Help me find a special watch

[SleeplessinEastSussex]

It's my 40th birthday next Saturday and DP said he'll buy me a watch. Ideally I would love a Cartier watch but as our lottery numbers didn't come up last night, so that is not going to happen.
I want something timeless and elegant. Maybe gold and silver as I wear both.
He won't tell me his budget but said it will not stretch to £2k for a second hand Rolex.
Please give me some ideas as this is starting to ruin my birthday

I think he needs to give you an idea of budget. There are some lovely watches here at selfridges at a range of prices

Tag Heuer Aquaracers are around the £1000 mark. They do a gold and silver coloured one.

For classic Swiss watches that are cheaper than Rolexes, I second Tag Heuers. Other options include Longines or Baume & Mercier.

For cheaper, you’ve got Tissot - actual proper Swiss mechanisms, gold plating, real diamonds etc but prices are more in line with some fashion brands even though they’re very respectable watches.

Pequinet do gorgeous watches, and I've only met one other person who had one, and I got mine for my 18th, far too many years ago.
Around £1000.

This is v similar to mine

Have you looked on Watchfinder? We've bought a few second hand with a warranty and had a very good service.

Omega Constellation or Aqua Terra,
Tudor (don't know the ladies' range) are part of the Rolex group - same excellent quality but at much more reasonable prices,
Preowned Rolex Datejust - careful research might bring you one at a price you can afford. Look at the website TZ-UK for advice & they have a private sale / want to buy board on the forum.

Saying that it's starting to ruin your birthday seems spectacularly over-dramatic.

Mine is Fossil - I love it. I also like Skagen watches.