Best 6k dressy watch for non watch person

@Edge168n JC , this challenge is made for you. Also should mention, I’m not sure if she’s ok buying used or wants new, open to either suggestions!

Aqua Terra for the win!

My wife has that Tudor! I think its an excellent watch. Also easily serviced too since its not an in-house movement.

Anything Cartier, even people especially women who are not into watches know the brand, they retain value and are timeless.

How much of a muggle are we talking about?

Like, the big question in my mind is do they want to deal with an automatic or should we simply default to quartz?

The 1926. It's dressy, pairs well with straps and it's cheap(er) to service with an ETA 2824 based movement than the in-house movement of the Cartier or Aqua Terra.

I think the Cartier, especially since non-enthusiasts know Cartier.

I agree, Cartier is first, and Omega is second. Take a look at Omega De-Ville Prestige line. I think they are underrated and are great looking dress watch.

I will investigate if this matters.

I always assumed automatic is more exciting for a muggle, but, I think an 80 year old wants simple.. so maybe a quartz …🤷‍♂

Right - forgot about deville! Good suggestion

Nomos? Lots of great options well under 6k.

Might be good for your friend to check first what types of watches her Dad used to wear. Often, what a child thinks a parent wants, turns out to be wrong. If I remember correctly, @TheSharperTheBetter had one such tale.

Imho, parents in their 80s don't really care anymore what kind of watch they have on wrist. They have less meticulous preferences, but they still do have a very short list of preferences. And, they seem to want wearing one not to be a hassle. So, knowing the types of watches her Dad used to wear would be a wise start.

Having said that, spending that big a fortune might not be a good idea. Yes, we don't discount the loving intention she has for her Dad. We children usually want to give back extravagantly to our parents given all the sacrifices they made for us our whole lives. But, perhaps getting a nice watch between US$ 1-2k might be better. I'd also recommend seriously considering a good quartz. Bulova, Citizen, Orient, Orient Star, Tissot, Timex, Seiko, and Vaer come to mind.

https://youtu.be/KXg_Ud3iUFE

Other brands could be Brew, Boldr, Kurono, Martenero, Minase, Oris, Paulin, RZE, Studio Underdog, and Swiss Watch Company (SWC).

Grand Seiko

Omega De Ville Prestige

Omega Aqua Terra

GS Snowflake. On the dressier side, but can be dressed down. Titanium makes it super easy to wear as a daily too.

I think @hakki501 is on to something. Even if this 80 year old gentleman is not a watch guy, he definitely must have some connection with what he considers a cool watch.

Like my dad cares not for any of my Seiko's, he thinks they're all overpriced lol. But he shows off the Casio I got him all the time. He complimented my Timex and gifted me a Tissot. The only thing he thinks is worth spending money (i.e. more than $1k) on is a Rolex.

Back to your question, value retention, classy watch, might appeal to an 80 year old. This is my best guess:

Yes it's an odd choice, but I've had multiple older gentlemen show me their best watch, and it's been Bulova more than once. They recognize the brand. It retains its value because it's not that valuable lol.

Of course Omega is an option is she's OK with used:

Yeah - it's a well to do family. my own gut says get cheap practical for 80 year olds - but maybe this 80 year old is a fancy fellow who impresses around the old age home. 😉

I think Longines or Omega maybe better choices by rich history and better brand’s regconition (just my personal option)

Cartier santos? Dont know if it fits your budget

I hate to say it but for a non watch person I would go for a Rolex OP, no date, no complications, no hassle classic watch.

For that money, the 1926 is way under that. She could get a Rolex perpetual for 7500 Canadian, now that being said, who knows when she could get one. Other non watch people would take notice of that

Nomos. I say it needs to be easy to read. I would make sure that he would be ok with an automatic or manual wind first. Cartier is pure class. They would be my second choice.

Would suggest this tudor on a bracelet

One does:,small Santos in quartz … BUT I’ve no idea how that watch wears, and whether a small Santos is too small for most men. 🫤

Yeah, I ruled out Rolex as timeline not unlimited, and our local AD tells any non oligarch regular person to f—k off, waiting list closed. ☹

@Waybe_6

I love my dad to the moon and back, but he ain't getting a 6k watch when he's 80 🤣 probably wouldn't be able to see the damn thing!

If you ask me, "6K" and "non-watch" person don't go together. No matter the personal financial situation but a non-watch person may not even be able to appreciate the difference between, let's say a higher end Presage and a Grand Seiko.

So why not stay with "Sub-1K", get a nice watch (there are many below 1K) and call it a day?

Take a look at Vulcain. Sizes in 36 or 39mm. Well within the budget.

The 1926 is a solid option and a heck of a price while they still make it. GS is a good pick, but I would find a Tank and call it a day.

I believe that the Longines Flagship is one of the most beautiful and timeless designs out there today. And the one with the moon phase even takes it to an other level. But if they are “muggles” 😂 then the non moon phase would be a better choice I believe. Also if they are non watches people then spending that much on a watch may not be wise, that’s why I also think Longines is a great choice 👍🏽