Matching Watches Help Couples Celebrate Their Time Together
I’ve been wanting to do this “his and hers” list for a while now, but it’s been tough. Finding great watches that fit into the price bracket I wanted to hit is a challenge. Today, great options are readily available for those looking for a matching combination. This article is centered around a his and hers pair, and I based the “his and hers” assessment on a few key points:
- Men generally have larger wrist sizes than women, so the pair needs to match and have a step down in size.
- The watches can’t be garbage. Quality is key.
- The pricing of each watch can’t exceed $500; the set can’t exceed $750.
With those parameters in place, I got to doing my homework and found several options across a variety of styles and price points. I also convinced Melissa to pose as we snapped some photos. Let’s have a look at what I found. Note: the watches are presented in no particular order.
For her, I’ve selected the Bonvier Classic. I first encountered Bonvier watches a few years back when they sent both the Classic 36 and 40 to me for review (here’s the review of the 40, and here’s a his/hers piece I did on the pair). They appear yet again here because they are, in my humble opinion, fair value for what they offer.
Oh, and you can get both for under $350. That’s a great price point for a pair of snazzy looking dress pieces.
- Movement: Quartz. Miyota 2035
- Water Resistance: 50m / 165ft
- Model Number: Classic Blue
- MSRP: $160
- Size: 36mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
For this article, I chose the blue versions of the respective lines due to their striking good looks, in no small part influenced by the sunburst dials. The sunburst blue, gold, and reddish-brown leather combination is a real knock-out, and the Classic 36 (shown here) uses a Miyota 2035 movement which is inexpensive, yes, but not cheap.
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- Bonvier.com
For him I’ve picked out the Navona 41mm. Like the Classic collection select for her, his enjoys the same gorgeous styling, right down to the leather strap and sunburst blue dial.
- Movement: Quartz, Seiko VD78
- Water Resistance: 50m / 165ft
- Model Number: Navona Blue
- MSRP: $165
- Size: 41mm
- Crystal Material: Sapphire
Worth noting is that the leather strap, which is the same reddish-brown tone as the Classic, is quite comfortable (as noted in my original review of the Bonvier Classic 40mm). Many straps are stiff, or look wonderful but are poorly made. After nearly two years of on-again off-again wear, neither of the three Bonviers in my collection show undue wear in the strap.
Also worth noting is the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. It makes full use of the extra real estate available on the Navona and looks charming. Non-watch people will note its distinct upscale style, and they’ll never know the watch itself was purchased for a hair over $160.
See also:
- Bonvier.com
Timex Weekender Collection
For her, I recommend the Weekender 38mm. There are several Weekender variations bearing the name, with the most notable difference being the strap or case color. Pick your favorite – they’re all good, in my estimation – and enjoy. Compared to the Bonvier or Corniche options listed earlier, the Weekender is a more utilitarian – and affordable – choice. That doesn’t make it any less of a desirable option.
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m / 99ft
- Model Number: Weekender Reversible
- MSRP: $52
- Size: 38mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
If you’ve read WYCA at all, you’ll notice that I have a lot of appreciation for the Weekender series. I regularly wear my two weekenders – a chronograph and 40 – and Melissa also gets good use out of her reversible.
Why the appreciation? Value. Value that doesn’t come at the expense of quality, though compared to other higher-priced options, having appropriate expectations helps maximize your enjoyment. More on that below.
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For him, I recommend the Weekender 40. This classic piece is one of the most ubiquitous – and famous – of affordable watches. Like the smaller 38mm, the Weekender 40 features Indiglo – Timex’s incredible night light – and nigh-unmatched affordability.
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m / 99ft
- Model Number: Weekender 40
- MSRP: $57
- Size: 40mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
With an MSRP a hair below $60, the Weekender 40 offers fantastic value that classic good-looks. Its suitability for any outfit makes it a compelling daily-wearer, and with such a low price, you can wear it confidently knowing that it won’t be a wallet-smasher should it be on the receiving end of some unexpected abuse.
All versions of the Weekender enjoy battery life that tends to average around 5 years (assuming you go light on your use of Indiglo). Note: with only 30m / 165ft of water resistance, be mindful when wearing it should you find yourself near water. It won’t survive much more than a splash.
See also:
- Our hands-on reviews: Chronograph, 40
- Amazon (recommended place to buy)
- Timex.com
Corniche Heritage Collection
For her, I’ve selected the excellent Corniche Heritage 36. Ideally sized for the contemporary woman, the Heritage 36 is – as noted in my review – an excellent example of a microbrand putting thought into every detail of the watch.
- Movement: Quartz, Miyota 2025
- Water Resistance: 50m / 165ft
- Model Number: Heritage 36
- MSRP: $365
- Size: 36mm
- Crystal Material: Sapphire
While some other entrants in this list showcase their value-conscious construction, typically in the materials used for the crystal, Corniche makes no such sacrifices. Sapphire is the crystal material of choice, and the leather used for the strap is quite excellent. Also excellent is said strap’s deployant clasp, which again is rose gold to match the case.
The blue hands – notably lacking a seconds display – provide a good looking contrast to the simply-designed white dial and rose gold case/indices. Melissa loves hers, and more than once have I heard an enthusiastic inquiry into the make when its on her wrist.
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For the gentlemen is the Heritage 40. When I first received the Heritage 40 I was duly impressed by the care that had gone not only into the watch, but its presentation as well. It arrived in a wooden box, a rich mahogany in color, with the watch carefully presented within. It made an excellent first impression, and I am pleased to note that the Heritage 40 very much lived up to the expectation set by such fanfare.
