Some advice? Buying a new watch

[cardigankid]

My son is getting a new watch for his 21st birthday - obviously as a long term asset / keepsake / memento.

Question is what to buy.

There are 5 on the short list, based on his preference, aesthetics, and perceived quality. These are:-

1. Rado Sintra Automatic dark steel satin finish
2. Omega Seamaster AquaTerra Chronometer 42 Automatic Co Axial caliber 8500 Golf Edition - green details
3. Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Caliber 12 Automatic - black face
4. Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph 1887 Automatic - blue face
5. Breitling Chronomat 44 GMT Caliber 04

They all look nice to me but I am not an expert. Your comments or suggestions would be very welcome.

[cardigankid]

And any suggestions off the list also welcome - I came across the name Nomos Glashutte - any views?

[ellroy]

Some very different watches on there!

I personally love the Nomos, very clean and understated, unlike most Breitlings!

That being said I have a Breitling Chronomatic!

Is it a surprise or can he have some input? His choice may be very different to yours or mine.

Also does if definitely need to be new? Vast amount more value to be had in the 2nd hand market?

As I've said before I'd be inclined to look at Tudor, a Rolex sub-brand, the Pelagos is lovely.

Edited by ellroy on Sunday 7th September 12:36

[gbbird]

I'd go for the Omega out of those choices. Second would be the Breitling.

Do a bit of research before buying a TAG.

[TimLambert7]

gbbird said:

Do a bit of research before buying a TAG.

To save you the research.

They break quite a lot and the customer service is awful.

[100thmonkey]

The Omega Seamaster AquaTerra Chronometer 42 Automatic Co Axial caliber 8500 Golf Edition is the pick of the bunch for me. Love them

[ecain63]

TimLambert7 said:

gbbird said:

Do a bit of research before buying a TAG.

To save you the research.

They break quite a lot and the customer service is awful.

They are a lot of money for not a lot of watch in the main. Only the upper end of the Tag range is worth considering when purchasing as new. Saying that, an F1 is an ideal daily beater if you can stomach the initial outlay and chunky looks.

[cardigankid]

ellroy said:

Is it a surprise or can he have some input? His choice may be very different to yours or mine.

Also does if definitely need to be new?

It is totally his call in the end but he is a sensible lad and will listen to advice. He is also thinking about it. The list is a mixed bag but he picked them out himself from a wander through near every watch shop in Glasgow. He has fancied a Rado from an early age - it's a style thing - but I get the impression it is more of a designer watch than a long term keeper which this has to be. As it's a 21st birthday present it really has to be a new one.

I would say that it also has to be a watch which you can go into a swimming pool with without too much concern.

[BHC]

Don't buy a Monaco without trying it first.

They just don't sit well on some wrists. I wanted one badly until I realised how uncomfortable it was for me.

[ecain63]

Seamaster is an idea pool watch.

[toohuge]

Out of those listed, I would go for the Omega.

That said, as this is an important present for your son, I would be inclined to let him make the decision.

My parents offered the same present for my 21st and I chose a UN Blue Max, a decision they were baffled by, but went with it

Chris