Is it time to pass it down?

[JCB62]

Long time member (10+ years) but I haven't posted much lately. Life got in the way. But something just recently occurred that I thought I'd be ready for...but I'm having second thoughts. I've owned my GMT 16750 for over 34 years. It's a daily wear watch - rotated with my Sub 10460. I bought the GMT with my first bonus check at my first job when I was single, 22 years old, right out of school...cost me $900- a fortune. A lot has changed since then. I've been married 29 years to a wonderful woman. We were blessed with 2 children, now grown and successful, and overall, had a happy, lovely life. Always with my GMT on my wrist (till I picked up the 10460 about 10 years ago - now it's about a 70/30 split between the two watches). Anyway I've always said I'd pass it down to my oldest child, a son. Over the years I've pushed the transfer event back multiple times....from HS Graduation, to college graduation to Law school graduation, passing the Bar Exam, to his first job with a firm....etc. Mostly because I'm not quite ready to give this beauty up, it's a tangible sign of the work and success I've enjoyed in my life. But also because I'm just not sure it would be used? He's a 27 year old lawyer now, just sworn in by a judge this week, and in his first 6 months with a great law firm. But he is not a watch wearer. Never has been. When I've mentioned that to him when he was younger, he replied "yeah, but that's a Rolex! Bling!" He's matured since then...but I don't know. It will be his eventually one way or another. I have the Sub to wear if it goes. I'm thinking I may enjoy seeing him wear it both as he heads to his office, and as we enjoy family time at the cottage. But its hard to say goodbye. I know it will mean a lot to him. But when is the time right? Curious how many members have passed down a prized watch to a child and how it's worked out? By the way - I'm only 57. Any thoughts? Thanks to all for the time!

[WatchNutcase]

That's a tough call. I think you'd need to figure out somehow if he's actually going to wear it. If you think he will wear it then I'd say pass it down ASAP.

[1665fan]

Just do it.....

[g_luck]

Here is another idea. He is only 27 and you are only 57. You admitted that he doesn't even wear a watch but that could start to change. Instead of giving him your 16750, buy him a Tudor GMT as a gift for all that he has accomplished. See if he starts to appreciate watches and give him yours later.

My father was never a watch person. He wore only one most of his adult life. It was a Seiko 5 Automatic that my Uncle sent him from Singapore when my dad told him my mom was pregnant with me. He wore it out! I mean to the point it was in ROUGH shape. It was passed to me when he was 88 and knew he wouldn't be around much longer. I sent it off to have it restored and he passed about 6 months before I got it back. It is amazing and I cherish it like not other watch I own (which is too many.)

Keep your watch a little while longer and get your son to appreciate watches a little more. It may become a truly VALUED possession of his one day.

[R G]

You’re still young.

Buy him his own new Rolex, one that you won’t have any attachment to and won’t miss wearing it.

Job done.

[wach16]

Originally Posted by R G

You’re still young.

Buy him his own new Rolex, one that you won’t have any attachment to and won’t miss wearing it.

Job done.

I like this idea!

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by R G

You’re still young.

Buy him his own new Rolex, one that you won’t have any attachment to and won’t miss wearing it.

Job done.

[herts9]

Tough call.

I have 21 years until my boy graduates from college. Lots of time to figure it out. But it goes by quick.

[tymonster]

Not that I really know anything about this (yet)... I just turned 36. But I did specifically purchase a watch to pass down to my son (2 years old), a 116600. I have not bonded as much with the watch, clearly, like you have with yours. Nor have I with my son nearly as much since he's so young. But I'm excited knowing that one day it will be his and I'm hopeful he will enjoy it and think of me when he wears it. But as long as I am able I will keep wearing my watch...

You yourself at only 57 are very young. My dad is 57 also, turning 58 in January. He has a TT 16610 that has been his watch for as long as I can remember. Even with my extreme (borderline obsessive) interest in watches I would never anticipate that he would part with it and pass it on to me at this point in his life. Maybe in another 40 years.

My parents gifted me my first "real" watch when I graduated college. Your son has been through a lot of school as well and seems like he's "made it". So maybe it does call for a "gift". But in my opinion, if he doesn't have an interest in watches he may not appreciate how special that watch really is. And not just because it's your watch, but 16750 are special in their own right.

I would continue to wear and enjoy your GMT. If anything I'd consider gifting him a watch that might be more in line with his lifestyle. Something that he could wear daily as an attorney that would mix well with suits/ties, maybe timing himself as he practices his closing statements. Something that will show you're proud of his accomplishments and want to give him something that's meaningful to you as well.

If I were in his shoes, really anything along those lines from my dad would mean a lot to me. Then if you notice that he's wearing it, enjoying it, etc you could consider the GMT when you're really truly ready.

[Dirt]

It's simple.

Keep wearing it until the day you die.
He's just not into watches and has the means to get whatever he wants whenever the fancy takes him.
He's probably still carrying the baggage and belief system he had back in his younger days.

Get over your preconceived ideas and enjoy everything just as it is
Perhaps one of your Grandchildren may value the watches more in their own way after you're gone?

