WTB A locket-like men's dress watch that can hide a secret

[klrrrr]

I'm working on a gift to propose back with for my fiancé. It's to be a watch with a secret lover's eye (mine) hidden within (discussed with @Bron357 here). He's a watch guy so I need to find the right blend of meeting my budget needs while satisfying his interest in nice watches.

I'm looking at two options...

#1 - LOCKET WATCH
In terms of functionality, I would love the watch to either have a secret compartment (like a locket) or a reversible case.



Bron suggested a Jaeger Reverso, which is my ideal piece but too expensive for me. I'm looking to spend no more than $2k CAD on the watch itself - I still need to consider artist fees, etc. Bulova made them, and Bron suggested some other companies, but I'm not having much luck. Other thoughts:

• Cartier Basculante
• Universal Geneve Cabriolet

Is anyone looking to offload a men's Reverso (far-fetched), or another vintage luxury watch with a secret compartment?


#2 - RETROFIT
My jeweller and I are also exploring using a more classic men's dress watch and doing something on the back.



If your DH is looking to sell something classic that's in budget LMK!

 

[Django74th]

If it’s any help, I have a friend who’s into watches and lives on Watchuseek. I haven‘t used it personally but you might find more ideas by searching there — there’s also a preloved section. There’s an affiliated site used to sell preloved watches — can’t remember for the moment but I’ll think of it.

Such a sweet, sentimental gift — love it!

 

[klrrrr]

Thanks for the suggestion @Django0413 - why am I not surprised that there's a PS for watches!

 

[Marriedbuteloped]

I was about to suggest the Watchuseek site as well. It is huge and intimidating but there are real experts on that site. If you are up for a little verbal abuse you will most likely get an (or several) suggestions.

 

[Bron357]

The watch you saw with the hidden compartment is a 1920s Favre- Leuba, very rare.
i did find on Chrono24, a watch selling site, a Favre Leuba Reverso but the price is just over 3,000 Canadian. Cheaper than a reverso but still pricey.
The only other watch that has a revolving dial is the Rotary Evolution BUT this is a double faced watch. You could always replace one side with your desired engraved insert. These watches are hard to find but the is one on eBay (UK) for around $1,000 CAD item no 265380631628 plus a Rotary Elite (no photo of other side though) for a little more item no 384129776859.
if you want a “look a like” DH gate, Chinese website, do watches that resemble the Reverso.
Other than that affixing a cover for the dial is an option albeit expensive unless you use a stainless steel or white gold fill watch with a 925 silver cover as using gold will be $$$$.

 

[klrrrr]

The watch you saw with the hidden compartment is a 1920s Favre- Leuba, very rare.
i did find on Chrono24, a watch selling site, a Favre Leuba Reverso but the price is just over 3,000 Canadian. Cheaper than a reverso but still pricey.
The only other watch that has a revolving dial is the Rotary Evolution BUT this is a double faced watch. You could always replace one side with your desired engraved insert. These watches are hard to find but the is one on eBay (UK) for around $1,000 CAD item no 265380631628 plus a Rotary Elite (no photo of other side though) for a little more item no 384129776859.
if you want a “look a like” DH gate, Chinese website, do watches that resemble the Reverso.
Other than that affixing a cover for the dial is an option albeit expensive unless you use a stainless steel or white gold fill watch with a 925 silver cover as using gold will be $$$$.

@Bron357, you're my hero. That Favre-Leuba is STUNNING. Do you think this is a decent price for it? There are no comps online, it must be very rare. I want something that my watch-loving boyfriend will appreciate, so I'm realizing that I may need to up my budget (def no DH gate for me!).

I found this Reverso on TRR, too: https://www.therealreal.com/products/watches/bracelet/jaeger-lecoultre-reverso-watch-b63zr
The waterproofing is busted, which is fine given that the painting will make the watch unsuitable for water anyway. But, I'd need a new watch strap - this one is meant for mini wrists, of which he does not have. If you had to pick between the two, which would you go for? Seems like with strap considered the cost is comparable.

 

[Bron357]

The RealReal is so annoying. I don’t want to join to look at something grr.
The Jaeger is a better watch but I’m not sure about the waterproofing? Like that they are actually waterproof anyway. Mine, a ladies, I would never wear in the water regardless.
A replace Jaeger watchband is a ridiculous price. Even buying an extra link can be hundreds. I would instead go for either a leather deployment band or leather buckle band. There are various sellers online, a decent leather watchband will set you back around $300 with clasp. You want white metal/ stainless steel clasp to match. You measure the distance between the lugs and that’s the watchband width you need.

 

[LilAlex]

OK, I don't know the whole story here behind this romantic gesture but if my then-fiancee gave me a watch to hide a super-secret image of her that only I could ever see, it would not be of her eyes.

Apart from that, it's a lovely idea and I wish you both much happiness!

And: it's hard to buy a surprise watch for a "watch guy."