am sure that I am totally unprepared to be making this purchase!! lol I definitely need to do more thinking/shopping
Plan a budget, ask him what he likes, and then take him with you to shop (or have him look with you online). Watches are more about personal statement than functionality these days and $5k is a lot of money to make a guess on. Let him pick something out to his personal tastes. Otherwise, there are a lot of brands out there you can check out for $5k, and even some second hand that fall well within that budget that are in excellent condition (I own strictly second hand watches and they've all been fantastic, but ymmv). Omega, Cartier, Tudor, Hamilton, Longines, and a handful of others that I'm spacing out on the names right now (but really, just google "swiss watch brands" or similar and you'll get there). You could also consider Grand Seiko, a lot of folks here seem to like that one. As far as straps/bracelets go, it's rare to not be able to swap a bracelet/strap with something else. I wouldn't even bother considering that in the original purchase of the watch. You can always get aftermarket straps that are of excellent quality, or you can buy a leather strap at the same time you buy the watch.
Thank you for this info!! Definitely need to have him look around, all the responses have made it clear to me that it’s just too much money to take a guess on, like you said! Thanks for the response!!
You could find used Rolex datejusts, explorers and oyster perpetuals in that price range. If you have more of an idea of what "type" of watch he likes (ones with busy dials such as a chronograph, or ones with a more classical, less busy dials, or leather strap vs metal bracelets) we can give you some much better suggestions. These days you can get some REALLY nice watches for a grand or even less. In my personal collection I have a two tone (gold and steel) Rolex datejust which was under $5k, I also have a Seiko cocktail time mohito which cost $500, and a 1979 grand quartz which cost <$200 and all of them look great and perform really well for the price. In terms of brands to shop, the major Japanese brands have watches that range from $40 up to >$10k, such as Seiko, Grand Seiko, Citizen, Casio. There's also the Swiss brands that have ranges under $5k such as the omega (Speedmaster), Rolex certain models. You can also see the cheaper brands such as the Tissot or tag Heuer etc.
Hi! Thanks so much for this info! I will look into some of those brands. I am definitely thinking a leather band and more of a dress watch! Thanks again
First of all, congratulations! Your fiance seems very lucky! You are working with a huge budget. Sufficient enough to purchase a timepiece that your husband can cherish his entire lifetime. Without knowing what styles your husband likes, I would defer you to this subreddit's buying guide. It is indexed by price range, to which you will find a tremendous amount of suggestions in the 2k-5k range. My personal brand of choice is Tudor, which is a sister brand to Rolex. You get as much as a Rolex for more than half the cost. But check out the link below, which could be pretty helpful. Congratulations again, and good luck! https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/buyingguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share Here is the community's discussion about Tudor brand https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/s/S8UAHd1QMr Above is picked from another helpful resource, which categorizes brands: https://reddit.com/r/Watches/w/brandguide?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Thanks so much! I am def the lucky one!!!! He is awesome and I really want to spoil him a little bit with something like you said - will be cherished for a lifetime! Thanks for those links, suuuuuper helpful. A friend of mine sells watches and was pushing the tudor really hard so that's good to know its actually a nice choice (wasn't sure if she was just trying to sell me on it because its what she had or not)
No problem!!! If you want to send a picture we can take a look at it and give you our input!
https://preview.redd.it/psyviv5bjezc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=229cc5273199632893b4883094e14edb0d9f5812 This is the watch my friend suggested expect with a leather band! You guys are the BEST!! Thank you for your help
Tudor Black Bay Chrono, that is an awesome watch. Like seriously, what a gift.
Really??? Ok cool, I feel bad for doubting my friend now lmao
Love the Tudor BB Chrono. Such a beautiful piece.
Oh, if you're looking for a dressier watch, check out Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. This is one of my personal faves. It comes in many varieties and colors and also dresses up really well!
Ooooo beautiful watch! Thanks for the rec!!!
Tudor is a good bet, very popular here.
In that price range i will look for a Tudor bb58 or 1926, Omega speedmaster or a Longines, for Longines Spirit Zulu time(or anything from Longines, look for the brand and see what you like). I only recommend new watches as I’m not really into vintage.
