Watch for 18th Birthday?

[dr_gn]

All, our son is 18 in July, and his grandparents (and us) want to get him something decent. He’s said he’d like a watch. I’d like opinions on buying pre-owned: what makes to look for, what will last, where to buy, what won’t depreciate, and any general advice. Budget is difficult to say, but maybe around £2k - 3k.

I went through a watch phase, and got a new Rolex Explorer I about 30 years ago after uni. I’ve worn it pretty much every day since - we’ve been through a lot, and it’s got the scuffs and scratches to prove it unfortunately. I think my son likes the idea of having something similar. Possibly Omega, an automatic movement seems the right way to go for something like this. Also something with a date - at least that’s what I miss on my Explorer.

Thanks.

[Geffg]

Omegas are nice and the seamaster is a classic one. Have a look on goldsmiths website as they do used ones with 2yr warranty too.

[thebraketester]

Planet ocean?

[InitialDave]

Fundamentally, what does he like? There's a ridiculous variety of watches out there, and frankly, a lot of the higher priced ones people seem to lust over I think are ghastly.

It's certainly not any kind of envy or anything. I just don't like them. I don't buy far cheaper watches that are of that style.

So my opinion is, involve him in the decision. I know it's appealing to get a gift as a "surprise", but it's so hard to know someone's tastes and variance in preferences, if you're spending real money (and yes, despite what the Audemars Pigugly contingent might say, a few grand is a significant outlay on a watch), make sure it's exactly what he personally likes.

[dr_gn]

Geffg said:

Omegas are nice and the seamaster is a classic one. Have a look on goldsmiths website as they do used ones with 2yr warranty too.

Thanks - will do.

[dr_gn]

thebraketester said:

Planet ocean?

Could well be a very good choice. Thanks.

[dr_gn]

InitialDave said:

Fundamentally, what does he like? There's a ridiculous variety of watches out there, and frankly, a lot of the higher priced ones people seem to lust over I think are ghastly.

It's certainly not any kind of envy or anything. I just don't like them. I don't buy far cheaper watches that are of that style.

So my opinion is, involve him in the decision. I know it's appealing to get a gift as a "surprise", but it's so hard to know someone's tastes and variance in preferences, if you're spending real money (and yes, despite what the Audemars Pigugly contingent might say, a few grand is a significant outlay on a watch), make sure it's exactly what he personally likes.

Thanks. Yes, I wouldn’t buy one unless he’d chosen it, and I know he wouldn’t go for anything OTT - more functional, but smart.

I just wanted some guidelines on anything to look out for when buying pre-owned, and whether any brands were better at that kind of price.

Yes it is a significant outlay, and I’m still pondering if it’s even the right thing to get him at his age (not that anyone could wish for a better son!). I got mine after university, with money from the first proper work I got paid for. Anyway, I’ll see what he likes and take it from there. It could well be that he has his own idea of what’s right for now.

ETA he does like motor racing - and older cars, Goodwood FOS, Silverstone Festival type of stuff. Anything with that kind of theme or heritage might be nice. Heuer maybe (I think it’s got to be mechanical).

Edited by dr_gn on Saturday 1st March 23:59

[InitialDave]

dr_gn said:

Thanks. Yes, I wouldn’t buy one unless he’d chosen it, and I know he wouldn’t go for anything OTT - more functional, but smart.

I just wanted some guidelines on anything to look out for when buying pre-owned, and whether any brands were better at that kind of price.

Yes it is a significant outlay, and I’m still pondering if it’s even the right thing to get him at his age (not that anyone could wish for a better son!). I got mine after university, with money from the first proper work I got paid for. Anyway, I’ll see what he likes and take it from there. It could well be that he has his own idea of what’s right for now.

I'm afraid I can't offer much insight there, but if he's a good kid, and he'd appreciate a decent watch, I think there are worse things you could buy him for his 18th.

What matters is, it'll matter to him.

As a slightly related example, for his 21st birthday, my grandfather was bought a second-hand (but good quality) roll-top desk.

My 78 year old father still uses it almost daily in his study.

At some point, my brother or myself will be the custodian of it for another few decades.

With stuff like this, things can have their own value outside of the intrinsic kind.

[Stick Legs]

https://www.oris.ch/en-GB/product/watch/divers/new...

Classy.
Understated.
A brand that is 'on the up'.
No 'brand tax' like Rolex.

[jimmyjimjim]

Stick Legs said:

https://www.oris.ch/en-GB/product/watch/divers/new...

Classy.
Understated.
A brand that is 'on the up'.
No 'brand tax' like Rolex.

I was thinking Oris before I saw your post, and had opened the site for a browse.

[Bubbas Grill]

Give him your Watch. I can imagine how proud you both will feel.

[NDA]

dr_gn said:

I’m still pondering if it’s even the right thing to get him at his age (not that anyone could wish for a better son!). I got mine after university, with money from the first proper work I got paid for. Anyway, I’ll see what he likes and take it from there. It could well be that he has his own idea of what’s right for now.

There is a risk at 18 to owning a decent watch. My son was mugged on the Isle of Wight and his 18th birthday watch nicked... a friend's son recently had his rather nice Hamilton 18th birthday watch stolen (whilst wearing it) in a London pub. Youngsters tend to go to some quite sketchy places which is part of the fun of being that age.

