Watch for 18th birthday

[kashn]

Son's 18th bday next month and thought we'd get him a 'decent ' watch as a present. Budget upto £1k.
I've shortlisted the following but as a middle aged man, not sure what an 18 year old would consider 'phat/wicked' or whatever it is they say in their own language:

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/hamilton-timeless-c...
I like

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/hamilton-timeless-c...
Elder son's suggestion

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/tag-heuer-formula-1...
Wife's suggestion

http://www.iconicwatches.co.uk/tag-heuer-formula-1...
Best investment for future-proofing.

Be great to hear opinions to help make decision.

[Rude-boy]

http://www.tagheuerconnected.com/

A little over budget but in 2 years they give you the option of keeping it or handing it back with a further £1,100 and getting an exclusive automatic. If anywhere near sensible he'll tap you up for that as a 21st when the email arrives!

[warren182]

The most important opinion to consider is missing, his. It's a completely personal choice, what you like he may despise.

I'd consider a Sinn 104
https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/search?q=Sinn+104&am...

Or if pre owned is an option, an omega Speedmaster reduced

[Dicky Knee]

As already said, buying a watch is quite a personal thing. Same with brands. Personally I would be looking at something new (not the best 'investment' but I think it's nice to have unworn for a landmark birthday and a 'keeper) from Oris, Longines (Hydroconquest auto is worth a look) and Hamilton (as you have already mentioned) Creation have some good prices on Hamilton and I would be looking at a Jazzmaster Chrono in its various guises.

[marcosgt]

warren182 said:

The most important opinion to consider is missing, his. It's a completely personal choice, what you like he may despise.
...
Or if pre owned is an option, an omega Speedmaster reduced

It's a nice choice, if you can get over the 'not quite a Moonwatch' feeling.

A friend has one and it's great, doesn't look too small, avoids some of the gimmicky dials on special edition Moonwatches (you either love 'em or hate 'em and, on the whole, I'm in the latter camp), but would I swap my Moonwatch for one...?

M.

[CardShark]

For an 18yo chap I'd definitely choose the last option of the 4 posted - it's a brand that someone of his age would most probably recognise the most and consider to be "phat" and the other TAG could possibly be seen as marmite in style. I wouldn't buy him that watch with investment in mind as, quite simply, it wouldn't be - but then very, very few are.

Instead of buying him something out of the blue have you considered a day out with him so he can choose something himself? It's great to be able to surprise him with a watch however seeing as these things can be extremely personal you could have some quality father/son time together whilst choosing, he could have his first legal pint with you at the same time

[warren182]

marcosgt said:

It's a nice choice, if you can get over the 'not quite a Moonwatch' feeling.

A friend has one and it's great, doesn't look too small, avoids some of the gimmicky dials on special edition Moonwatches (you either love 'em or hate 'em and, on the whole, I'm in the latter camp), but would I swap my Moonwatch for one...?

M.

All good points. But it's much cheaper, so comparing to a moonwatch isn't really relevant in this instance.

These days, I think the reduced is actually closer in spirit to the original Speedmaster, a racing tool watch.

The moonwatch thing is very love/hate for me. It's over 50yrs, and as a marketing tool it's been flogged to death.

[T6 vanman]

First thought's are as above ....Let him choose when enjoying some quality dad ... son time.

Ask him if he'll want it for a daily or for 'best', Does he do sport or is he studying, what style does he like?

Alternately sit him in front of the laptop and with 2 face sizes 3 faces styles and 8 strap/bracelets
https://www.christopherward.co.uk/watches/dive/c60...

Several different styles .... under £1k
https://www.jurawatches.co.uk/collections/ball-wat...

Mind you at 18 maybe
https://www.amazon.co.uk/U-Boat-Automatic-Watch-Le...

T6

[epom]

A nice G Shock.