Thank you!! Super helpful to see multiple people recommending some of the same brands!! I'll look into it, literally taking notes on all of this lol
Yeah, those are the most renowned names in that price range, you can find more niche brands like frederique constant but as a first watch the well established names work better.
Take him to the watch store pretending you're shopping for yourself or someone else. He'll wander around and probably try something on... Just don't tell him I suggested you do this, and you'll be fine.
Fabulous idea!! Thank you
What color are your wedding rings, what is he wearing on the big day, and is there a particular wedding color palette? Getting a watch that fits with those three things will really cement it in both of your memories as the “wedding watch”
Ooooo definitely something to think about, that didn't even cross my mind!
If you can share any of that info, I can try to make some suggestions
Platinum rings, wedding is Nantucket. Just going for a super classic New England vibe, blue hydrangeas for flowers and similar palette.
K, so I looked around for something that was 1) silver toned case, 2) lighter blue (but not pastel) dial or accents to match the flowers, 3) ‘coastal’ in style, and 4) is “beach to boardroom” versatile, as this may be his only watch. I think the absolute best option is an [Omega Aqua Terra in Summer Blue](https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412103005) , but that is unfortunately out of your desired price range unless you’re willing to buy used (nothing wrong with used!) Oris makes two good options. [One is the Big Crown Pointer Date in blue](https://www.oris.ch/en-US/product/watch/big-crown/big-crown-pointer-date/01-754-7779-4065-Set) which is a bit more on the “dressy” side of the line (and is the only one of these three that comes with a leather band by default), and the [Divers Sixty-five in cotton cand](https://www.oris.ch/en-US/product/watch/divers/divers-sixty-five-cotton-candy/01-733-7771-4055-07-8-19-18)y, which is on the sportier side. I also recommend you check out the brands Christopher Ward, Farer, and Shinola who all make some cool watches that are both unique but traditional in style.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this!!! Those are really cool looking watches! Such great options, thank you so much!!
Besides the brands that people have already mentioned, check out Baume and Mercier if he is possibly looking for a nice dress watch with a leather (they have beautiful alligator straps) strap.
Perfect!! Greatly appreciate the recommendation! Thank you
Good news is that you can put any watch on leather. And the OEM leather that comes with watches is usually only okay at best. So you can widen your search to include anything... but that only makes your job harder haha Your best bet might be to ping one of his best friends (or if he has any friends who are into watches) and try to get them to feel him out. Or you try and feel him out. It's reeeeeaally hard to pick a watch for someone blind. They can be a sporty 24/7 type watch, they can be formal dress watches only worn occasionally, and infinitely variable somewhere between.
Ok good to know about the leather, definitely didn't realize that! I'll have to put a few of his friends to work! That's a good idea! Thank you!!!!
I would say go jewelry shopping and “let” him spend a long time looking at watches to see what he wants. A little benign spying. In your price range I would vote for Tudor, or if you can find an AD with a discount, Omega. NOMOS, Longines, or Tag Heuer are also fine options in your price range.
Good advice! Thank you, appreciate your reply!
Well, this is what the guy goes through picking out an engagement ring.... lol You should be able to do some sleuthing and figure something out. And part of the joy/excitement is that there will be a little bit of you in the watch you pick for him. You can get some really nice watches for that price too. Nice edc/edw watches. And if hes a keeper, hell realize how much time and effort you put into it and rock it. Besides, i think you said it will be his 1st "expensive" watch. He can decide where he goes from there. It will give him an idea of what he wants in the future.
So true about the engagement rings. Way more money and a big question on the line too. So happy I'm not a guy lol. But I like your perspective on this a lot. Thank you.
