Can a 16 year old wear an AP?

[Noah S]

Hello all. I was gifted a 15400ST (black dial) for my 16th birthday, and I'm really in love with it. It's really great. But my question is, is it socially acceptable to wear this at my age? From my experience a Rolex draws too much attention for someone my age and the AP is understated yet luxurious. Is this appropriate? Thanks!

[MP5]

Things like this should be worn on special occasions like holidays and formal events then put up in the safe. Just not something to wear or keep up with daily for a young guy. Plenty of time ahead for that

[CWIN]

That's a pretty amazing gift. It all depends though. If it were mine, I would follow MP5's advice.

[Noah S]

Thanks guys. The only reason I got it is because I've been careful with my a Rolexes and my parents have seen that I can handle a nicer watch (not that rolex isn't nice, I just thought I'd advance into the Holy Trinity). I'd like to wear it every day as it seems like a good all-around watch. My only real issue is being ostentatious, and I want to know how much wrist presence this watch has. Ideally it would be very understated but I need other peoples' input as I can't really gauge this accurately myself.

[agsstructures]

No

[Noah S]

Originally Posted by knobberboy

No

Can you elaborate please?

[Hairdude1]

That is a gift! Wear it well!

[craniotes]

I don't care how responsible you are, Rolexes and APs aren't watches for teens. Yeah, I grew up rich, but that didn't mean that my parents were buying me $10K+ watches (emphasis on plural here), never mind that I got good grades, ate my vegetables, walked old ladies across the street, etc.

I work for my stuff, and you damn well better believe that my kids will, too. Sure, I've bought my son a G-Shock or two for his birthday/Christmas, but he's just gonna have to wait until he's earned the money on his own before he gets an AP.

Rolexes? Christ, when did those start rolling in?

Regards,
Adam

[Noah S]

Originally Posted by craniotes

I don't care how responsible you are, Rolexes and APs aren't watches for teens. Yeah, I grew up rich, but that didn't mean that my parents were buying me $10K+ watches (emphasis on plural here), never mind that I got good grades, ate my vegetables, walked old ladies across the street, etc.

I work for my stuff, and you damn well better believe that my kids will, too. Sure, I've bought my son a G-Shock or two for his birthday/Christmas, but he's just gonna have to wait until he's earned the money on his own before he gets an AP.

Rolexes? When did those start rolling in?

Regards,
Adam

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend or to sound snobbish. If you really want to know, my first was a 6564 that was gifted to me by someone who is friends with our family.

I am not from a wealthy family. We just manage our money well, if I do say so myself

[Wesley Crusher]

Don't let anybody tell you that you cannot wear it because of your age. If you like it, WEAR IT!

Having said that, realize that an AP not rugged like a G Shock or a Rolex. At 16, I'd imagine that you get plenty of physical activity so it may not make sense to wear an AP every day. Maybe it can be your weekend watch? Even if you are a very careful person, I'd be careful wearing your watch to school or around friends your age. I don't know your situation (maybe you have very mature friends), but just keep in mind what I said.

Congrats on such a nice watch, by the way. You are very lucky! Post some pics when you get a chance.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by craniotes

I don't care how responsible you are, Rolexes and APs aren't watches for teens. Yeah, I grew up rich, but that didn't mean that my parents were buying me $10K+ watches (emphasis on plural here), never mind that I got good grades, ate my vegetables, walked old ladies across the street, etc.

I work for my stuff, and you damn well better believe that my kids will, too. Sure, I've bought my son a G-Shock or two for his birthday/Christmas, but he's just gonna have to wait until he's earned the money on his own before he gets an AP.

Rolexes? Christ, when did those start rolling in?

Regards,
Adam

How much Haterade did you drink today?

[benlee]

Originally Posted by MP5

Things like this should be worn on special occasions like holidays and formal events then put up in the safe. Just not something to wear or keep up with daily for a young guy. Plenty of time ahead for that

I agree with this. Wear this only when with family or on special occasions. From where I come from ( ie in the east ), it's a social stigma for teenagers to be spotted with expensive jewellery, cars or watches on a daily setting. People will just naturally assume they don't earn it and just want to show off. But it might be more acceptable in your culture and environment. Maybe you should check with your parents what they think. For me, It's far more satisfying to wear a watch that you save up or buy with your own hard earned money. Just my 2cents. Good luck.

[Noah S]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Don't let anybody tell you that you cannot wear it because of your age. If you like it, WEAR IT!

Having said that, realize that an AP not rugged like a G Shock or a Rolex. At 16, I'd imagine that you get plenty of physical activity so it may not make sense to wear an AP every day. Maybe it can be your weekend watch? Even if you are a very careful person, I'd be careful wearing your watch to school or around friends your age.

Congrats on such a nice watch, by the way. You are very lucky! Post some pics when you get a chance.

Thanks! I'll remember all of that. Very useful advice.

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

How much Haterade did you drink today?

He asked, I answered. If you're cool with a kid flossing an unearned $17K on his wrist, bully for you, but I find it offensive in the extreme. Where I come from, you earn that sort of thing.