- Movement: Quartz, Miyota 2025
- Water Resistance: 50m / 165ft
- Model Number: Heritage 40
- MSRP: $365
- Size: 40mm
- Crystal Material: Sapphire
Priced at $365, the Heritage 40 (and 36 for that matter) are on the expensive end considering the Miyota quartz movement used, but top-shelf finishing and the use of sapphire afford it considerable value. The caseback, in particular, is one of the best parts of the watch and features a gorgeous engraving on the stainless steel backing.
Stylistically identical yo the Heritage 36, save the 4mm increase in diameter, the Heritage 40 and 36 are among the best examples of a microbrand that I’ve seen yet.
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Seiko 5 Collection
For her, a classic automatic from Seiko: the Seiko 5 SYME39K1. Perfectly petite at just 25mm in diameter, this Seiko 5 offers the lady in your life a quality automatic movement – the 4207 automatic – that may be spartan in function, but enduring in construction. The 4207 is used here because of the small case size, and while it doesn’t sport the typical auto most 5’s have – that would be the 7S26 automatic – the 4207 is a solid movement that Seiko has been using for years.
- Movement: Automatic, 4207
- Water Resistance: 30m / 99ft
- Model Number: SYME39K1
- MSRP: $220
- Size: 25mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
Seiko is well-known for their quality of craft, and that’s no exception here. While the featured photo above may not be of this watch specifically, it’s of a pair cut from the same cloth and built in the same way.
Personally, I believe that every watch enthusiast should have at least one Seiko 5 in their collection. Fans of smaller case sizes will appreciate the value packed into this one.
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This one’s a wildcard: the SNK789, sized at 36mm, could fit both man and woman. It’s small on most men, and it’s just right for most women. I’ve listed it here because it’s an excellent pair for the SYME39K1 shown above, and as with the above, it’s an auto.
- Movement: Automatic, 7S26
- Water Resistance: 30m / 99ft
- Model Number: SNK789
- MSRP: $185
- Size: 36mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
This one uses the trusty 7S26 automatic, which I’ve got plenty of experience with as both itself (in the SNK809/SNK807 and Recraft SNKN01 / SNKM97 series) and its upscaled versions (in the SARB017 Alpinist and SARB065 Cocktail Time).
As you’d expect, the movement is solid and so is the watch. Day/date complications add a bit of variety to the dial, and like hers, his features timeless styling that has aged gracefully. There’s a benefit to being on the “boring” side of the aesthetic department.
While hers uses a different movement than his, both lend their respective cases some horological horsepower. If you don’t already have a Seiko 5, here’s a good excuse to change that.
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Timex Waterbury Collection
On her wrist is the Waterbury Classic 36mm. While Melissa is seen here showing off the rose gold version, there are many alternates sized at 36mm that she can choose from. All versions feature the best of what Timex is known for: upper-level finishing, entry-level pricing, Indiglo, and the famous (and noisy) Timex quartz inside.
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m / 99ftMo
- Model Number: TW2R72500VQ
- MSRP: $109
- Size: 36mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
I chose the Waterbury Classic over some of its more complicated variants because, at 36mm, it is well-sized for a ladies wrist, but going too complex on the dial might make it a little too visible. With no complications and a simple motif – printed Arabic numerals and a clean layout overall – the Classic, in this combination, seems ideal.
She’ll also appreciate the quick-release strap, making it easy to switch new straps in and out to suit her attire. This gives the Waterbury Classic additional versatility and allows you to stretch it legs- a few straps will totally change the demeanor of the watch.
See also:
- Amazon (recommended place to buy)
- Our hands-on review
- Timex.com
On his wrist is the Waterbury Chronograph, a 40mm quartz chrono that, again, brings the best of what Timex has to offer. This version will match her rose gold Waterbury while differentiating itself via the strap (also a quick-release). The rose gold hands, crown, and pushers give it that sophisticated touch while still leaving room for the racey motif the chronograph inspires.
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m / 99ft
- Model Number: TW2R71700VQ
- MSRP: $129
- Size: 40mm
- Crystal Material: Mineral
Like the Classic, the Chronograph version of the Waterbury has Indiglo. It also has a date display at 4 o’clock, tying the strap to the dial (and vice versa).
I’ve enjoyed nearly every Timex I’ve worn, including the Expedition Chronograph I reviewed (that uses the same movement). I expect that you’ll enjoy the Waterbury Chronograph on your wrist as much as I’ve enjoyed it on mine.
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MQT Horlogère Suisse Essential Four Collection
Shown above is Don rocking the MQT Horlogère Suisse Essential Four Gents, a 41mm Swiss-made dress watch that is designed and made by a microbrand based out of Switzerland. Using an ETA quartz movement and sapphire glass, the Essential Four is a basic but attractive watch.
Priced at $230, it’s also quite affordable.
- Movement: Quartz, ETA 955.412
- Water Resistance: 50m / 165ft
- Model Number: Essential Four Gent
- MSRP: $230
- Size: 41mm
- Crystal Material: Sapphire
Our recent review of the Essential Four was positive. I like the quality of build, which is quite good for the price, as well as the classic style.
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The ladies version of MQT’s Essential Four is effectively a smaller version of the Gent’s, though it uses a different movement that lacks a date display. Still, it is powered by a Swiss-made ETA 956.032 quartz movement and is again made with sapphire.
- Movement: Quartz, ETA 956.032
- Water Resistance: 50m / 165ft
- Model Number: Essential Four Lady
- MSRP: $210
- Size: 34mm
- Crystal Material: Sapphire
This one comes in at $210, meaning that the his and hers set comes to just under $450- pretty good.
Like the Gent’s version, you can find the Essential Four ladies in a variety of color schemes and strap combinations.
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