[DVDA]

I'm a lawyer, and every male lawyer I've ever known ends up buying a Rolex at some point. Maybe it's a South Florida thing. But I say let him do what you did, buy his own when he wins a big case or gets a big bonus. He will cherish it like you cherished yours. Then when you pass he will cherish wearing his dad's vintage prized Rolex.

[mgrave22]

Originally Posted by DVDA

I'm a lawyer, and every male lawyer I've ever known ends up buying a Rolex at some point. Maybe it's a South Florida thing. But I say let him do what you did, buy his own when he wins a big case or gets a big bonus. He will cherish it like you cherished yours. Then when you pass he will cherish wearing his dad's vintage prized Rolex.

I like this one. Unless he has said or hinted that he wants it one day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[subdateII]

Originally Posted by JCB62

Long time member (10+ years) but I haven't posted much lately. Life got in the way. But something just recently occurred that I thought I'd be ready for...but I'm having second thoughts. I've owned my GMT 16750 for over 34 years. It's a daily wear watch - rotated with my Sub 10460. I bought the GMT with my first bonus check at my first job when I was single, 22 years old, right out of school...cost me $900- a fortune. A lot has changed since then. I've been married 29 years to a wonderful woman. We were blessed with 2 children, now grown and successful, and overall, had a happy, lovely life. Always with my GMT on my wrist (till I picked up the 10460 about 10 years ago - now it's about a 70/30 split between the two watches). Anyway I've always said I'd pass it down to my oldest child, a son. Over the years I've pushed the transfer event back multiple times....from HS Graduation, to college graduation to Law school graduation, passing the Bar Exam, to his first job with a firm....etc. Mostly because I'm not quite ready to give this beauty up, it's a tangible sign of the work and success I've enjoyed in my life. But also because I'm just not sure it would be used? He's a 27 year old lawyer now, just sworn in by a judge this week, and in his first 6 months with a great law firm. But he is not a watch wearer. Never has been. When I've mentioned that to him when he was younger, he replied "yeah, but that's a Rolex! Bling!" He's matured since then...but I don't know. It will be his eventually one way or another. I have the Sub to wear if it goes. I'm thinking I may enjoy seeing him wear it both as he heads to his office, and as we enjoy family time at the cottage. But its hard to say goodbye. I know it will mean a lot to him. But when is the time right? Curious how many members have passed down a prized watch to a child and how it's worked out? By the way - I'm only 57. Any thoughts? Thanks to all for the time!

You will know when it is the time.

[Oxfordian]

Hi, well I am 58, I have a similar dilemma my eldest son does not believe in watches at all, his 18th birthday present went the way of the Dodo, the planned 21st birthday watch went in the form of a new computer as he didn't want a watch.

His view is that he has the time on his phone, he has the time on his computer, on the dashboard of his car, time is all around him so why does he need a watch, they are pointless, so don't buy me one or leave me one when you die.

So what do I do with my small and modest watch collection, give them to my youngest who will wear them once then sell them for a new mountain bike.

Our children don't always follow our interests, so my decision is that I will leave the watches to both my sons in my LWT, they can do what they want with them as I won't be there to worry about it.

If in the intervening years grandchildren come along and they show an interest then my LWT can be changed accordingly.

That's what I am going to do with my collection.

[904VT]

I found most that aren't into watches, just haven't owned and worn a nice watch enough. It happens even with collectors and Rolex and bias because it's such a well known luxury brand. To be quite honest I've never heard story of someone being gifted or buying a Rolex and not being too into it. It's one of those things imo that you have to wear to truly gain appreciation. Congrats on your son's recent success in law!

[JParm]

My kids are still young (4 and 2), but everything I have will eventually be theirs, and I've bought things specifically thinking that way.

No matter how much joy I get out of a watch, I know I'll be even more pleased knowing that I have passed something down to them. Your son is a mature 27 year old lawyer; regardless of if he's into watches or not, I'm sure he can appreciate the gesture of love by you passing on such a treasured item to him.

Now seems to be a pretty big milestone to do it; if not now, then when? At the end of the day, it's just a watch, but to be able to pass it along (while living!) and see that reaction...priceless.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by JCB62

because I'm just not sure it would be used?

Why not talk to him and ask directly if he would wear it. He will either say yes, no, or maybe (which is a no). This would make this decision very simple for you.

[42itus]

My son is 16 and he absolutely loves my Speedmaster and my Blue GV Milgauss. He wears the Speedy to school almost daily and borrows the Milgauss when he needs to wear a suit.

My thought is, no matter the age, if they are going to appreciate it, take care of it, and most importantly wear it, I would let him own it. He pretty responsible, he won't take it to the beach or take it out if there's a chance he has to take it off.

[1SG MTB]

Lots of great perspectives on this topic, I also look forward to passing my watches on to my son one day. I’ll offer a slightly different perspective for you, though. My dad is a watch nut (guess where I got it?), and I have often dreamed of having his Rootbeer GMT. However, if I knew my dad we’re contemplating passing it on to me, say, tomorrow, and struggling with the decision because of how much he loves wearing the watch, I would not want him to pass it down as I would never want to take that enjoyment from him. I know the watch will be mine one day, I can wait. Besides, the longer he wears it, the more “his” the watch is and the more special it will be to me.

