Ladies dress watch watch recommendation for my mom (65)- $10k budget.

[HoosAir]

Any recommendations for a dress watch for a gift for my mom?

She is 65 years old. Want something that can dress up/dress down, so ideally stainless with some diamonds. My mom doesn't care but I can't bring myself to give her something with a quartz movement.

Has to be new since it is a gift, but will be buying from a grey dealer. Budget is $10k, with some room beyond that.

The obvious choice to me is a rolex ladies datejust but she is firm that she does not want a rolex.

The cartier tank is below budget but seems like a decent option. Would love suggestions from others on the forum. Thanks!

[GB-man]

I think you're on the money with the tank. A timeless classic that she can enjoy for many years.

AP 31mm quartz can be sourced for probably 9-12k new depending on diamond bezel or not. Also patek 24 in SS with diamond bezel can be had new for around 10k.

Then theres the 15450 automatic at around 12k ish.

[rfatm3f]

You can get a 35mm als saxonia for about $11k after 20% discount.

[jenniferjanef]

Rolex DateJust 31mm with jubilee bracelet.

[kunlun]

Cartier is a great choice.

Probably the best choice. Ideally, get a sense of what she likes or bring her to a Cartier boutique and have her try stuff on. You never know what she'll fall for!

And don't worry about it being under budget, the goal is to get something she loves, not to spend X amount.

[HoosAir]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I think you're on the money with the tank. A timeless classic that she can enjoy for many years.

AP 31mm quartz can be sourced for probably 9-12k new depending on diamond bezel or not. Also patek 24 in SS with diamond bezel can be had new for around 10k.

Then theres the 15450 automatic at around 12k ish.

thanks for the affirmation of tank. My post was a little confusing, but I unfortunately don't want a quartz movement. Mechanical all the way! I wish the 24 came in a mechanical version. And the AP RO mechanical looks a little too masculine w/o diamonds which then puts it over budget....

[Namdoogwerdna]

+1 on Cartier, an old coworker had one and it was actually pretty versatile in terms of outfits/occasions.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Cartier is a great choice.

Probably the best choice. Ideally, get a sense of what she likes or bring her to a Cartier boutique and have her try stuff on. You never know what she'll fall for!

And don't worry about it being under budget, the goal is to get something she loves, not to spend X amount.

Agreed. I think Cartier does women's watches better than anyone.

[AK797]

Cartier and Chopard are good names for a lady; Ballon Bleu and Happy Diamonds models.

[goog53]

Let her pick it out. Surprise luxury items IMO are not a good idea. Tank is a great idea

[jpwv]

Originally Posted by goog53

Let her pick it out. Surprise luxury items IMO are not a good idea. Tank is a great idea

This

[HoosAir]

Thanks all for the help. Time to take her shopping....

[rw2008]

In that price range, with the stipulations of dress up or down, no Rolex and must be mechanical, Cartier is absolutely the choice.

[ChrisInCharlotte]

I'd look at blancpain if she wanted something classic and simple.

[acaixguard]

JLC Reverso Duetto, in whichever size fits her best!

[justin81]

Cartier seems like a great choice. You could also take a look at Omega; their ladies catalog is pretty big and might have something that fits her tastes.

[LuxWatch]

HoosAir, did you ever find the right watch for your mother? If you are still looking, I'd like to add a vote for Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 SS with diamond dial. Love the Omegas as well but, love the Cartier more.