To be honest, unless you go for something like a Rolex or Patek (which are both considerably more than your budget) you are 9 times out of 10 going to be looking at a quartz movement in a traditionally sized ladies watch. I say "traditionally sized" as some women can get away with wearing gents watches (not SA kind of size, but certainly up to 41mm in some cases), but most ladies watches are sub-35mm, and in most cases sub-30mm. Traditionally sized ladies watches tend to have quartz movements for two simple reasons - firstly, very tiny mechanical movements aren't very common, and secondly there is also some dispute about the size of the market for mechanical ladies watches (although the former reason may well be due to the latter reason anyway). Without being sexist, mechanical watches are invariably a predominantly male passion. Some of the women I know like nice watches, but the name and the look is more important than what's going on inside.
With that in mind if I was you I'd be looking at something like Longines, Ebel, maybe Tag..... those kind of brands. Obviously you may need to cut a deal to get a good price on some models by these brands, but they are well known (both as brand names and also in watch-making circles) and make some nice looking ladies watches. Obviously you could also go the more "fashion" route (like Gucci for example), but as a watch guy I'd always suggest sticking to "proper" watchmakers.
you're a wise man!