Hello guys, hoping you could provide your esteemed advice!

I've been helping a friend pick out a wedding gift for her fiancé. We've narrowed it down to the following characteristics:

- dressier sport watch
- stainless
- on a bracelet
- under $3k
- vintage or modern

My gut says go with a Datejust, but it seems so uninspired. They are beautiful watches, and fit the requirements above to a T, but I'm thinking of something with a bit more character. Based on the criteria above, what would you choose?

Thanks for your help, It's much appreciated!

Andrew

 

Birthyear datejust

 

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra "Skyfall" - no question. Checks all the boxes and they're readily available under $3k.

 

It's just a great watch. My uncle bought one a few years ago on a vacation, and he's not really even a watch guy but he loves his Aqua Terra. When he came back that was actually the first time I'd seen someone wearing an Omega -- it's what really kickstarted this whole obsession for me I think.

 

I always forget about the Aqua Terra. That's a great recommendation! I wanted her to stretch the budget slightly for a Speedmaster, but she doesn't seem to really like them. (It's beyond me how you could not like a Speedmaster).

 

+1 on the Skyfall! It was the first watch I thought of based on your description. This was posted not too long ago in the 'Watches for Sale' section here:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/fso...mm-master-co-axial-231-10-39-21-03-002.58694/

Best of luck!

jB

 

Thanks for the link! That blue dial is quite a stunner. I'll confess, I haven't handled one of these in the flesh. Is the teak dial distracting in any way?

 

Full transparency: I do not own this watch, though I've tried in on in my local OB...more than a few times .

I would say that the teak dial is a real attribute to this piece, and really contributes to how variable the dial can appear in different lighting conditions. Depending on the light, the dial can look black or grey or electric blue, and I think the texture of the teak "paneling" is what enables that range.

This is a pretty popular watch on the forum, so I am sure that there are folks here that can provide more insight!

 

That is probably what I should do. Take her and go check one out. Unfortunately, knowing me we'd probably walk out with two.

 

Depends on the guy's taste. If he's into bigger, sportier pieces, perhaps a SMPc? Rugged no-nonsense diver that is a great first luxury piece.

 

I have always said if needed one watch to fit all my needs, it would be the skyfall.

You can dress it up or down and get it wet, just an all around great watch.

Certainly worth taking a look. The dial is amazing.

The Gemini 4 is the best speedmaster LE ever, but I think only those that are speedmaster fanatics would understand.

 

Does the fiancé know about omega and Rolex?

If he isn't into watches then he'd probably be more excited about a Rolex, since he might not even know what omega is. I'm just not sure you can get a great condition datejust at that price, and if something breaks the overall money spent can easily jump over the 3k mark.

If he knows about omega, then I'd get an aqua terra, deville, or planet ocean(my favorite omega).

He should be stoked to receive any watch though, so congrats to both of them.

 

That blue dial really is a looker. I can't understand why it sells for such a discount to a Datejust. Gotta love branding I guess.

 

I've been introducing him into the watch world. He, in turn, got me hooked on collecting Bourbon. But to answer you, yes he is familiar with Omega.

I'm partial to the PO myself, but I think it stretches the budget a little and is less formal than what he is looking for.

Thanks for the well wishes!

 

Tell her to stretch a little and get a 14060 for ~$4500.

 

Easy. I would buy a Seamaster 300 ceramic mid-size. Looks damn good. One for sale for $2200 over at WUS right now according to watchrecon. Fits all the marks

 

You can easily source a nice DJ for well under $3k...and have room to have it serviced! It will take time, but they are out there...like millions of them. Great watches.

 

36mm 90s explorer 1