Buying and storing a watch for a kid

[bramley]

Actually, make that two watches. A very close friend of mine died recently, and he has two boys, 5 and 1. I thought about putting some money aside for them or something, but then I wondered about buying them each a watch and hanging on to it til they're 18 or something?

Is this practical? I'd spend maybe £500-£1k on each watch. Nice idea or waste of time? Bank the money instead? Any suggestions welcome. I quite like the idea of having an object that I can buy now (i.e. around the time of their Dad's death) and give to them later.

I guess I could buy a watch and have the battery removed straight away?

Thanks

[Stevenj214]

Very nice idea. Get an inscription on them.

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

[Spice_Weasel]

I think it's a lovely idea. I think you'd be better off going for mechanical watches for them rather than battery-powered though after 13/17 years storage I would wager a service would be required for any type of watch.

I would want to keep them somewhere secure too, like a bank safety deposit box.

[Justayellowbadge]

Sorry to hear of your loss.

It is a lovely idea.

Did your chum have any interests that might inform your choice? Motorsport, aviation, diving, yachting even golf - you could find something that reflects them.