Yeah, I knew that the blue would be a bit risky, but at the same time, I kind of like it. I think it would look fine with most clothes, especially with jeans and his business casual stuff. As far as the metal band, that was one thing I couldn't decide on. Personally, I wear and prefer a metal band over leather but just pictured him more with leather for some reason. What do guys prefer? His ring is platinum so I would have to go with the silver coloring to match. I do really like the rose gold. I don't know if he will like it, but I do! Maybe when he said he wanted a nice watch he was thinking more interesting, but maybe he meant more classic in styling. I really wish I could afford a Tag because I know that he would love that. There was one brand that I saw in the store that I bee-lined to, of course they were 7-15K. Maybe I could just sell my car to buy a watch....
Personally I prefer leather, metal wrist bands seem bulky a lot of times. I think the actual time piece of the watch you linked is spot on, I've never seen a watch that shade of blue that I thought looked good, the leather band is a good match for the piece. It looks good and isn't flashy which is what I look for.
I'm not really crazy about that blue watch. If I were ever to buy the boyfriend a watch, I'd probably go with a TSOVET (http://www.tsovet.com). They're classic looking with some interesting details.
Just my personal opinion/style, but I think you can get 90% of the style from cheaper brands like Citizen (and to be clear here: pretty much all battery or solar powered movements are basically the same). Above $1k I think there are some options from nicer brands, even Tag and Omega make a lot of $1-2k watches with mechanical movements (which are not as accurate but don't rely on batteries). That's not to say you shouldn't buy a $600 watch if that's the price point you find a good one, just that I think you can get away with spending less, and you don't have to hunt in the $7-10k price point to find something better. Very classic, dressy style from TAG: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-WV211B-FC6202-Carrera-Automatic/dp/B000H8BO6Y/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-WV211B- ... 000H8BO6Y/</a> Or a more sporty (which I prefer): <a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Aquaracer-Stainless-WAN2111-BA0822/dp/B002X9ZH54/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-Aquarac ... 002X9ZH54/</a> Both automatic movement and well under $2k. But definitely find out if he'll wear gold, because that's a pretty clear dividing line. If he chose his wedding band style and picked platinum, I'd hesitate to buy him gold anything.
Hmmm, seems like quite a bit of mixed responses. I love the Tag (particularly that first one) and wish I could afford it. But that is a full $1000 more than the one I linked so I think it is out. Unless maybe I should hold off on a watch if I can't afford a "good" one. Regarding the color of the gold, I don't think that he cares. I picked it out (like I pick out probably 90% of his stuff). I got platinum because it matched my platinum ring. Incidentally we also purchased this from the same jeweler who I was really hoping to buy from this time. They are local, I like buying from locally owned companies and they have always really stood behind their products in the past (I had an issue with my wedding ring that they went above and beyond to correct) so I know that if we run into a problem with the watch, they will work to make it right. The TW Steel is the only line they carry that is within by price range so kind of why I was leaning there. They do have other style options (for less expensive actually) so I could look further. The good thing is that no matter what I pick out, we can exchange it if he doesn't like it. Maybe I should just stick with golf clubs or something. Ugggh.
Oh - here is a link to their other options if you have any suggestions.... <a class="postlink" href="http://www.tivol.com/catalog/timepiece/tw-steel" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.tivol.com/catalog/timepiece/tw-steel</a> (and the line that I immediately oohed and aahed over was the Panerai but apparently I don't love him enough)
Buying from someone you like and trust goes a long way. If you think he'll wear gold, do it (especially if exchanges will be easy) - you just sounded wistful that you couldn't afford TAG or other expensive brands at $7-10k and I wanted to make sure you knew you didn't have to spend that much.
Maybe I secretly feel guilty because, while you can't put a price tag on love, it apparently isn't worth $1500 to me. But to be honest I wouldn't want him to spend that much for my birthday either. I would rather save for other things.
There's nothing wrong with the blue face if the band is silver (even stainless steel) - gold kind of comes and goes, and only "works" for me, if the guy is the kind that actually wears other gold jewelry. Some guys can pull this off, some look like Italina mafia. Anyway, I have ordered several watches for myself and as gifts from Blue Dial. It's easy, they're helpful, and seem to have better prices than some. I personally have a Citizen Eco-Drive that I wear just about every day. I broke part of the clasp earlier this year, but I've never had any issues with it. I adjust the time twice a year for the time change. Other than that, I never have to touch it. (no batteries to die, keeps perfect time, works fine with a suit or just casual) I've had this one now for 7 years. <a class="postlink" href="http://www.bluedial.com/citizen-watch-men-eco-drive.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.bluedial.com/citizen-watch-men-eco-drive.htm</a>
I own two watches, a Tag with a gold face and brown leather band with a brushed stainless clasp that my wife gave me for our anniversary over 10 years ago that I absolutely love, but it was over $2k back then. I purchased this watch about 5 years ago because I wanted something that I could wear in the pool, fishing, etc. without fear of damaging it. <a class="postlink" href="http://www.oakley.com/products/4823/17810" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.oakley.com/products/4823/17810</a> It's an awesome watch that keeps great time, looks great (though more casual, but I have worn it for dressier occasions), and stands up to the conditions for which I bought it. And the face comes in a variety of colors (I went with blue simply because it would coordinate best with most of my casual clothes). Great watch that may fit your budget better.
Other than possibly a cheap $5 kid's watch from Walmart, are there really watches out there that don't "keep great time"? Every time I see someone praising one model or another, that tidbit is always thrown in. Are there legitimately watches on the market today that keep time poorly?
Every person I know who owns a Rolex (5-6) says it doesn't keep time that well, and jewelers have told me the same thing. I was given a Swiss Army watch several years ago, and it was a piece of shit. Lost 10 minutes every month, which I would expect if it came out of a cereal box. Found a pic of my Tag. Spoilered for size because I don't know how to resize it.
Very pretty, I like the brown band. I had no idea that watches lost time like that. However, the only watch I own is a $20 women's exercise type watch that I wear to time myself when doing various cardio exercises outside (read: it does not get a lot of use).
We actually had a thread about watches with some cool stuff in it. I recommend the Stauer watch I posted: <a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.theidiotboard.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8117&p=196507&hilit=stauer#p196507" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8117&p=196507&hilit=stauer#p196507</a> Yeah, it's only $100, but it gets compliments from every person who sees it, because it's so unique.
I have a calculator watch I got for $17 on amazon. It never loses time and does math. I'm surprised it isn't more popular.
Mechanical watches - either automatic (self winding) or manual - actually don't keep time nearly as well as things like Quartz movement. Of course, there is more longevity to manual movement, no batteries, and the intricacy of the design if you appreciate it. Manual watches have design and winding differences so some are good, some not.
This. I've had a Rolex for about 10 years and sometimes its ~3 mins off a month (could be either a little fast or a little slow) and other times it'll stay true until the next day light savings time when I change it the hour. Once had a customer (also wearing a Rolex) ask me how my watch kept time. I said "Meh" He replied with "That means its real"
Since I don't have anything else going on this afternoon.... New Haircut! It's a vast improvement over my previous wild woman's hair.