Any ideas for a classic watch?

[ConstantlyCooking]

My lovey PiLs want to buy me a watch for a big birthday. I would like something classic that could be a "nice" watch for evenings out. As I haven't found anything they have given me a cheque for £100 (in their minds this is probably worth at least double in today 'she money). I don't mind adding some money to this, as I would like them to like the watch and I would also like something that will last for years, maybe even for me to pass onto myDC. SO I am not asking too much am I ???? Given my ambitious aspirations, I haven't found anything, so please mumsnet help.

[TrollTheRespawnJeremy]

I like Skagen watches. They're quite timeless and excellent for the price point. Very reliable.

[ConstantlyCooking]

I have seen some nice skagen watches but didn't know the brand. I think I want a metal strap as my everyday watch has leather.

[hellsbells99]

Fossil do some nice watches.
www.fossil.com/uk/en/sale/womens-sale/view-all.orderBy3.html?filter=xf_cas_f32_ntk_cs:Watches
We have bought a couple from an outlet village so got some good deals.

[TrollTheRespawnJeremy]

Metal straps tend to last longer. You can replace leather straps but unless you get the exact one that the watch came with it's often just not 'quite right'.

Give a metal strap a quick brush over with a dry tooth brush to get rid of any dirt/skin cells once in a while and it'll look great for years. Just make sure it's stainless steel and not plated or it will discolour. (Skagen watches are stainless steel so no worries there!)

[ThatsNotAKnifeThatsASpoon]

Dh bought me a Tissot watch for our first Christmas as a married couple. 8 years later it is going strong and I expect I can leave it to my kids in the long run. It is Swiss made, simple design (steel bracelet, black square face) and elegant. Probably costs c.£200-£250 today.

I would definitely recommend the brand.

[Cakescakescakes]

Fossil have beautiful watches in and around that price point.

[ThatsNotAKnifeThatsASpoon]

Just checked Tissot website, my watch is now £310 - eek. Might be more than you are willing to spend. There are styles there under £200 though if you want to browse.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

I have a Tissot but it was £450. I wear it every day and looks like new. I've had it 6 years.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

uk.tissotshop.com/women/tissot-desire-small-lady-7.html

Any good?

[ALittleLemonTwist]

I also have a Tissot watch which I wear every day. I've had it for about 10 years and love it!

[TheDisreputableDog]

Tissot here too. Wanted a 'classic' watch without spending £1000s on something ludicrous and very pleased with it

[Cellardoor23]

Have you looked at Rotary watches? They have some lovely classic styles. I have one with a gold edge around the face with small diamond studs. And it wasn't ridiculously expensive. I get compliments on it all the time!

[ConstantlyCooking]

Many thanks for the ideas - I will check out Skagen and Fossil. I had thought Tissot would be out of my price range, but I will look at the links. I am happy to add money because it is a lovely thought and they are lovely people.

[streem26]

Since my loved Tchibo watch broke (after accident involving freefall from some height), and I’m not sure, whether it could be repaired again, I’m looking around for a new device. Ththat Tchibo watch was originaly for about $ 100, but later price dropped to about $50…

And I’m facing a problem – watches seem to tending to be huge, ugly and/or expensive
Timex Weekender is also nice, but looks pretty big, and over-massively, somehow heavy. But Timex do have some watches I like so (except those HUGE numbers, IMHO there shouldn’t be any) or so (numbers again..)
Other manufacturer’s interesting stuff:
Skagen (lovely, only band IMHO shoul be plain..) or Stuhrling jonsguide.org/best-top-stuhrling-watches-reviews/ I like their male and female line

[Lara2]

I love my Skagen - very simple, very classic and cost about £140. I bought it with my 25 years service vouchers from my County Council. It's very thin and goes with everything - metal strap too

[bloomingheather]

Larsson & Jennings watches are lovely. My favourite: here
Classic design, some with metal and some with leather straps. They are quite minimalist in design with large faces (which I personally really like but know some people prefer a smaller face). They are very slimline though, not too chunky and I think they can be dressy without being too statementy! I found out about them when I admired a sales assistant's watch in COS one day as it was exactly what I was looking for and she told me it was from there.

[HeyMicky]

Another vote for Tissot - a bit more than you might want to spend but look way more expensive than they are and the brand name seems "considered" IYKWIM

[MidnightVelvettheSixth]

I have a Citizen Eco drive, cost £130 in a half price sale at H Samuel, I wear it every day and I love it plus it's not so expensive in afraid to wear it...

[Glitterkitten24]

I have one of these clusewatches.com/model/cluse-minuit-rosegold-black-grey-CL30018 which is minimal and simple enough that it makes me smile every time I look at it!

If I had mega bucks i would buy myself a Cartier, I love them!

[Glitterkitten24]

You didn't ask for minimal, you asked for classic and I extrapolated in my head...
But I still think that's a pretty classic style.

[ConstantlyCooking]

Thank you for all of the responses. I am planning an afternoon in John Lewis looking at the watches I "real life". I have a suspicion that this gift may cost me more than it cost them. Luckily I have some JL vouchers so they could cover the excess.

[Abrahamkin]

I must admit that My DH bought me a Skagen 2 years ago. I loved it at first, but then the metal strap broke. Then the glass broke (this was my fault). Then the 'time change' wheel fell off. Maybe I had a bad specimen? This all happened within 2 years!

[Mrs9C]

I'm a big fan of Olivia Burton watches, classic but classy. Not sure the strap will last forever, but they're so nice. I also like Tayroc, the strap on my Tayroc feels like it'll last a long time.

[ConstantlyCooking]

thank you all for your suggestions. I added some vouchers and bought this lovely Tissot watch www.johnlewis.com/tissot-t52228113-women's-desire-date-two-tone-bracelet-strap-watch-silver-gold/p2677745]

[ThatsNotAKnifeThatsASpoon]

Late reply but that is a lovely choice! I hope you get many years enjoyment from it