Need some guidance with picking a watch for wedding present

[Nyc165]

Hi everyone,
I want to buy my fiance a watch for a wedding present and would really appreciate any guidance. I would like to surprise him with it but think maybe it is better to just go into the store together and let him pick since a watch is such a personal thing. My budget is about $8-10k and since it is a wedding present, I only want to buy new. I love the daytona but think it might be out of my budget. I would appreciate any suggestions as to your pick for this price range. As far as style, we live in NYC and he is a typical NYC professional type. He loves watches but doesn't have a Rolex or equivalent so it would be his first really nice watch.
Thank you!!

[mannyv11]

can't go wrong with a Rolex Submariner, date or no date (I prefer the date).
Will last him a lifetime and it is one of the most iconic watches in the world

[Number3]

Agree with Manny as I am a 'sub man'. However for an NYC professional type I wonder whether the GMT IIC BLNR would hit the spot. It has a splash of colour in the bezel and polished centre links to give it a bit of bling too.

Could be worth a look. Good luck - lucky man.

[Keith1]

What a great wedding gift! Congratulations to you both, and welcome to TRF!

I personally would go with him looking at Rolex's, have him try different ones on, and see which one he likes the best. You don't need to tell him you are buying him one, and it could still be a surprise by buying it later.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Keith1

What a great wedding gift! Congratulations to you both, and welcome to TRF!

I personally would go with him looking at Rolex's, have him try different ones on, and see which one he likes the best. You don't need to tell him you are buying him one, and it could still be a surprise by buying it later.

That's what I would do. Rather tell him you are looking for yourself to throw him off the scent.

[Duzza]

You cant go wrong with a Submariner really.

[Paul_81]

You need to think is it to be a go anywhere do anything watch or a nice meal out with his lovely wife that got him a rolex watch watch haha

[Rockrolex]

Consider also a DJ or DJ II. Both should be within your budget. But like others have said, I would go with him and let him pick one he likes best. And congratulations to both of you on your upcoming nuptials.

[Eric Chan]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

Consider also a DJ or DJ II. Both should be within your budget. But like others have said, I would go with him and let him pick one he likes best. And congratulations to both of you on your upcoming nuptials.

This.

[GhostWriter]

From what you describe I'll second the BLNR choice.

[cdmorenot]

While I agree with the BLNR suggestion you'll have a hard time finding one new right now. I would go with the Submariner - If they don't like it they can very easily trade it or sell it and get the one they want. Nothing beats the surprise!

[subtona]

If you love the Daytona I would try to make that happen, it may be just slightly outside your price range but given the significance of the moment, why not get exactly what you want.

Contact the trusted sellers here and ask for a new watch w your name on the papers & see if you can make a deal that satisfies all parties.

[Duey]

Originally Posted by subtona

If you love the Daytona I would try to make that happen, it may be just slightly outside your price range but given the significance of the moment, why not get exactly what you want.

Contact the trusted sellers here and ask for a new watch w your name on the papers & see if you can make a deal that satisfies all parties.

Totally Agree Here

[Rolex addict]

The Sub is classic, elegant, and timeless. However, trust your gut instinct. Watches are a very personal thing. Use the opportunity to take him to lunch, do a little window shopping, and let him pick the Rolex he likes. Should be a great way to spend an afternoon together that he will definitely remember.

[Fort Rolex]

Another Sub Date vote here

[5080]

Agree with all above. Can't go wrong with the Sub, BLNR or Explorer 2.
He's one lucky guy to be marrying such a thoughtful lady!!

[pyac76]

36 yrs ago my wife surprised me for my birthday and bought me my first Rolex. I had mentioned the two models I was interested in and she picked one. I could have exchanged but was happy with her selection. Watches are very personal, I would go with him and make it a special day. I will never forget that birthday, it is my most memorable one

[Boopie]

Originally Posted by pyac76

36 yrs ago my wife surprised me for my birthday and bought me my first Rolex. I had mentioned the two models I was interested in and she picked one. I could have exchanged but was happy with her selection. Watches are very personal, I would go with him and make it a special day. I will never forget that birthday, it is my most memorable one

Agreed. Have him go with you...he can pick, and will always cherish the memories of the moment of you two shopping together.

My husband wanted to get me a Rolex for our 10th anniversary (years ago). I am glad that he didn't just get me what I had thought I wanted, because when I tried it on in person, it didn't thrill me. I then found the platinum/SS Yachtmaster (a watch that was not on my radar) in the display case. I loved the way it looked on my wrist, and picked that one out. I've been wearing it nearly every day for 14+ years, and love the way it looks on me. I still get a little thrill of enjoyment when I look at it.

[tkerrmd]

would go into AD together and make a date of it and choose together. it is too much money to spend sight unseen, that said here would be my two choices if you don't want the standard get a sub answer...PS either would look great on you as well!!

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

would go into AD together and make a date of it and choose together. it is too much money to spend sight unseen, that said here would be my two choices if you don't want the standard get a sub answer...PS either would look great on you as well!!

