Is 17 y/o too young for a rolex?

[Qwertyuiopasdfghjkl]

Hi guys, so first off, I just joined rolexforums and am hopefully looking to get one soon!
Im 17 currently and I graduate high school in 9 days. I absolutely love watches and what not, do a lot of research just because I love to but I don't really have any "proper" watches I guess you could say. I have about 6-7 watches all costing less than $300 and the most recognized brand I wear is Diesel! Pretty much everyone in my family above the age of 30ish has/previously owned a rolex. My dad has a gold day-date with diamonds and so does my mom. My cousins have submariners and Yacht-Master IIs. So getting to the question, I asked my dad for a used stainless steel GMT-Master II to which he agreed but I feel like I'll be considered terribly spoilt for having one at such a young age especially considering the fact that my dad had to work very hard for his and he dropped out of school at 13 for financial reasons. Also in my family a rolex for some reason is more than just a luxury watch, its something you have to "earn" I guess. We're much better off now thankfully and my dad has agreed to getting me one for about $6400 but my question is will I be judged for wearing something of the sort? Also my usual attire is very causal e.g shorts and a polo/t-shirt because its usually so hot where I live in the Middle-East. So I'd like an everyday watch which I find the GMT-Master II to be perfect for. Also, would the GMT-Master II with a black bezel be too flashy? I prefer the gmt over the submariner simply because I like the polished aluminium links in the centre of the bracelet as oppose to the Submariner's brushed bracelet. Which do you think I should go for?
Many thanks!

[RRGHOST1]

You seem a well grounded lad who would look after a Rolex, if you can afford one, why not. The GMT is a great choice as you like the PCL bracelet which I don't particularly like as I prefer brushed,but everyone to their own choice. The Sub has a better bracelet for me as it is a Glidelock but its just a matter of choice. Go for it !

[Lord]

Welcome! Nice gift to be able to get, I'm guessing you've worked hard at school so in that way, you've earned it.
The GMT LN in my personal view is pretty tool-like and not too flashy, and given you're in the UAE there are quite a few PM Rolex' in those parts so you'll unlikely stand out too much.
The centre links are polished stainless, not Aluminium BTW, and you can have these brushed if you find them too flashy.
Whatever you choose wear in good health, enjoy and best of luck with your future education/ventures! :-)

[Tvall13]

Most people won't notice the watch you have on. The most important thing is that you appreciate it and enjoy it. Don't worry too much what others think, that won't get you anywhere in life.

[MonBK]

No

[joli160]

No, I don't think you are to young. Just appreciate your parents for going along with your wish

[jinikari01]

Just my two cents. People outside of TRF will have a different perception that 17 is way too young. I'm not saying you shouldn't get one. It's your money or parents' money and choice to present you with a Rolex after HS.
Would I give a Rolex to any of my kids after HS graduation... I would not.

[Anthon]

Will you be judged? When I see a teen with a Rolex, my first thought is: rich daddy/mommy (and that's me being nice).
And in that I am probably right. The question is: does it matter? That's a question only you can answer. Does it feel right? Can you justify wearing a $6400 watch? Are you worthy of your father's cash? Are there other more appropriate or more important or more urgent ways to spend that cash?

You seem like a very mature 17 year old. You can probably understand that your father wants to give you the childhood that he did not have. Are you in any way taking advantage of that situation?

I'm not being judgmental. My father spoilt me a bit when I was young, probably because he wanted to do things differently than his very stern father. Whilst I did not complain at the time, I now wish he had spent some more money on himself. Then again, whenever I tell him that, he says that he is happiest when I am happy. Go figure.

Enough of the serious stuff. If you are sure about the watch, and if you don't burn too big a hole in your father's wallet, then go for it. As long as you stay away from diamond Rolexes

[J-E]

No, not to young. Do not bother what other people think of you, your watch etc. SO WHAT your parents will give you a Rolex. Accept the watch and enjoy it!

[Schorsch]

Yes, too early. Make your studies, get a job and get a life. And then get YOUR Rolex.

I think this is part of the spirit that Mr Wilsdorf put into the brand. A spirit or an idea you cannot purchase. You only can earn it.

There are tons of other great stuff to go for when your are young. And believe me, allot of the Rolex owners on this board would love to get these things (again) but we are tool old for them. So we buy watches instead.

[superdog]

yes

[beshannon]

Not at all but I guess at that age I had many other things on my mind rather than a high end piece of luxury jewelry

[droptopman]

Mixed thoughts on this. I was already saving for a Rolex at that age. Working part time during school and a summer job.
But if I was to answer honestly I would have undoubtedly excepted one from my father. He tended to teach quietly with subtle lessons. His view was something like a Rolex would be more valued by me if I acquired it myself. Doesn't make it the correct view but it is one point of view. I was able to get one by my 20th birthday.
If your family has the means and it is pretty clear you have the interest, go for it. Don't worry about what others think. To be honest very few people notice watches anyways.

[VinnieVegas]

You come across as a thoughtful young man. Will you be judged for owning a GMT or other Rolex watch? Yes, probably.

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[ptxl]

he is still here and not banned?

[texex91]

No

[adawil2002]

Bought my first, and Explorer II when I was 17.

[FLA996TT]

No, it's a great first step so move forward. As with anything, if you don't flaunt it no one will care, oh they may ask about it but treat it as though it's a normal thing.

Enjoy it...

Also, IMO, if I were you I would keep that watch forever as your "first."

[Javier2.0t]

Its completely up to you. Personally At 17 I would have loved a Rolex and I would have loved for my dad to give me one (not that he could have). Now 10 years later I think it's better that he didn't and I actually earned mine on my own. You seem to have a family who feels that earning it is important, so keep that in mind.

[GoingPlaces]

If you want it, buy it. No judgement here.

[AK797]

I think you'll feel better if you save up and earn at least half of it yourself, like your Dad did. Then you would lose a lot of insecurity too.

[armen34]

If you earned it and paid for it you are not too young. If your going to ask daddy for a watch you are to young for a rolex.

[Tique DDS]

Originally Posted by armen34

If you earned it and paid for it you are not too young. If your going to ask daddy for a watch you are to young for a rolex.

Dont agree. He is about to graduate which is a rite of passage. If he has been a good student and moving on in life. Why not?


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[Tique DDS]

Never too young. Lol

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[kilyung]

Short answer. Yes people will judge you... who cares?

[Rolthai32]

Originally Posted by AK797

I think you'll feel better if you save up and earn at least half of it yourself, like your Dad did. Then you would lose a lot of insecurity too.

+1

[Dewitte]

if you already have self-doubt even BEFORE getting the watch, how much worse is it going to be when its staring you in the face every day that daddy had to help you, and you couldn't do it on your own two feet?

17 is NOT too young.. but part of me (at least in my view) of having that watch is it shows you've accomplished something to earn it. Do something for the summer months.. you probably live with your family anyway so can save.. and buy it with your own work. You'll feel a lot better for it in the long run.

This way IF people look at you funny for having a nice watch at your younger age, you can rightly dismiss them since you've earnt it yourself.

[Annan]

No, not too young if you are mature and responsible which you appear to be. If you feel the need to "earn" it consider repaying your father for some or all of the cost someday. Until then, repay him by being a good son and taking great care of your GMT.

[jinikari01]

Originally Posted by Tique DDS

Dont agree. He is about to graduate which is a rite of passage. If he has been a good student and moving on in life. Why not?


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HS graduation is rite of passage?

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Tvall13

Most people won't notice the watch you have on. The most important thing is that you appreciate it and enjoy it. Don't worry too much what others think, that won't get you anywhere in life.

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