I need a little help from the fine members here. Women’s watch query.

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My wife and I are celebrating 40 years together in March. I wrongfully thought that I could get her the watch she fell in love with. I was wrong. It seems that the stainless steel Rolex craze is also affecting the inventory of women’s models at Rolex ADs. I would appreciate any suggestions with regards to other brands. I simply can’t see anything remotely appealing in a similar configuration 26-29mm, stainless steel, 3 hand mechanical on a bracelet) to these models…Thanks in advance for your kind suggestion!
 
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IMHO, if it is not what she fell in love with then don’t.

(Personal experience!)
 
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Is pre-owned an option? Thinking in your case an older model OP is better than another brand alternative.
 
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Is pre-owned an option? Thinking in your case an older model OP is better than another brand alternative.
Being Canadian, I was really trying hard to avoid dealing with a cross border purchase for this particular gift.
 
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Similar to 2 above: What I did for my wife was convince her that she preferred a discontinued model. She was after a similar OP until I showed her a previous generation and pointed out some of the differences I knew she would prefer. She was after the OP in Tiffany Blue, freakin' hard to get, but ended up loving the previous gen YM because of the red second hand. Thats all it took, a red seconds hand. Sooo....show her a few models you know you can get your hands on and see if there are any she may prefer for some reason that may be odd to you. (And yes, I had to find a full set that looked new)

If not, bite the bullet, if she wants it and you get her something else it will sit on the shelf glaring at you instead of being worn.
 
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If possible maybe go to an AD with exhibition models and have her try on an OP 34mm. If she likes it maybe go for something like the recently discontinued 114200. White dial makes it extremely versatile and having it a slightly larger case diameter will make it more "liquid" God forbid you would ever have to sell it in a pinch.
 
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I know this is in a different ballpark looks and style wise but she might like a Cartier Ballon Bleu.



My wife has a pink dialled Rolex Datejust in 31mm and has recently bought the Ballon Bleu and absolutely loves it. It’s really stylish and quite versatile just like the Datejust or OP.
 
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I know this is in a different ballpark looks and style wise but she might like a Cartier Ballon Bleu.



My wife has a pink dialled Rolex Datejust in 31mm and has recently bought the Ballon Bleu and absolutely loves it. It’s really stylish and quite versatile just like the Datejust or OP.

I was just about to post “Have her look at a Ballon Bleu” but you beat me to it.

It’s a beautiful watch, much better looking than the Rolex OP. You can get it with a pink mother-of-pearl dial that is simply stunning. My wife has one on her list for her next watch, but she wants the two tone.

There are also other great Cartier models as well (the Tank, the Panthere).

But if she really, really wants the Rolex, get her the Rolex. There are plenty of used ones out there in the 28mm to 34mm size that can be found — still overpriced for what it is, but available.
 
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Faz Faz
My wife and I are celebrating 40 years together in March. I wrongfully thought that I could get her the watch she fell in love with. I was wrong. It seems that the stainless steel Rolex craze is also affecting the inventory of women’s models at Rolex ADs. I would appreciate any suggestions with regards to other brands. I simply can’t see anything remotely appealing in a similar configuration 26-29mm, stainless steel, 3 hand mechanical on a bracelet) to these models…Thanks in advance for your kind suggestion!

one other question. Does your wife REALLY want a mechanical watch, or is it you who wants to get her a mechanical watch? It’s really something to consider. My wife prefers quartz because she doesn’t have to fuss with keeping the watch running since she doesn’t wear one all the time. If she does want the mechanical, then the Rolex is probably your only option. The Cartiers mentioned earlier are all quartz at the sizes she wants, I think.
 
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Faz Faz
My wife and I are celebrating 40 years together in March. I wrongfully thought that I could get her the watch she fell in love with. I was wrong. It seems that the stainless steel Rolex craze is also affecting the inventory of women’s models at Rolex ADs. I would appreciate any suggestions with regards to other brands. I simply can’t see anything remotely appealing in a similar configuration 26-29mm, stainless steel, 3 hand mechanical on a bracelet) to these models…Thanks in advance for your kind suggestion!

Faz, what did you decide? What will be your lovely bride’s 40th anniversary gift?
 
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I think … if that’s the watch she wants, place an order if you can. Give her a card with the pic.
 
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Bob’s Watches has one in blue.