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She really needs to try some on to get a sense of size. 26mm is fine if she's dainty and wants something that is more akin to a bracelet, but it's super hard to tell the time on.
Unless you're buying a fairly recent and well looked after / serviced model it won't be waterproof.
You could/should also look at the mid-sized 30mm datejust - rare but utterly beautiful if you find the right one. Check out this tapestry radial dial 30mm I got for my gf, dated 1985 so sapphire glass rather than plexi. All steel but much rarer than the 26mm (which is a rather unloved size).
(Ref 68240)Unless you're looking at very specific models, 70's-90's steel & gold DJs are plentiful and you probably shouldn't expect to pay a significant premium over steel. Exceptions for rose gold or unusual dial layouts. Watch out for repainted / refinished dials. Most dealers will happily sell you a redial without mentioning it. Make sure any bill of sale states in writing that the actual dial finish (not just the dial itself) is original. If you have doubts, take a high res closeup photo of the dial face on and ask an opinion somewhere where watch nerds hang out. Also watch out for heavily polished cases as they'll have lost a lot of the character. Finally, the jubilee bracelet is a good tell. If it's got a lot of flex (it should have quite a lot anyway) then it's already had a lot of wear. The condition of everything should match - a knackered bracelet on an almost new looking watch should be a red flag.
Price wise it depends what you're going for. $5000 should be more than ample unless the dealer is taking the piss.
freddo-
Excellent, thanks @freddo
That all makes sense. I have found a few mid size and wasn't sure if it was just inaccurate measures! I think 30mm would be perfect as she likes my dad's omega Deville at 34 mm.
I'm also cautious that a 36mm datejust might be just that bit too big.
I guess I'll have to go shopping with her, may ruin the surprise a little but it's important to get right!
Thanks
TRA
Mid 90's Rolex datejust, ladies, two tone... What should I be looking for?
Still searching for my wife's 40th gift watch. A 1978 gold-ish Rolex is harder to find. Maybe a 90s one is better as it'll be a daily wear? Hence the search for a two tone, champagne face datejust. Actually the 36mm or the ladies 26mm would be fine.
I'm just getting way too confused looking online so might check out some real stores here in Sydney. Budget of $5000 seems likely.