Watch for a 21st

[sdh2903]

Hi all

Our lad is coming up 21 and we're looking at a first decent watch for him. The usual something that won't look out of place in 10 years time. He's not a massive brand slut but a recognisable brand would be preferred.

Under normal times we'd have happily pushed the boat out, but the past year has been tricky as I work in aviation so the finances have had to be controlled a bit more than normal.

Initially we were looking at somewhere around the 500 mark at stuff like these

https://amjwatches.co.uk/seiko-prospex-world-time-...

https://amjwatches.co.uk/seiko-prospex-padi-divers...

https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/gents-tissot-supe...

https://www.chisholmhunter.co.uk/tissot-seastar-10...

https://www.watchshop.com/watches/certina-watch-c0...

The only thing is I can't help but feel we're selling him short a little. I know he'd instantly recognise the brand on these. But reading up suggests these aren't particularly great internals for the money?

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tagheuer/tag-heuer-form...

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tagheuer/tag-heuer-form...

Any input or advice gratefully recieved

[sdh2903]

Thanks. Used is out, not my stipulation I might add.

We spoke to him a while back and offered to let him pick but he stipulated a few bits, metal bracelet, black or dark blue face and then told us to pick!

If I put the list above in front of him id be 99% sure he'd pick a tag. But not for the fact its the 'better' watch. Just because it's a tag. I know that kind of answers my own question but am wary of buying the cheapest tag they sell.

[sdh2903]

Barchettaman said:

Gotta be a quartz Tag really, excellent starter watch for a young man.
Others will know the best/cheapest way to get one.

Best of luck!

I'm kind of coming to the same conclusion. I know he will be more than happy with whatever we get him. But I also know that he would never forget getting a real tag on his 21st. It'd make his year.

Just choosing one now........

This seems good value on chrono24. Worth a cheeky bid?

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tagheuer/tag-heuer-form...

Or the chrono version

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/tagheuer/tag-heuer-form...

[sdh2903]

blue_haddock said:

First of all whilst I love seikos, to many people they aren't really a big name but I could really recommend the original Seiko samurai save the ocean, the dark blue dial is fantastic and is probably my favourite dial in my whole collection. Its got a nice weight to it and sits nicely on the wrist.

Agree, I have a couple and wear them the most frequently. In fact I'm having a really hard time keeping one of these out of the shopping basket whilst I've been browsing.

https://amjwatches.co.uk/seiko-prospex-samurai-aut...

I just have the feeling though a seiko wouldn't quite have the wow factor for a 21 yo.

[sdh2903]

liner33 said:

Christopher Ward of interest ? https://www.christopherward.com/motorsport/c65-am-...

That one in the link really is a lovely thing. I'd never heard of those before Ill take a look.

[sdh2903]

Barchettaman said:

Surely a 21 year old lad is going to be fairly brand conscious, hence a TAG is a valid choice.

I reckon behind Rolex they’ve got equal best brand cachet in the uk along with omega.

It's a valid point. I'd much rather for a landmark birthday the reaction "oh wow its a......" rather than "oh that's nice I've not heard of......."

If it was a purchase for me it's a different ballgame.

I've submitted an offer on the one at chrono24 will see what happens although don't expect they'll discount further as it's already 150 below retail and none of the jeweller discount codes seem to work on higher end brand watches m.

[sdh2903]

Lord Marylebone said:

If he's saying 'You choose', then that honestly says to me he really isn't that bothered about watches, or he needs to see them in real life to decide.

Edited by Lord Marylebone on Wednesday 10th March 10:17

I hear you. I think the reason he wanted me to pick is hes seen the style of watch I buy and he has similar tastes so trusts me to get it right.

I should have come back and updated the thread but we went ahead and bought the Tag. Its a nice watch and he'll get it next week. We kept it classic and simple so that hopefully it stands the test of time.

I did have to have a sneaky try.......