Choosing a watch for my 40th birthday

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

My thoughts... I give it 10 more years. The trend for RG will fade. The new trend in metal will be what Gen Z dictates as they become the big consumers. RG is not new, it's been around since the 19th century. It just took off recently due to the love of Millennial Pink and all things pink/salmon over the past 10 years. YG and WG (white metal) have always been around. It may not always be on trend, but it's always here. Bold YG pieces were the rage in the 1980s, then platinum became the metal to have. Ladies even went so far to change their YG engagement rings to platinum/WG to be on trend. I really do not see that staying power in RG. We shall see.

But yes, jewelry, including watches, is fashion, and if you love RG, buy it. Trends are just that. I love white metal (platinum/WG), whether it's on trend or not.
I couldn’t agree more with all you’ve said :idea:. Words of wisdom ♥️
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigAkoya
It sounds like you really love the RG Rolex, and it certainly is classic and gorgeous!

But if you’re still interested in doing more research…and it always helps to try on lots so you just know as soon as you put something on if it’s a “LOVE” or a “meh”…here are a few other options:

Since you already have a Tank and say you love minimal, non-blingy style, try on an Omega Constellation and Aqua Terra. And a Grand Seiko. All very highly regarded by watch enthusiasts and more under-the-radar.

Good luck with your hunt and happy birthday!

View attachment 5300081View attachment 5300082
Love them! Thank you so much for your wise advice ♥️
 
Don't let owning a Cartier watch already change your mind on another Cartier. I own 2 Tag Heuer link watches and don't regret it. If you love the Cartier, then buy it. Personally, I love rose gold pieces, because yellow gold doesn't go with my skin tone. RG is not trendy IMO. You should look at Omega's Constellation watch also. It comes in smaller sizes and different varieties. It's also a classic piece for Omega. I wouldn't do a rush decision. Rolex is backed up because they stopped watch production during Covid. The huge demand is mostly for the men's sport watches.
I would shop around with other brands before deciding.
 
Don't let owning a Cartier watch already change your mind on another Cartier. I own 2 Tag Heuer link watches and don't regret it. If you love the Cartier, then buy it. Personally, I love rose gold pieces, because yellow gold doesn't go with my skin tone. RG is not trendy IMO. You should look at Omega's Constellation watch also. It comes in smaller sizes and different varieties. It's also a classic piece for Omega. I wouldn't do a rush decision. Rolex is backed up because they stopped watch production during Covid. The huge demand is mostly for the men's sport watches.
I would shop around with other brands before deciding.
Thank you so much for your advice ❤️. I’ve been eyeing other options, and I also like the Jaeger Lecoultre Reverso. I need to try it on though, as well as other models. Let’s see which one wins my heart in the end :)
 
Thank you all so much for your wise advice! I knew I had to come here to decide ♥
The one in RG above is size 28. I think it’s the perfect size for me, as I’m petite and I prefer dainty pieces, so definitely 28 for me :smile:.
I have just been in another boutique, and they had the 28 in bicolor, YG. I really like it too!

The white is so much prettier, and I love the romans. I'm not a champagne dial fan, a look beaten to death in the 80s and going forward. Rolex's white always stays crisp looking, never goes off color, and always seems modern.
 
Thank you all so much for your wise advice! I knew I had to come here to decide ♥
The one in RG above is size 28. I think it’s the perfect size for me, as I’m petite and I prefer dainty pieces, so definitely 28 for me :smile:.
I have just been in another boutique, and they had the 28 in bicolor, YG. I really like it too! The SA was incredibly nice too, so the experience at the boutique has also influenced. I’m not in a rush but I know I should decide a bit fast because they sell out quickly… what do you think? Posting both again:

View attachment 5298015View attachment 5298019
Happy early birthday! I am same age as you and my birthday is also in February.
I am bias since my husband got me a gold Rolex for my 30th birthday and 10 years later I still love it. Rolex is timeless to me and makes a great milestone gift.
I love Rolex’s 2 tone rg and stainless steal and I think it looks great on you in pic. I also agree with others that I would go with a light face, such as white, mop or silver. Much easier to read and looks crisp. I would also consider diamond markers. I went with sticks to tone down my match as diamond seemed a bit too flashy with all gold. But love diamonds with 2 tone.
Try not to rush and take your time finding one you love even with low inventory.
 