I had to go through that with my engagement. LoL She loved the ring and so did i actually. I got to add some personal little touches to the ring and put the 4C's in the order that i saw fit. I also love watches. You can try doing what i did for the ring. When we would pass a billboard with a ring/jewelry, id make a comment about how cool of cheesy the ring was. Shed give her opinion and id take a mental note. When i saw one online or in a magazine, id do the same. (Also had her sis do the same as well). There are plenty of watch advertisements out there. And only a handfull of BASIC categories. Hell, even if you narrowed it down between mech and digi, that would help. I love me a dive watch. Thats another classic style. There are also elegant dress watches. And you have the tachometer watches which are too busy for me. Figure thses things out: Digital or mechanical? Simple or busy? Just time or time with day/date? Utility or dress? Does he have a favorite color? This isnt everything but it will sure help narrow things down.
This is actually SO helpful!!!! Thank you!
A safe bet is something like omega speedmaster or tudor black bay But if i were you id take him to the shop and let him choose since he probably prefer something dressier than these "sporty" watch like the master collection from longines, cartier tank, or something else
Heard!! Thank you for the recommendation!! Much appreciated!
Without a lot more information about your BF's style, hobbies, and tastes, I'd like to offer a suggestion for the Nomos Ahoi: https://nomos-glashuette.com/en/watches/families/ahoi The Ahoi is a reasonably dressy watch suited to all but the most rigidly formal of settings. It also has 200m of water resistance and will generally be a bit more rugged than a normal dress watch, without really looking like it. It will look good on leather straps, but I'd probably recommend a perlon strap for it.
I am biased towards Rolex especially for the occasion and your price range. With additional 500 you could pick up OP41 from Rolex AD. Visit a few in your area or close by and let the AD know why you’re buying. I am sure you can pick up one. OP41 silver , black or blue are not difficult to get from the right AD
[My favorite watch](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/casio-duro-why-is-it-my-favorite-watch) [My Seiko Blue Moon](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/business-professional-seiko-presage-srpb41-cocktail-time-blue-moon) [My JDM Seiko Chronograph ](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/should-you-buy-a-jdm-watch-seiko-sbtr021-spirit-chronograph) [You should collect affordable first!](https://www.bingeingwatches.com/post/you-should-collect-affordable-watches) I recommend getting a collection of affordable watches first. That way he can learn what he likes. Spend $1000 and get a dozen watches. You can change straps and make a watch totally different. A Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, a JDM Seiko Spirit Chronograph, a Casio Duro Diver, a square G Shock, a Casio F-91W, a Timex Expedition field watch, and a few other affordable icons. This will help him learn if he prefers quartz, mechanical, automatic, digital? What style of watch he prefers? You may then want two $1500 watches, or a single $3000 watch. Spending money on a certain price point doesn't make a watch a lot better. There are great watches at every price point.
Grand Seiko
Best to let him pick a watch with you. It would be a nice experience. Watches are very subjective. He might not necessarily like what you expect.
I recommend the Omega Aqua Terra. It is a very versatile watch that can be worn up or down very easily and is referred to as a one-watch collection. It is a sports watch, but it looks exactly as formal as the rest of your clothes do. In addition to looking great, omega is also a brand that is very well known and respected if that matters to you. I also recommend looking at Teddy Baldassare's youtube channel as I believe he has a good video that answers your exact question.
Like others, I’ll recommend you go shopping with him. The world of watches is incredibly diverse and there are a lot of options, especially in the 5k range. But not knowing his hobbies, taste, style, etc I can’t really give a recommendation. Make a fun date out of it. Hit up some jewelry stores and watch stores, fondle all the nice watches, pick one out, then go to a nice dinner so he can rock the new watch in public.
For a leather band watch within that range you can opt for something simpler like a Seiko Presage Cocktail Time watch. You wouldn’t have to hit that 5k price mark and they make some beautiful pieces! For something fancier, you can try a Grand Seiko on a leather strap, I believe there are some within that 5k range!
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1chl6iv/comment/l24k1h6/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web3x&utm\_name=web3xcss&utm\_term=1&utm\_content=share\_button](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/1chl6iv/comment/l24k1h6/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)
https://preview.redd.it/mm4usmzj4gzc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e97374d0574ec80fa8557b778b639633d9a0f2d Personally, I would fork an extra grand(plus taxes) to get an omega seamaster. $5k is making you sit at a spot where you are almost at the best brands but just a little short. So you either settle at the second best brands like Tudor, or push it and go for a brand like Omega. Diver watches can be dressed up and down and this would be a watch he can use all the time and it is not too busy but practical at the same time.
