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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
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.