Photogirl

That's correct, the metal thingies are the problem, changing the strap for a different one (which will be no closer to the finish of the gen one) is most likely not an option. So I'd go for the metal bracelet. I've not had a chance to compare the rep leather Ladymatic strap with a genuine one, but I'll report back when I do. I would describe the (black) rep leather strap as being very shiny and plasticky. The gen one is also shiny, but perhaps not so 'wet' looking.

Hmm - it might grow on her! You could take her to the AD and get her to try one on, that would surely 'sell it' to her. I didn't like it on first sight, then I found myself hankering after one. Otherwise I've heard the Cartier (auto) Ballon Blue mid is a great rep for a lady and very accurate. I have one on order.

I'm not familiar with what the other dealers have, however there are three versions on Josh's site. One is the quartz version which is quite cheap, then that is an Asian auto version (in the 'mid' section) and a "Swiss" auto version. The latter being the most accurate, which is the one I own. But as I said always do your research and compare the piece you're considering against detailed images of the genuine article. Look closely at the date wheel, and its position for example.

OK OK, you're forgiven!

Adeodatus, I'm delighted your wife is assisting the rest of the female membership in refuting the belief that women only want quartz timepieces! There is only one size of Omega Ladymatic, For some reason Josh places the ones with the lower end movements in a "mid" section. In carefully comparing the HIGHEST END Ladymatic with genuine photographs it does indeed appear to be an excellent wrap. Some of the cheaper models, particularly the quartz, have dial issues (for example the position of the date will is wrong) so make sure you do the relevant comparisons with whichever one you go with. Yes it is quite likely that the Swiss ETA termed movements are also made in China, and are likely to be better than the movement termed as "Asian" but I can't say for definite. The watch is simple and classy and would be an excellent daily watch. I have not had the opportunity of comparing mine with the genuine article because none of my local dealerships carry this model as yet. I would guess that the versions with the metal bracelet are best, since the leather on rep straps tends to be inferior.

"Most women want a quartz". I have to say that I, and the ladies in the women's section of another well known rep forum are getting tired of hearing comments like that, and other presumptive remarks about our ability to manage the vast technicalities of winding and setting a watch.

The gen item is an auto, so for me the difference in cost between a quartz (which I would not entertain) and an auto is a no brainer. The difference between the 'Swiss' auto and the 'Asian' auto (found in the DeVille Mid section on Josh's site for example) is around $50. I'm afraid I don't know what the Asian auto movements are like or how well they compare to the 'Swiss' ones.

Yes, that's the problem Cougar, collectors will keep on buying so the factories are never in a hurry to make improvements. Women's reps have been a real issue in that regard - we have so few 'good' ones, most are a joke and don't even exist in the gen world. The new Ladymatic will fly out the window, proving that women do care about accuracy, as do the men who buy them for their female partners. I like looking at men's watches, but I could never carry them off (though I did find myself ogling a Daytona in the AD today, and wondering if there was a good reproduction of it!).

Hmm, yes .... but movement shots would not be relevant on this one - I think in this case the OP chose a quartz movement (does not exist in the gen) most likely because he felt the recipient would prefer it. I have the much more accurate automatic version and the movement is indeed very pretty.

Lovely piece for a lucky lady! Purely on an educational level, in case there are some accuracy freaks (like me) considering this watch ..... the genuine is of course an automatic. The date window is in the wrong place on this one, and the datewheel should be white font on black background, not black on white. There are variants where these flaws are absent, but you will of course pay a premium. Lastly, models with the diamond bezel should have a little diamond set in the crown. But it's a gorgeous watch nonetheless and I hope the lucky recipient was suitably appreciative!