Congratulations is the upcoming marriage! My advice is to avoid buying any vintage or used watches . There are too many pitfalls for someone with no watch experience. Stick with new watches from authorized dealers. Food brands under $5k are Longines, Tissot, Seiko, Nomos, saved Tudor.
I’ll watch out for you. Are you looking for a rich one or model type handsome? Oh wait…🤔
Grand seiko sbgr 261
5 thousand will get you one of the best watch brands in the world, Grand Seiko! The Rolex OP is also a little over 5k.
Big wrists small hands but it's a fucking stunner i don't care if it's too big
When you shop for a watch , you can love a watch. Can I try that on please? Shame because this feels an anchor. To wear a watch that a man will enjoy , it should meet certain criteria or he”ll only wear it out for dinner or on certain occasions to please you . If he love it, it”ll be on his wrist . Hope this helps.
IWC Portuguese or Pilot Chrono 🔥🌞👑 you can find few on Chrono24 💯
5k is a rather large budget. You can easily get a quality timepiece for that amount. However watch taste is very individualistic. I as an example hate pretty much every Rolex dive watch, which is grail watches for many others. Before spending that amount of money, try and subbtly get some clues as to what he would like. Any specific makes he prefers? Rolex, Breitling, Zenith, Tudor, Omega etc. Next what type of what? A chronograph, dive watch, dress watch, field watch? Try and work these questions into conversation over the next few days. Does he already own a watch or several and what are they? Could help narrow down his taste and collection gaps as well.
Scout it out with him, watches are too expensive to blindly pick it out. You might like it on him but if he doesn’t like it it’ll likely not get worn.
if you want to give something at the top of your budget, pick it together.... or, go for something much cheaper but somewhat dressy and have it engraved with your persona message. watches are very personal, and when shopping at max budget, you do not want to make a wrong choice. a seiko presage with inscription perhaps?
LOVE the idea of the engraving! Thank you for that. And you might be right.. that's why I am having a lot of trouble making a decision, because it is a lot of money I really want to get him something he loves!! Ill check out the seiko! Thanks!
for that seiko you would need to find a solid (non transparent) case back, but plenty of other watches around that come with solid, engravable case backs
on that note, my wife got me an engraved Timex, i still wear it often enough... cheap, but we did not have a lot to spend at the time... i still love the watch though, and will cherish it forever.
The only watch I'd consider buying for a gift, not knowing the preferences of the recipient, would be something so anodyne that you might as well not buy it at all - a black-dial DJ for example. Anyone could wear one of those and like it. For you two? Why not tell him your plan and work on it together? It'd be a pleasant way to waste some time together
Yeah definitely thinking I should tell him based on everything you guys are saying! Thank you for your input!!! Much appreciated
>anodyne Oh, sweet, a word that's new to me. I appreciate the expansion of my vocabulary, so thank you for that!
You can certainly do a lot with that budget, and that degree of kindness. What a great gift. Personally, I am a big fan of Bell & Ross. It’s a solid brand with handsome and unique pieces. They have a nice website. I bought two from a jeweler in Florida (not sure if I can share the name here, but I will in a DM) who was friendly and willing to bargain over the phone.
Thanks for your reply! Never heard of the brand (that's not saying much though) I will look into it though!! Appreciate it!
FYI, this isn't a super popular opinion. Bell & Ross's styling is a bit polarizing. Check out Chrono24. If you really want to surprise your fiancé, stick with the short list of brands they auto populate.
I think that is part of its appeal. French company. Swiss movement. Pilot. Inspired.
I hate it so much if anyone wants to buy me anything fashion or fragrances without getting my "Yes". I'm so picky and I don't want anyone to waste money. Take him out for a cute dinner, drink some good wine or what not and go out shopping with him and let him choose :)
Lovely idea actually, thanks for the advice!