Classical Ladies Watch / Question

I have been looking for a classical, versatile, "timeless" ladies watch for some time.

Budget is about USD 5'000 - 10'000, the watch should have an automatic movement.

I already looked into the well know brands (JLC, Omega etc.) but found the selection rather disappointing. Either the watches are "jewelry watches" (not appropriate for business or casual occasions) or "fashion watches" (with modern designs and huge sporty dials).

What do you recommend?

The Cartier Tank springs to mind.

I don't know about JLC, their ladies reverso is one of the most elegant, understated and classic lines around at that price level.

I wouldn't call Omega or JLC "fashion" or "jewelry" watches. They do make some sporty models and some models with diamonds, but they both make some pretty conservative, classic watches, especially JLC. My wife's everyday watch is a steel JLC Reverso on black alligator that is quite sober on one side and a little dressier with diamonds on the other. It's manual, not automatic, but it's small, tasteful, and timeless. JLC Reversos are tremendous values with the steel models on the lower end of your price range and the gold models on the upper end.

If you don't like the JLCs, take a look at the Cartier Tanks. They are quartz and, in my opinion, not a particularly good value, but they are about as classic as you can get for women. They can be had on the lower end of your price range. If you prefer a round watch and don't mind a manual movement, both Patek and Breguet make simple time only watches in gold (white or yellow) with no diamonds, however they might exceed your budget, especially the Patek.

Originally Posted by acidicboy

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I don't know about JLC, their ladies reverso is one of the most elegant, understated and classic lines around at that price level.
Yup, seconded, thread over.

Originally Posted by justindo

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I wouldn't call Omega or JLC "fashion" or "jewelry" watches. They do make some sporty models and some models with diamonds, but they both make some pretty conservative, classic watches, especially JLC. My wife's everyday watch is a steel JLC Reverso on black alligator that is quite sober on one side and a little dressier with diamonds on the other. It's manual, not automatic, but it's small, tasteful, and timeless. JLC Reversos are tremendous values with the steel models on the lower end of your price range and the gold models on the upper end. If you don't like the JLCs, take a look at the Cartier Tanks. They are quartz and, in my opinion, not a particularly good value, but they are about as classic as you can get for women. They can be had on the lower end of your price range. If you prefer a round watch and don't mind a manual movement, both Patek and Breguet make simple time only watches in gold (white or yellow) with no diamonds, however they might exceed your budget, especially the Patek.
Female friend has a yellow gold JLC Reverso Duo, mom and a couple of other female friends have Tanks. I definitely prefer the JLC.

Originally Posted by Flambeur

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Yup, seconded, thread over.

Female friend has a yellow gold JLC Reverso Duo, mom and a couple of other female friends have Tanks. I definitely prefer the JLC.

Yes, but that is exactly the problem. Everybody has a Reverso. I am looking for something special.

I gave my wife a plain, steel Reverso. As classic as a Cartier Tank, but less expensive, less common and better made. My wife likes rectangular watches because they look more bracelet-like on the wrist. For your budget, you could get a gold Reverso and have change to spare.

I find with women, their goals for watches are not always the same as mens. While men prefer a horological masterpeice, women tend to be more concerned about the overall look. While I personally quite like the Reverso, and my wife likes it as well, it would be far from a first choice for her - but every woman is different.

Most women I know tend to gravitate towards the jewelry brands such as Cartier or Piaget, and the rest would pick Rolex. All of these brands make fantastic watches that are both automatic and classic designs... I think you would be hard pressed to find a design that is both classic and very unique at the same time - for a women's watch, anyway.

Originally Posted by newtrane

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Yes, but that is exactly the problem. Everybody has a Reverso. I am looking for something special.
Really? Other than my wife I've never seen a woman wearing one. Cartiers and Rolexes are a dime a dozen but JLCs are quite rare. I certainly think a Reverso is "something special." If you want something "more special," you'll have to increase your budget.

I am based in Europe - the JLC reverso is quite popular here, while Rolex is considered to be for "proletarians".

What do you think of this one?

Originally Posted by apropos

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The Cartier Tank springs to mind.

+1. You cannot go wrong with a Tank Americaine, Francaise or better yet, Tank Louis Cartier.

Originally Posted by breitlingman

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I find with women, their goals for watches are not always the same as mens. While men prefer a horological masterpeice, women tend to be more concerned about the overall look. While I personally quite like the Reverso, and my wife likes it as well, it would be far from a first choice for her - but every woman is different.

Most women I know tend to gravitate towards the jewelry brands such as Cartier or Piaget, and the rest would pick Rolex. All of these brands make fantastic watches that are both automatic and classic designs... I think you would be hard pressed to find a design that is both classic and very unique at the same time - for a women's watch, anyway.

VERY true!

I got my gf a Chanel J40. She LOVES it. If I were picking out her next watch based on what *I* like, it'd be a Reverso. When the time comes, I won't be offended if she wants something more jewelry-like than horologically significant.

Originally Posted by newtrane

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I am based in Europe - the JLC reverso is quite popular here, while Rolex is considered to be for "proletarians".

What do you think of this one?





Very few women would like that watch. It looks too much like a man's watch.

Cartier Baignoire

About as timeless as you can get.

Rolex with single circle of diamonds on a bezel. Nice compromise between classic timepiece and jewelry.
Most adult women would want metal bracelet, it is more jewelry-like.

My GF wants Dior Crystal watch and although I think it is pos I understand its aesthetic value for her.