Talk to me about watches - budget about £500

[LivLemler]

I lost my lovely Tissot watch that DH bought me for my 21st (rather a few years ago) over the summer. I'm planning to replace it at Christmas.

Budget will be about £500, but I could be persuaded to go a little higher for the right watch.

I want something in stainless steel, maybe with a subtle bit of bling. I have smallish wrists so not a big man sized face.

I know nothing about watches. I got incredibly frustrated with the Tissot, as every time the battery ran out I had a struggle to find somewhere to just change the battery rather than sending it off for full service, resealing etc etc. I suspect if I hadn't lost it, I would've soon spent more on maintenance than DH spent on the watch very soon. I either want something I can take to a local place for a batter for £15, or else if it's going to cost £££ for servicing, that it would only need it every few years at the very most.

Any suggestions, advice, guidance much appreciated!

www.watchshop.com/ladies-tissot-t-touch-solar-alarm-chronograph-solar-powered-watch-t0752201110100-p99962579.html this is not what you asked for but it does take away the need for a battery from the looks of things. There is loads that fit you bill though on that site like www.watchshop.com/ladies-calvin-klein-simplicity-watch-k4323120-p99945456.html and www.watchshop.com/ladies-links-of-london-bloomsbury-watch-6010-1307-p99980136.html

You could get a Mondaine Automatic if you want something a bit different. Then there would be no battery changes :) I think they are around £500 ish.

Watchfinder. Co. UK or Ian Blowers or Austin Kaye (all with online presence as well as stores), look at a preloved item, maybe Omega?

I'd second preowned and also rate Watchfinder.
Something like this?

I would go for a pre owned but be warned that something like an Omega will need the 3 yearly service and even a battery change will need the seals etc replacing so it would be pricy ongoing.

Thanks all, lots to ponder! Off to browse on those websites.

My gut was to go for a watch brand rather than a fashion brand, are there any fashion brands I should be considering?

I think with the money you want to spend, a lot of watches from good Swiss watchmakers are too expensive. Longine sprang to mind but they are more than £500. Tissot are less money. You could look at Gucci and Armani for fashion watches but they are not quality timepieces. With Gucci you are paying for the name rather than a high quality watch. £500 is a difficult price point. I would spend less on a fashion watch if I was choosing and couldn't go to over £1000.

I have seen a good few around £1000 that I really like, including a couple by Longine bubbles, I'm just not sure I can justify spending that much.

I do really like the one ring pasted above. I would happily go with used if I could see it in person, how can I trust what I'm buying online?

DH will be going through various airports next month, so I was hoping to pick before he left and then if there's a good deal he could pick it up.

I've bought from Watchfinder and they're known to be reliable, not fakes or stolen (which was my big worry).
The watches arrive polished and looking like new and they offer a full refund in the first fortnight so you can change your mind.

www.dumaurierwatches.com/product-category/womens-watches/

These are gorgeous