Tough, stylish sports watch with longevity?
Discussion
Hey folks,
I'd like to buy a decent watch which I can pass onto my eldest son when he is 25 (he's not quite 6 yet). I've always felt that a father should take some pride in gifting his son a watch and preferably one with some meaning to both men. I have a second son and I'll do the same for him in a couple of years - he's not 3 yet.
For this reason, and also to benefit and look after said timepiece for the next 20 or so years, I'm prepared to look at spending a few grand on a quality but classically stylish watch. No bling or gimmicks, as who knows what the 2030s will think of some of the chunkier watches of today...
I am looking specifically at buying a new, non-Date Rolex sub in steel. Not the forthcoming revised, chunkier one (yuk) but the current model, which I have tried. Hate the 'cyclops' and not bothered too much about having the date. Would consider used but to be honest there is value (to me) in being able to pass on the watch that I bought new in 2012... only wish I'd had the sense to do this a few years ago before the prices started to increase dramatically...
Anyway, the Rolex Sub ticks all of the boxes except for some baggage regarding the name (discussed often here and elsewhere): rugged, stylish, classic styling, reliable, holds its value relatively well (might even increase in value over time). However, I'm also conscious that there are lots of watches in the £2k-£5k bracket.
Are there other watches I should consider offering this level of ruggedness (or better) in this price range, combined with strong value retension, serviceability and workmanship?
Thanks!
I'd like to buy a decent watch which I can pass onto my eldest son when he is 25 (he's not quite 6 yet). I've always felt that a father should take some pride in gifting his son a watch and preferably one with some meaning to both men. I have a second son and I'll do the same for him in a couple of years - he's not 3 yet.
For this reason, and also to benefit and look after said timepiece for the next 20 or so years, I'm prepared to look at spending a few grand on a quality but classically stylish watch. No bling or gimmicks, as who knows what the 2030s will think of some of the chunkier watches of today...
I am looking specifically at buying a new, non-Date Rolex sub in steel. Not the forthcoming revised, chunkier one (yuk) but the current model, which I have tried. Hate the 'cyclops' and not bothered too much about having the date. Would consider used but to be honest there is value (to me) in being able to pass on the watch that I bought new in 2012... only wish I'd had the sense to do this a few years ago before the prices started to increase dramatically...
Anyway, the Rolex Sub ticks all of the boxes except for some baggage regarding the name (discussed often here and elsewhere): rugged, stylish, classic styling, reliable, holds its value relatively well (might even increase in value over time). However, I'm also conscious that there are lots of watches in the £2k-£5k bracket.
Are there other watches I should consider offering this level of ruggedness (or better) in this price range, combined with strong value retension, serviceability and workmanship?
Thanks!
For what it's worth, I came to a similar conclusion when I was looking for a watch to give to my son when he's old enough. I settled on a then new Rolex Seadweller 16600, which is safely locked away until at least 2025!
My father always wore a £5 Casio, which he replaced every couple of years. He could never understand why I would spend so much on watches. He thought spending 30% of your gross salary on a watch was nuts (Rolex 16520 Daytona). When he was 60 I bought him a Rolex Date, which he's proudly worn everyday since and long may he continue to do so.
As you say, it's very satisfying to give a meaningful gift to Father or Son. These guys seem to agree too...
D
My father always wore a £5 Casio, which he replaced every couple of years. He could never understand why I would spend so much on watches. He thought spending 30% of your gross salary on a watch was nuts (Rolex 16520 Daytona). When he was 60 I bought him a Rolex Date, which he's proudly worn everyday since and long may he continue to do so.
As you say, it's very satisfying to give a meaningful gift to Father or Son. These guys seem to agree too...
D
That's a lovely looking Rolex. I take it that it's no longer available to buy new? That would be a pity as it sidesteps the no-date with good looks versus the abhorrent cyclops magnifier with Sub Dates.
When did you buy it, and (from what you're saying) I assume you never wear it? Which would be different to my plan, which is to actually wear the watch rather than park it in a safe. Sure, I've no doubt it'll acquire a patina of use over 20 years, but in my mind that makes it all the more valuable as a gift to pass on (regardless of what the market says)...
I've been having a look at the Omega Seamasters and they look quite nice also, but a bit more bling than a SS Rolex sub to my eye; perhaps number two son can have one of those (though this might seem unfair in a financial sense)...
Funnily enough, the Patek ad (a different variation) was what prompted me to take action after sitting on the idea for a while...
When did you buy it, and (from what you're saying) I assume you never wear it? Which would be different to my plan, which is to actually wear the watch rather than park it in a safe. Sure, I've no doubt it'll acquire a patina of use over 20 years, but in my mind that makes it all the more valuable as a gift to pass on (regardless of what the market says)...
I've been having a look at the Omega Seamasters and they look quite nice also, but a bit more bling than a SS Rolex sub to my eye; perhaps number two son can have one of those (though this might seem unfair in a financial sense)...
Funnily enough, the Patek ad (a different variation) was what prompted me to take action after sitting on the idea for a while...
For what you'd like to do, I'd go for either a Rolex (your choice sounds spot on) or a classic Omega Seamaster/Speedmaster model 
Dominic H said:
When he was 60 I bought him a Rolex Date, which he's proudly worn everyday since and long may he continue to do so.
Edited by Ikemi on Wednesday 18th April 12:01
oktapod said:
When did you buy it, and (from what you're saying) I assume you never wear it?
I got it in 2008, it's one of the last delivered. It's still as purchased with all the protective seals in place, it's never been out of the box let alone been worn. I've other watches which he'll get as well. The Seadweller has always been a favourite of mine, and when one came up I grabbed it. Your intention to buy and wear one seems far more fun. Unfortunately my OCD doesn't allow me to wear a new watch! Have fun choosing..
Well, very interesting developments. My wife is now saying that we really should buy TWO of the same model of whatever watch I end up going for, so that both boys have identical watches when they're 25 or whatever.
I think this is the wrong approach. My plan would be to get (say) the Submariner Non Date for my eldest son (who is 5 1/2) and then when my youngest son reaches a similar age I'll look for perhaps a Sea Dweller such as the beauty pictured above. Much more fun to have two different watches than two the same. 'Course, it'd be different if they were going to be locked away, unused, for the next 20 years or so, but I plan to enjoy them and pass them on, and where's the fun of two identical watches....??
That said, I'll keep an eye out for a Sea Dweller once the dust has settled from the Submariner purchase (assuming that I do go down that route, which I am leaning towards... I tried on an Omega Seamaster and it's a lovely watch but perhaps a bit bigger than I was looking for. Price is quite a bit lower though - could almost buy two (one in either colour ;-) for the cost of the Submariner....
Ah, decisions, decisions....
I think this is the wrong approach. My plan would be to get (say) the Submariner Non Date for my eldest son (who is 5 1/2) and then when my youngest son reaches a similar age I'll look for perhaps a Sea Dweller such as the beauty pictured above. Much more fun to have two different watches than two the same. 'Course, it'd be different if they were going to be locked away, unused, for the next 20 years or so, but I plan to enjoy them and pass them on, and where's the fun of two identical watches....??
That said, I'll keep an eye out for a Sea Dweller once the dust has settled from the Submariner purchase (assuming that I do go down that route, which I am leaning towards... I tried on an Omega Seamaster and it's a lovely watch but perhaps a bit bigger than I was looking for. Price is quite a bit lower though - could almost buy two (one in either colour ;-) for the cost of the Submariner....
Ah, decisions, decisions....
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