18th birthday present watch
Discussion
So my eldest is coming up to 18 next month and to mark the occasion he has decided that a watch would be the ideal gift. He has never worn a watch before as he has a phone to tell the time but has come to the understanding that a watch is something more than just a thing to tell the time.
As we are currently just 20 mins from Gibraltar a few hours wandering round watch shops, a nice meal and milling around to get an idea of what watch styles he like would make for a pleasant day. So we have just got back and thought I would post and see if anyone have some pointers on ideas or classic watches I have missed.
I soon discovered that his style he likes is very set.
Black or dark blue face
Leather strap
No dive watches
Clean looks. If it is a chrono the small dials have to be the same colour as the face
Thin as possible with a fairly narrow bezel
His favourite is the first one but looking for other suggestions
Some images of the ones he liked.
As we are currently just 20 mins from Gibraltar a few hours wandering round watch shops, a nice meal and milling around to get an idea of what watch styles he like would make for a pleasant day. So we have just got back and thought I would post and see if anyone have some pointers on ideas or classic watches I have missed.
I soon discovered that his style he likes is very set.
Black or dark blue face
Leather strap
No dive watches
Clean looks. If it is a chrono the small dials have to be the same colour as the face
Thin as possible with a fairly narrow bezel
His favourite is the first one but looking for other suggestions
Some images of the ones he liked.
About 2000 GBP ideally, and I have not told him the budget. I want him to choose a watch that he likes not what it costs. No concern with resale as it will be a keeper but I would like him to choose a watch with a good name/ heritage. At present he has chosen ones around or below that mark except for the Brietling Transocean
Asked him what he thought of the Hublot in the window. He was not impressed with any of them. He is not a fan of complex looking watches so I should be OK
He has a small wrist and the 42mm Montblanc looked quite big. The 38mm IWC would be my choice but this would not be a new watch. Found a 2011 version for just above budget.
Edited to correct Oceantimer to Transocean
Asked him what he thought of the Hublot in the window. He was not impressed with any of them. He is not a fan of complex looking watches so I should be OK
He has a small wrist and the 42mm Montblanc looked quite big. The 38mm IWC would be my choice but this would not be a new watch. Found a 2011 version for just above budget.
Edited to correct Oceantimer to Transocean
Edited by rex on Friday 19th August 22:28
rex said:
So my eldest is coming up to 18 next month and to mark the occasion he has decided that a watch would be the ideal gift. He has never worn a watch before as he has a phone to tell the time but has come to the understanding that a watch is something more than just a thing to tell the time.
As we are currently just 20 mins from Gibraltar a few hours wandering round watch shops, a nice meal and milling around to get an idea of what watch styles he like would make for a pleasant day. So we have just got back and thought I would post and see if anyone have some pointers on ideas or classic watches I have missed.
I soon discovered that his style he likes is very set.
Black or dark blue face
Leather strap
No dive watches
Clean looks. If it is a chrono the small dials have to be the same colour as the face
Thin as possible with a fairly narrow bezel
His favourite is the first one but looking for other suggestions
Some images of the ones he liked.
I suspect they are all much of a muchness in terms of quality. Mont Blanc have very little watch history but I think they are OK. I'd choose the IWC simply because it's more classic and therefore a bit more versatile than the Mont Blanc.As we are currently just 20 mins from Gibraltar a few hours wandering round watch shops, a nice meal and milling around to get an idea of what watch styles he like would make for a pleasant day. So we have just got back and thought I would post and see if anyone have some pointers on ideas or classic watches I have missed.
I soon discovered that his style he likes is very set.
Black or dark blue face
Leather strap
No dive watches
Clean looks. If it is a chrono the small dials have to be the same colour as the face
Thin as possible with a fairly narrow bezel
His favourite is the first one but looking for other suggestions
Some images of the ones he liked.
Or if you want a watch with as small a bezel as possible. Slim it may not be, but hey. I particularly like the type 3 with a silver dial.
You did say that you wanted him to choose what he wants regardless of cost. I'll let you google a price for that.
13m said:
I suspect they are all much of a muchness in terms of quality. Mont Blanc have very little watch history but I think they are OK. I'd choose the IWC simply because it's more classic and therefore a bit more versatile than the Mont Blanc.
Mont Blanc bought history by buying a bona fide Swiss manufacturer (can't remember the name now). In house movements iirc. The IWC wins for me from the choices the OP has posted. I do quite like the Breitling though. Probably the nicest one I've seen from then.
sidicks said:
I'm a bit biased, but given that I bought this earlier in the year, this would be my choice...!
That is a lovely watch and I prefer a chronograph watch. Showed eldest and he immediately said that it was too busy. Voldemort said:
Can I put Bremont on the list?
Blue faced U2
Also available with a black face and a black face/black case edition.
His face didn't light up at this one. Looked "too new". I think a more classic looking watch is his preferred style although he loved the type 3. Not going there with that price thoughBlue faced U2
Also available with a black face and a black face/black case edition.
Thinking back to when I was 18, I think i'd quite want a well known brand. At that age, image and brand recognition are as important as the quality of the watch. Even if it is approved used in order to get the brand at the right price.
Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega.
A sweeping generalisation!
Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega.
A sweeping generalisation!
Top call on the Jhungens Mikeveal.
Crashley - he was not so keen on the Bell and Ross. A bit chunky.
Thanks to those that have contributed ideas. Keep them coming. Rex junior is enjoying the thread. His 18th celebrations are coming together nicely. On the 26th he is going on his first track day driving my track prepared M3 and also his grandad is taking him to Twickenham to watch England very Fiji in November. Both good opportunities to wear his new watch, whichever one he chooses.
Keep the suggestions coming.
Crashley - he was not so keen on the Bell and Ross. A bit chunky.
Thanks to those that have contributed ideas. Keep them coming. Rex junior is enjoying the thread. His 18th celebrations are coming together nicely. On the 26th he is going on his first track day driving my track prepared M3 and also his grandad is taking him to Twickenham to watch England very Fiji in November. Both good opportunities to wear his new watch, whichever one he chooses.
Keep the suggestions coming.
FrankAbagnale said:
Thinking back to when I was 18, I think i'd quite want a well known brand. At that age, image and brand recognition are as important as the quality of the watch. Even if it is approved used in order to get the brand at the right price.
Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega.
A sweeping generalisation!
I'm not sure any of the major watch names mean anything to 18 year old of this generation. The only time pieces they have are iPhone, HTC, Samsung etc. A shame really as I remember looking in watch shop windows in Birmingham New Street when I was younger with disbelief that a Rolex could cost as much as my Dad's car thinking, one day. Breitling, Rolex, Tag, Omega.
A sweeping generalisation!
Looks to me like the design your son likes is of the Bauhaus style
http://wornandwound.com/a-bauhaus-inspired-guide/
Skagen (super slim watchs too, but quartz), Nomos, uniform wares, mondiane etc
http://wornandwound.com/a-bauhaus-inspired-guide/
Skagen (super slim watchs too, but quartz), Nomos, uniform wares, mondiane etc
Edited by Foliage on Friday 19th August 15:07
Foliage said:
Looks to me like the design your son likes is of the Bauhaus style
http://wornandwound.com/a-bauhaus-inspired-guide/
Skagen (super slim watchs too, but quartz), Nomos, uniform wares, mondiane etc
Not ever heard of Nomos. They are very elegant watches. Really like this onehttp://wornandwound.com/a-bauhaus-inspired-guide/
Skagen (super slim watchs too, but quartz), Nomos, uniform wares, mondiane etc
Edited by Foliage on Friday 19th August 15:07
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