Happy early birthday! I am same age as you and my birthday is also in February.
I am bias since my husband got me a gold Rolex for my 30th birthday and 10 years later I still love it. Rolex is timeless to me and makes a great milestone gift.
I love Rolex’s 2 tone rg and stainless steal and I think it looks great on you in pic. I also agree with others that I would go with a light face, such as white, mop or silver. Much easier to read and looks crisp. I would also consider diamond markers. I went with sticks to tone down my match as diamond seemed a bit too flashy with all gold. But love diamonds with 2 tone.
Try not to rush and take your time finding one you love even with low inventory.
Thank you so much! I have decided to go for Rolex ♥️, but I’ve made an order at an official retailer with the specifications I would really love. I hope it doesn’t take a year to arrive… Anyway, as you say Rolex watches are forever, and I wouldn’t want to take one just because it’s available. I want THE one I love. So excited! I’ll share it here once I get it :amuse::heart:
 
Hi! I am a huge Rolex fan, so Rolex for sure. The watch company is legendary. The Rolex watch in the photo is classic, sleek, timeless, iconic. If you are looking for a 31 Rolex, the one you have on is perfect. Two-tone, white roman dials, smooth bezel, oyster bracelet... the perfect combo to me. I would prefer YG though, not RG.

I am not a fan of the Cartier, especially the bracelet which looks busy to me (and a bit dated to be frank). It does not have that "clean look" you are after. I too like clean, crisp looking watches (I wear a Rolex stainless Daytona).

On RG, no for me. I think it's a trend, hard to match with other jewelry (unless you have other RG pieces), and also a possible maintenance issue. RG does change color, it takes years though, especially Cartier RG. You can read up Cartier's RG and how some ladies are seeing color change already. Rolex's Everose is not supposed to change color because they use a mix of platinum, but you may get tired of RG so it's still a no for me. YG and stainless/WG are classics. If you like RG, the combo is great. If not, I would get that same watch in YG and stainless.

Just my two cents for some thoughts. Good luck to you and happy birthday!

UPDATE: Since you asked about RG, if you are considering the Rolex only because it's in stock but you don't love it, I would skip. You can always order it. It may take time (Rolex is really backed up now), but you will get the perfect watch. I would not settle for RG if you are hesitating which is sounds like you are since you asked about it. It has to be love at first sight. For me, I would not settle for something just because it's in stock. I would order what I want.
Just an update to share I’ve finally made my decision to go with a Rolex Datejust 31, and I’ve made an order through an official retailer with the exact specifications I would love.
I don’t know how much it will take to arrive… the SA was really lovely, as well as the store manager, and they’ve ordered it with urgency / priority. My birthday is in February but if it takes a bit longer to arrive, I will be happy anyway. I’m a bit anxious but I think I’ve made the right decision, and you all have helped me a lot in the process!
I will share it here as soon as it arrives:P:heart:
 
Just an update to share I’ve finally made my decision to go with a Rolex Datejust 31, and I’ve made an order through an official retailer with the exact specifications I would love.
I don’t know how much it will take to arrive… the SA was really lovely, as well as the store manager, and they’ve ordered it with urgency / priority. My birthday is in February but if it takes a bit longer to arrive, I will be happy anyway. I’m a bit anxious but I think I’ve made the right decision, and you all have helped me a lot in the process!
I will share it here as soon as it arrives:P:heart:
I am so excited for you! With my past orders, it has taken anywhere from 3 weeks to about 3 months (except my Daytona which took two years, but that watch is an exception). Even with the delays now, I think you will get it in several weeks!

Congratulations to you and happy Birthday! Please post pics! We are all so excited to see your beautiful new watch!
 
  • Love
Reactions: missfaraday
I am so excited for you! With my past orders, it has taken anywhere from 3 weeks to about 3 months (except my Daytona which took two years, but that watch is an exception). Even with the delays now, I think you will get it in several weeks!

Congratulations to you and happy Birthday! Please post pics! We are all so excited to see your beautiful new watch!
I will, for sure!!! Thank you sooo much once again ♥️♥️♥️
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigAkoya
Top