I like someone else’s suggestion about buying him a nice watch as a gift because then you can both be watch nuts together.

[marnii]

show him both,let him pick one only,he picks sub,you continue to enjoy gmt,still can make switch later

[J.P.Jones]

Originally Posted by JCB62

Long time member (10+ years) but I haven't posted much lately. Life got in the way. But something just recently occurred that I thought I'd be ready for...but I'm having second thoughts. I've owned my GMT 16750 for over 34 years. It's a daily wear watch - rotated with my Sub 10460. I bought the GMT with my first bonus check at my first job when I was single, 22 years old, right out of school...cost me $900- a fortune. A lot has changed since then. I've been married 29 years to a wonderful woman. We were blessed with 2 children, now grown and successful, and overall, had a happy, lovely life. Always with my GMT on my wrist (till I picked up the 10460 about 10 years ago - now it's about a 70/30 split between the two watches). Anyway I've always said I'd pass it down to my oldest child, a son. Over the years I've pushed the transfer event back multiple times....from HS Graduation, to college graduation to Law school graduation, passing the Bar Exam, to his first job with a firm....etc. Mostly because I'm not quite ready to give this beauty up, it's a tangible sign of the work and success I've enjoyed in my life. But also because I'm just not sure it would be used? He's a 27 year old lawyer now, just sworn in by a judge this week, and in his first 6 months with a great law firm. But he is not a watch wearer. Never has been. When I've mentioned that to him when he was younger, he replied "yeah, but that's a Rolex! Bling!" He's matured since then...but I don't know. It will be his eventually one way or another. I have the Sub to wear if it goes. I'm thinking I may enjoy seeing him wear it both as he heads to his office, and as we enjoy family time at the cottage. But its hard to say goodbye. I know it will mean a lot to him. But when is the time right? Curious how many members have passed down a prized watch to a child and how it's worked out? By the way - I'm only 57. Any thoughts? Thanks to all for the time!

I doesn't seem bizarre to you that you are asking complete strangers vs. your wife or your son, whether he deserves or even wants your precious watch?
Don't take it the wrong way, but I just think it's the conversation to be had with your family and noone else.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

[DtownRRS]

It was funny to read your story. I have had my GMT 16750 for 30 years. Married 25 and I am 50. I was just actually thinking about the same thing. My son will start college next year and my thought was to give him the GMT for graduation since it's been on many adventures and I would like him to continue the story with it.

I think if they would start to wear it even for special occasions the watch would grow on them quick! I would say to do it.

My thought is if I gift the 16750 to him it will give me a reason to buy a PM White gold GMT at some point. My 16750 GMT is now in my rotation but I just bought a WG Sub for our 25th Wedding anniversary and man the WG is just crazy nice. Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted.

[TimeLord2]

I have three kids one of which just started college and the other two are in high school with one graduating next year. None of them have any interest in my TT GMT 1675 that I got from my Dad. I think maybe my daughter might have more interest than the boys but none of them wear traditional watches. They depend on their iPhones or iWatch for time of day. Times are a changin'…

[Gold Crown]

Here is my take on this. Send the watch to Dallas have a full service done on it then give it to him for Christmas. He is going to inherit the thing anyway and the idea of you passing on your Pepsi to your Boy is a good one it will be in good hands.

[tkc324]

Honestly I would hold off on passing the watch to him. I have a few watches that are meant to be passed down to my children but I would only do so when they are older and have appreciation of a fine time piece. Your son is a lawyer working at a good law firm, if he wants a Rolex let him go buy one for himself. If he doesn't have an appreciate for one yet just wait and let yourself enjoy it longer...

[HogwldFLTR]

My take is no interest, no watch. If you enjoy the watch then wear it. Not to call your son names but it brings to mind the old line about casting earls before swine.

[vesnyder]

I have a 35 year old DJ that I have worn regularly since I bought it new. I just purchased my second Rolex in anticipation of giving my son my watch. He is at the same age I was when I bought it and it has given me great karma over the years. I gave him a watch when he graduated college - a Tag Heuer diver - that he rarely wears. I think he is excited about the Rolex but we will see how long it lasts. I am "letting him wear it" as opposed to giving it to him, so if he does not wear it I can take it back.

[173rdabn]

Neither of my sons (37 and 45) wear watches. Can't see any reason to give a watch to either one to them. Also resolves the issue of the son not wanting the watch but feeling he had to wear it. Wear it until you die and let your family deal with it.

[junamuan]

My sons are 18 and 21 and both are not into watches though I gave them my 20 year old Tag Heuers when they graduated HS. At first I planned to give them my Rolex on certain milestone of their lives but I feel it has to come from them- it has to be wanted.

Having said that, if your son is not too crazy about watches, I would wait for the right time which only you will know - when you feel its 'wanted', then it's about time.

[NachoNeal]

I gifted my son a nice watch about five years ago and I rarely see him wear it.
He's always in some sort of G Shock.
My daughter on the other hand . . .