Regards,
Adam

PS - Shut up, Wesley!

[Noah S]

Originally Posted by craniotes

He asked, I answered. If you're cool with a kid flossing an unearned $17K on his wrist, bully for you, but I find it offensive in the extreme. Where I come from, you earn that sort of thing.

Regards,
Adam

PS - Shut up, Wesley!

I'm sorry

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by craniotes

He asked, I answered. If you're cool with a kid flossing an unearned $17K on his wrist, bully for you, but I find it offensive in the extreme. Where I come from, you earn that sort of thing.

Regards,
Adam

PS - Shut up, Wesley!

It's all relative. There are plenty of people living in poverty who would feel the same way about your son's $100 G Shock.

I never judge young people based on what they have. Sure, there are young people who are given very nice things and act like jerks. Likewise, there are young people who realize and are very appreciative of the things that are given to them. If I saw a young guy with an AP, my first thought would be "Good for him!"

Nice TNG reference.

[craniotes]

Originally Posted by Noah S

I'm sorry

There's nothing for you to apologize for – it's your watch and you should wear it however you see fit. IMO, you never should've been given it in the first place, but then who the hell am I? I'm just a stranger on the internet with an opinion that you solicited.

I say go hang out with Ensign Crusher and everything will be hunky-dory.

Regards,
Adam

[thomaspp]

Of course! A great watch that should be with you for years to come. Enjoy.

[Cru Jones]

Nice watch! Wear it and enjoy. Don't forget to share some pix. :-)

[s14roller]

I'd save for nicer events like others have mentioned...when I was 16, I was more
into cars so spent most of time/money on that sort of thing.

Also agree that a 15400 isnt the best when you're running around as a Rolex would be more of a tool watch per se. Just cause a Lambo (or really, an Audi) can be driven daily, doesnt always mean it should.

Have fun!

[Noah S]

Thanks for the good wishes everyone. I would like to point out that the butterfly clasp is simply a joy to use. I love the engraved AP, it reminds me of the concealed clasp president bracelet

[s14roller]

Oh yeah, another thing, maybe look into a ceramic diver. Scratch proof and most ppl wont know what AP is anyway...

[Noah S]

Originally Posted by s14roller

Oh yeah, another thing, maybe look into a ceramic diver. Scratch proof and most ppl wont know what AP is anyway...

That's the point. I wanted a nice watch that people wouldn't notice

[singe89]

Wear it with pride. Got a great watch. Enjoy it and don't worry what others think.

[AshAP]

I am not from a wealthy family. We just manage our money well.

!!!!!!!you may manage your money well, but spend it unwisely. I'm sorry but an AP at 16 for daily wear just makes you and your family a target for those on the lookout and you won't be street wise at your age to notice. It will make you appear (to those who judge by appearances only) like spoilt brat. At 16 people will just consider that your rich daddy bought you it, at 21 people will at least give you the benefit of doubt and think you're doing very well for a young guy. Who are you trying to impress anyway? If you just want to enjoy it then stick it on a winder on your bedside table maybe even ask Santa for a Scatola del Tempo winder.

If the watch is yours already then I'd put it away until you are 18 at the earliest.

[PADI_Diver]

Congrats! Wear it carefully, can you post a few pics of your collection??


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[SamGMT]

Congrats and just wear it! I only got a Rolex my 16th birthday...

[DECR]

Congrats! Very nice watch. Remember to be grateful for what you have and understand that many are not as lucky as you. My recommendation is to wear it on weekends and special ocassions as others have said. Above everything enjoy your new AP!

[bayerische]

I would have loved one at 16 too! OP, I guess you're from a background with plenty of money. Nothing wrong with that. I think you should enjoy your watch, and as you see asking if a "kid" can sport an AP on a public internet forum isn't the best idea.

Enjoy TRF, and nevermind the age.

[Alessi156]

Originally Posted by craniotes

I don't care how responsible you are, Rolexes and APs aren't watches for teens. Yeah, I grew up rich, but that didn't mean that my parents were buying me $10K+ watches (emphasis on plural here), never mind that I got good grades, ate my vegetables, walked old ladies across the street, etc.

I work for my stuff, and you damn well better believe that my kids will, too. Sure, I've bought my son a G-Shock or two for his birthday/Christmas, but he's just gonna have to wait until he's earned the money on his own before he gets an AP.

Rolexes? Christ, when did those start rolling in?

Regards,
Adam

I agree with Craniotes. He may have put the point a bit strongly, but I agree that a 15400, or any other high end watch, for a 16 year old is not appropriate.

It may be that in your particular social circle of friends it is not considered extraordinary to wear a Rolex or an AP, however, given you have asked the question I suspect it is probably is not the norm. If it is not the norm, then I would just put the watch away for a few years. If you don't want to put the watch away, then may be you can just wear it very occasionally.

Personally, I don't think I would even want such a high end watch at such a young age. If you have a 15400 at 16 where do you progress to? Minute repeater by 21? And from there where? You clearly love watches, so don't forget you have many many years of collecting still to come.

Congratulations on the watch and I hope you enjoy it whatever you decide to do.