Good advice from the doc

Best of luck on your purchase! Please let us know which one he decides on!

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

would go into AD together and make a date of it and choose together. it is too much money to spend sight unseen, that said here would be my two choices if you don't want the standard get a sub answer...PS either would look great on you as well!!

Very true. My girlfriend is a big fan of wearing the Daytona and Hulk. It may be worth spending a little more than expected if you get to wear it, too.

[cruise_bone]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

would go into AD together and make a date of it and choose together. it is too much money to spend sight unseen, that said here would be my two choices if you don't want the standard get a sub answer...PS either would look great on you as well!!

Both of those are over your budget. And there are plenty of fantastic watches within or under your budget.

Everybody has a Sub. Don't get him a sub.
Here are the best choices within or under your budget.

Oyster Perpetual
Datejust
Datejust II
Explorer
Explorer II
GMT II

All are awesome watches and some may save you enough to upgrade to 1st class on your honeymoon flight(s)!

[anothernewphone]

Originally Posted by cruise_bone

Both of those are over your budget. And there are plenty of fantastic watches within or under your budget.

Everybody has a Sub. Don't get him a sub.
Here are the best choices within or under your budget.

Oyster Perpetual
Datejust
Datejust II
Explorer
Explorer II
GMT II

All are awesome watches and some may save you enough to upgrade to 1st class on your honeymoon flight(s)!

Saying "don't get him a Sub" isn't fair. A lot of people aspire to own a Submariner, and it's a perfectly fine gift. You cannot go wrong with a Submariner Date, there's a reason why "everyone has one."

[Wcdhtwn]

What are his hobbies and interests? Rolexes, particularly the sports models are in reality "tool" watches. So if he likes to spend time in the water a Submariner is the choice. If he's into aviation or travels to different time zones then a GMT-II. Another option is Explorer or Explorer II which are more "land based excursion" watches (though the Explorer is pretty plain and many here will recommend the Explorer II - including me).

Then there's the variations of the Submariner, the Sea Dweller and The Deep Sea Sea Dweller, and the Yacht Master. Differences are the size for the Sea Dwellers and they can go deeper in the ocean, the YM is basically a dressy Sub.

If he's less inclined to sportier watches the Date Just is the option in your price range, I don't think new Day Dates are available under 10K as they are all gold or platinum. The Daytona is a great choice but won't be available new under 10K. The Deep Sea would stretch your budget but you can find them gently used in your range, same with the Sea Dweller.

Safest bet: Submariner and GMT. Get a Sub Hulk if he'd like something that's more unique, it's got a green bezel and dial. But that you'd probably want him to see first or get assurances from the place you buy that he can exchange for the regular sub if he doesn't like all the green.

Final suggestion: Not everyone is a fan of two tone watches, steel and gold, so stick with an all steel watch, especially if you don't take him to pick it out first.

[RazorD]

Maybe try to sneak it out of him? If he's a watch guy, he may very well have one he wants in mind already. Bring up some sort of made up story about trying to help a friend at work buy her husband one for his 40th, 50th etc. See if he opens up.

(The only time it's acceptable to lie is if it's to secure the perfect gift, lol)

[VinnieVegas]

Give the gift of the Explorer 1. It's under your budget, but it's a six ways to Sunday badass and beautiful watch. Best wishes to you!

[SemperFi]

Regardless of which one is chosen it's a must that your future hubby pick out the watch. Even something that he thinks he might like often takes on a different look when it's on the wrist. And, of course, you will want it to be a watch that he'll treasure forever. So make a date out of the experience so that it's something that you both will remember for a lifetime.
Lastly, welcome to the forum and congratulations to both of you. Let us know how it all turns out.

[Nyc165]

Wow so much great advice-thank you all so much! I was nervous if my price point was nearly enough so am happy for the great suggestions that fit in my budget. I am leaning toward the submariner myself but want him to really love it so will let him ultimately pick. I like the idea of making a day of it-instead of surprising him with the watch, I'll ask him to meet me for lunch and surprise him with going watch shopping instead :)
Thank you all-this was very helpful for someone who knows little to nothing about watches. i will definitely update with our new purchase!

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Nyc165

Wow so much great advice-thank you all so much! I was nervous if my price point was nearly enough so am happy for the great suggestions that fit in my budget. I am leaning toward the submariner myself but want him to really love it so will let him ultimately pick. I like the idea of making a day of it-instead of surprising him with the watch, I'll ask him to meet me for lunch and surprise him with going watch shopping instead :)
Thank you all-this was very helpful for someone who knows little to nothing about watches. i will definitely update with our new purchase!

Smart move...and take pics. We love pics around here.

[s14roller]

Taking him with you is the best idea...great gesture, he's lucky to have you!

May I suggest after you guys decide, to consider either buying it from a trusted dealer here, or go to NJ. Buying in NYC will likely result in a higher price and less to choose from.