Need suggestions for wife

Dan S · Oct 20, 2019

For example, there are some colorful divers in MEDIUM-size Squale cases. This one isn't in the greatest condition, but it gives an idea. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Sq...606862?hash=item444910b14e:g:NLsAAOSwUYRdqN7C

Dsloan · Oct 20, 2019

Dan S
Since you are looking at vintage watches, maybe you could be specific about the size watch you are looking for. If she is ok with 36mm, that would open your search to men's divers from the 1960s. Most of the ladies divers are significantly smaller, but the larger ones are more visible.

Sure - I think 36mm would be the largest she could go. She would probably be more comfortable at 32-35mm, but I agree that legibility is compromised a bit when going that small. She is pretty tiny: 4'11" tall.

eugeneandresson · Oct 20, 2019

How about 18mm, automatic, applied metal logo,60's?

(not the one all the way on the right 😉 )...

Edit : mine is also into art/design. She loves the above, as well as her Nomos Neomatic (but thats way more than 500).

Dsloan · Oct 20, 2019

eugeneandresson
How about 18mm, automatic, applied metal logo,60's?

(not the one all the way on the right 😉 )...

I dunno. Come to think of it, what says 'conversarion piece' more than a tiny lady rocking a flightmaster?

But yes, those little Omegas are a nice, classic design with good visibility despite the size. Thanks!

Edit: a 33 or 35mm nomos Orion is a good suggestion, but for the price. And, I think maybe not loud enough for her. Definitely worth keeping in mind if she falls in love with watches, should I be so lucky and should our bank account be so unlucky.

w154 · Oct 20, 2019

You could try Seiko ladies divers. Very good quality autos and pretty cheap. Could make it a bit flashier with a funky strap. I think @Syrte has a good example. Or how about a Sinn. Or those plastic Heuers might make sense ?

Dsloan · Oct 20, 2019

w154
You could try Seiko ladies divers. Very good quality autos and pretty cheap. Could make it a bit flashier with a funky strap. I think @Syrte has a good example. Or how about a Sinn. Or those plastic Heuers might make sense ?

That little Sinn quartz is cool! Hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

w154 · Oct 20, 2019

Dsloan
That little Sinn quartz is cool! Hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

I think it’s not easy to find though, and unless you’re a Sinn nut yourself it doesn’t really make sense. Better to go with one of the Seiko professionals...

https://omegaforums.net/attachments/25b7c5c6-9178-4b6b-a27f-ccbcea71d32e-jpeg.845247/

DaveK · Oct 20, 2019

w154
You could try Seiko ladies divers...

Great idea on Seiko. And consider the men’s larger versions too. You can also get a nice quartz if she’s not into setting the date too often. If she into art, she probably also wears lots of bangles and bracelets so you will end up spending $50/yr on polywatch. Maybe a newer model with a scratch resistant crystal would be best. Include a healthy part of the budget for a nice and interesting strap, a rally strap would be badass

BradleyJ. · Oct 20, 2019

Something with a bezel and having a small wrist is a tough call. I'd definitely scroll thru what seiko has to offer and see if anything catches her eye.

Side note if you are an omega fan, check out sharkmaster watches by helson. They pay homage to the seamaster 300 without (imo) trying to be a replica. They have eta movements and from what I hear they are very well made. However the size may not be in her intrest and the price is probably on the top end if not over. It's been a while since I browsed them. Used were definitely in your price range.

Edward53 · Oct 20, 2019

It needs to coordinate with her other jewellery. But as a married man I'm sure you knew that.

ahsposo · Oct 20, 2019

Edward53
It needs to coordinate with her other jewellery. But as a married man I'm sure you knew that.

Boy, are you the optimist...

dougwhiz · Oct 20, 2019

Aside from no timing bezel, the Gen 1 Dynamics in a ladies version have some stylish and colorful dials, and are in your price range.
My wife is a graphic designer and I've often thought about getting her a companion blue bullseye Dynamic to match mine. But she would rather wear a fitbit over a watch most days. I also like the Stowa Antea back to bauhaus watches, available in several colors besides green, but new would be closer to $900.
You've got to be careful though. If you're wife also becomes a WIS, that will cut your watch buying budget by at least half!

