Sons 18th .. Tag Heuer?

[Jonny TVR]

Don't want to spend anymore than 1500 but not sure which one. I think this is the right brand. What do you guys think?

[bristolbaron]

At £1500 you’re fairly limited these days, but doesn’t mean you can’t pick something up.

Personally, as an 18th I think it should be a ‘forever’ watch, which would/should mean an automatic movement. That will limit your options further to a Formula 1 with easy negotiation or Aquaracer with a harder push. There are a couple of outlet stores that may also be worth a visit.

Whilst your money would be far better spent on a pre owned Omega/Breitling, as an 18th gift you may not consider that as an option.

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/TAG-Heuer-Formula-1-4...

https://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/TAG-Heuer-Aquaracer-C...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233528071304

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143765152246

[Jonny TVR]

Thanks bristol baron .. I think realistically its a tag heuer and looking more closely secondhand one. I was thinking a Carrera as always liked those myself but will an 18 year old like it?

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Tag%20Heuer/Carrera/...

[CharlesElliott]

TAG outlet at Bicester worth a look / call - I've bought two watches from there

[bristolbaron]

Jonny TVR said:

Thanks bristol baron .. I think realistically its a tag heuer and looking more closely secondhand one. I was thinking a Carrera as always liked those myself but will an 18 year old like it?

https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/Tag%20Heuer/Carrera/...

I think that’ll depend on your 18 year old! I would guess most would prefer an Apple Watch these days, and see the Carrera as an old mans watch!

[Jonny TVR]

bristolbaron said:

I think that’ll depend on your 18 year old! I would guess most would prefer an Apple Watch these days, and see the Carrera as an old mans watch!

You may have point you know! He is seriously into fitness and and apple user. I noticed the apple watches have blood oxygen monitors etc.

[sinbaddio]

Jonny TVR said:

Don't want to spend anymore than 1500 but not sure which one. I think this is the right brand. What do you guys think?

I did the same for my son's 18th - he got a Formula 1 and loves it. I did however include him in the buying process as if the choice wasn't to his liking it would have been a costly mistake. He's got very different taste to me (thank god!)

[HocusPocus]

Jonny TVR said:

bristolbaron said:

I think that’ll depend on your 18 year old! I would guess most would prefer an Apple Watch these days, and see the Carrera as an old mans watch!

You may have point you know! He is seriously into fitness and and apple user. I noticed the apple watches have blood oxygen monitors etc.

One of our sons went through teenage electric watch enthusiasm and did not see the point of mechanical watches. Before he turned 18 we toured a few watch ADs and he got the point. Now he happily sports an Omega Aqua Terra birthday present (OK a bit above your stated budget) and values the craftsmanship which never ages.

You should not go wrong with any mechanical TAG Aquaracer or Omega dive type watch. Hope you get much enjoyment of choosing with your son.

[mikeveal]

Jonny TVR said:

You may have point you know! He is seriously into fitness and and apple user. I noticed the apple watches have blood oxygen monitors etc.

I think that would be a mistake. Do not buy tech as pressie for a significant birthday. The apple watch will be outmoded & obsolete in a few years.

I asked for and was given a dot matrix printer for my 18th. I was offered a watch, but chose that instead. I think it lasted about three years.
The 18 year old me was a bit of a dick.

I wouldn't even consider a quartz watch for such a birthday. Get something that can be serviced and worn for the rest of his life. That means you might want to steer him gently away from anything overly fashionable / blingy and towards something classic. Carrera would be a good choice.

Tags went through a period of being (or at least being considered) a bit shonky. I don't think that applies to their more recent stuff.

[robsa]

What about a Sinn? Very well thought of, and a bit different. The thinking man's alternative perhaps?

https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/sinn-104-st-sa...

Something like that perhaps?

[Jamescrs]

I'd definitely say speak to your son about his own ideas on it, my parents bought me a watch for my 18th (I'm nearly 40 now) and I wore it once before putting it back in the box and haven't touched it since, it's just not my taste whatsoever but I appreciate it for the thought behind it and I've kept it.

I'd say ask him what he thinks to make sure he ends up with something he will actually wear.

[Jonny TVR]

I've just asked him and he seems interested in a watch. Going to sit down with him at the weekend to look at options. I think a tag heuer aquaracer looks very nice but will see what he thinks.

[AJB88]

Bicester is worth a visit if local and want TAG.

Tudor's new Royal comes in at about £1700 if he likes more dress watch style.

[Jonny TVR]

Always liked Tudor watches and they seem to have really come along. Will add to the list

[Gazzab]

I bought the following for 18ths for my sons:

1. Speedmaster reduced. A 1999 model on leather. This was my elders 18th birth year.
2. Tudor blue smiley BB on leather. Couldn’t find a birth year watch for his 18th and the reduced speedy would be too small for my 2nd son.
3. Gifted my eldest one of my watches for his 21st. A tudor pelagos.

[Ninjin]

Don't just limit yourself to TAG watches...

With a £1500 budget (for brand new) there are plenty of choices for a Swiss Made Automatic that will last the test of time (mechanically at least!).

Un-fortunately most of those brands don't have the high street presence of the TAG brand.

Here are some you should consider:

These 4 are Swatch group owned:

Certina
Mido
Longines
Rado

Oris (a fav of mine)
Alpina

No doubt others will chime in but that's just a few to get some ideas.

[Jonny TVR]

Thanks again guys.

I like the idea of a watch from his birth year. I noticed this one, its more than I wanted to spend but its an Omega.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/omega-speedmaster...

[Gazzab]

Jonny TVR said:

Thanks again guys.

I like the idea of a watch from his birth year. I noticed this one, its more than I wanted to spend but its an Omega.

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/omega-speedmaster...

That’s the same watch I bought. Great watch unless big wrists. I paid £1300 I think on leather but 3 years ago.

[VR99]

robsa said:

What about a Sinn? Very well thought of, and a bit different. The thinking man's alternative perhaps?

https://www.firstclasswatches.co.uk/sinn-104-st-sa...

Something like that perhaps?

This would be my thinking too...rather than go for a Tag.....Sinn, Oris or a Muhle Glashutte gets my vote but again depends on your son's likely preferences.

Edit: just seen your post with the Speedmaster Reduced..if budget permits definately get him that!

[Jonny TVR]

After a chat with my son he likes diving style metal bracelet watches and more importantly would really like a watch. Decided that I want to get an Omega (James Bond likes them!) and one of my favourite watches is my Omega. I want to get one from his birth year with all the papers/ box. What do you think of this one?

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/seamaster--id1345...