I had thought to give my son one of my watches - an Omega Planet Ocean as it happens, had I done so, it would have been nicked.

I think it's a tricky decision. Maybe if you're spending that much he might only wear it for 'best' kind of thing?

[Juan B]

Chrono 24 is a good site (and app) for approved used.

Be some decent Omega's and Tudors in budget probably.

For a specific recommendation: Tudor Grantour is a good watch which is motorsport inspired, and a bit different to usual Tag.

Edited by Juan B on Sunday 2nd March 06:35

[SWoll]

NDA said:

There is a risk at 18 to owning a decent watch. My son was mugged on the Isle of Wight and his 18th birthday watch nicked... a friend's son recently had his rather nice Hamilton 18th birthday watch stolen (whilst wearing it) in a London pub. Youngsters tend to go to some quite sketchy places which is part of the fun of being that age.

I had thought to give my son one of my watches - an Omega Planet Ocean as it happens, had I done so, it would have been nicked.

I think it's a tricky decision. Maybe if you're spending that much he might only wear it for 'best' kind of thing?

It's a tough one, especially at 18 as you say. Avoided getting anything too flashy for my lad until he turned 21 and even now he'll still wear one of his cheaper Alpina or GShock watches If going out in town.

If you are still sure you want to do.it OP then how about something like a Tudor Black Bag or Pelagos? Both would be in budget on the used market with lots of choice and have the right vibe for a youngster (according to my son)

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Tudor/watches

Edited by SWoll on Sunday 2nd March 07:12

[gregd]

My two boys chose their own for their 18th. Eldest went for the red/blue Black Bay GMT, youngest opted for a Breitling Superocean.

[dr_gn]

InitialDave said:

dr_gn said:

Thanks. Yes, I wouldn’t buy one unless he’d chosen it, and I know he wouldn’t go for anything OTT - more functional, but smart.

I just wanted some guidelines on anything to look out for when buying pre-owned, and whether any brands were better at that kind of price.

Yes it is a significant outlay, and I’m still pondering if it’s even the right thing to get him at his age (not that anyone could wish for a better son!). I got mine after university, with money from the first proper work I got paid for. Anyway, I’ll see what he likes and take it from there. It could well be that he has his own idea of what’s right for now.

I'm afraid I can't offer much insight there, but if he's a good kid, and he'd appreciate a decent watch, I think there are worse things you could buy him for his 18th.

What matters is, it'll matter to him.

As a slightly related example, for his 21st birthday, my grandfather was bought a second-hand (but good quality) roll-top desk.

My 78 year old father still uses it almost daily in his study.

At some point, my brother or myself will be the custodian of it for another few decades.

With stuff like this, things can have their own value outside of the intrinsic kind.

Yes, I’m hoping a decent watch would be with him for a long time, and might even get passed-on. I’ve got my Grandad’s old Accurist ftom the ‘60’s. Needs repairing, which may cost more than its monetary value, but that’s not the point at all. Thanks.

[dr_gn]

Stick Legs said:

https://www.oris.ch/en-GB/product/watch/divers/new...

Classy.
Understated.
A brand that is 'on the up'.
No 'brand tax' like Rolex.

Yep, another to show him when we get around to discussing it. Thanks.

[dr_gn]

Bubbas Grill said:

Give him your Watch. I can imagine how proud you both will feel.

One day, but not yet!

[dr_gn]

NDA said:

dr_gn said:

I’m still pondering if it’s even the right thing to get him at his age (not that anyone could wish for a better son!). I got mine after university, with money from the first proper work I got paid for. Anyway, I’ll see what he likes and take it from there. It could well be that he has his own idea of what’s right for now.

There is a risk at 18 to owning a decent watch. My son was mugged on the Isle of Wight and his 18th birthday watch nicked... a friend's son recently had his rather nice Hamilton 18th birthday watch stolen (whilst wearing it) in a London pub. Youngsters tend to go to some quite sketchy places which is part of the fun of being that age.

I had thought to give my son one of my watches - an Omega Planet Ocean as it happens, had I done so, it would have been nicked.

I think it's a tricky decision. Maybe if you're spending that much he might only wear it for 'best' kind of thing?

Yes, the risk of wearing an obviously expensive watch is something I considered. I suppose it’s going to be a risk - depending on the watch. Perhaps something less obvious than the usual targets would be ok?

[dr_gn]

Juan B said:

Chrono 24 is a good site (and app) for approved used.

Be some decent Omega's and Tudors in budget probably.

For a specific recommendation: Tudor Grantour is a good watch which is motorsport inspired, and a bit different to usual Tag.

Edited by Juan B on Sunday 2nd March 06:35

Thanks very much, will have a look.

Re. TAG watches - I have to be careful not to push my tastes/thoughts on to him, but although a lot of them look nice enough, I can’t get beyond that they’re a bit of a cliche (or maybe I’m hopelessly out of date). That’s why I mentioned Heuer (I suppose pre-1980’s?) as having a motorsport link, but a bit different from the later TAG stuff. I remember seeing Heuer adverts in my Dad’s Motor Sport magazines from the ‘70’s. Any thoughts on Heuer quality?

Edited by dr_gn on Sunday 2nd March 11:02