Dsloan · Oct 20, 2019

dougwhiz
Aside from no timing bezel, the Gen 1 Dynamics in a ladies version have some stylish and colorful dials, and are in your price range.
My wife is a graphic designer and I've often thought about getting her a companion blue bullseye Dynamic to match mine. But she would rather wear a fitbit over a watch most days. I also like the Stowa Antea back to bauhaus watches, available in several colors besides green, but new would be closer to $900.
You've got to be careful though. If you're wife also becomes a WIS, that will cut your watch buying budget by at least half!

Thanks for the suggestions! I'd forgotten how fun those vintage Dynamics are. She seemed to really like the dynamic, except she's really set on a timing bezel at the moment.

To your point about budgets - the problem isn't sharing the budget - it's the likelihood that her nascent interest in watches will lead her to realize how much resale value is sitting in my watch box.

Syrte · Oct 21, 2019

ahsposo
@connieseamaster reminded me of this:

WOMENS 1971 RARE BULOVA AUTOMATIC 666 FEET DIVING WRISTWATCH NOS - SERVICED

Wow, this one's unbelievable. And that bracelet !! I only wish it were slightly larger.

I do have a Seiko lady automatic diver, this one's quartz but a very nice model with the gilt detailing around the indexes (not sure what that spotting is though, if it's on the dial or the crystal):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SEIKO-DIVERS-2625-0010-Black-Womens-Watch-Working-1970s-Vintage-Used/254362159435?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item3b392a894b:g:Mc8AAOSwgPNdgI3K&enc=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&checksum=254362159435803a1b3384074e5ebc029b0d55cf4a8e&enc=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&checksum=254362159435803a1b3384074e5ebc029b0d55cf4a8e

My recommendation would be to go with her to try stuff on, to figure out if she wants something sporty or dressy, and what size she might prefer. Seeing it on the wrist always changes the perspective.

Dsloan · Oct 21, 2019

Syrte
Wow, this one's unbelievable. And that bracelet !! I only wish it were slightly larger.

I do have a Seiko lady automatic diver, this one's quartz but a very nice model with the gilt detailing around the indexes (not sure what that spotting is though, if it's on the dial or the crystal):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SEIKO-DIVERS-2625-0010-Black-Womens-Watch-Working-1970s-Vintage-Used/254362159435?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item3b392a894b:g:Mc8AAOSwgPNdgI3K&enc=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&checksum=254362159435803a1b3384074e5ebc029b0d55cf4a8e&enc=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&checksum=254362159435803a1b3384074e5ebc029b0d55cf4a8e

My recommendation would be to go with her to try stuff on, to figure out if she wants something sporty or dressy, and what size she might prefer. Seeing it on the wrist always changes the perspective.

Thanks! I tried talking her into a vintage Bulova or Seiko diver, but she is eyeing some wacky little scuba swatches at the moment.

Hopefully this will be a fun entry point for her. At the very least, she asked about the difference between a chronograph and a timing bezel, which is the most interest she's ever shown for this hobby.

Dan S · Oct 21, 2019

Dsloan
Thanks! I tried talking her into a vintage Bulova or Seiko diver, but she is eyeing some wacky little scuba swatches at the moment.

Hopefully this will be a fun entry point for her. At the very least, she asked about the difference between a chronograph and a timing bezel, which is the most interest she's ever shown for this hobby.

I would try to steer her away from pin-lever movements, which were really common in "disposable" 1970s diver-style watches.

michael22 · Oct 21, 2019

My wife likes the midsize Seikos. She finds the ladies size too small.
There are some rotating internal bezel seiko 5's around for very little money. I bought mine for $200 new from online retailer, but that may be hard now. On the right in this pic:

E.g.
2HAC1VYH7Seiko 5 Sports SRPB25 J1 Blue Dial Men's Dual Crown 100m Automatic Analog Watch

Google Bulova Accutron lobster for a nice quartz style. (not my pic)

Screwbacks · Oct 22, 2019

jump hour automatic, modern or classic vintage.

Sidnos · Oct 22, 2019

My better half likes vintage Bulovas, me too tbh. I think they really pushed the boundaries in terms of design and certainly a talking point.
Great shout re the Seiko divers too (2625 types) little crackers!

03Hemi · Oct 22, 2019

Get her a G-Shock.

Need suggestions for wife

Dan S

Dsloan

eugeneandresson

Dsloan

w154

Dsloan

w154

DaveK

BradleyJ.

Edward53

ahsposo

dougwhiz

Dsloan

Syrte

Dsloan

Dan S

michael22

Screwbacks

Sidnos

03Hemi

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