Can a 16 year old wear an AP?

[texex91]

It's a great watch--wear it when you want.

Since you like the AP brand, might I suggest a Diver (any flavor next)--sports watch will be more versatile for you.

Post a pic of 15400 on your wrist--would like to get a reference for the size on a 16 year old wrist.

Enjoy the watch and congrats!

[VICI]

Originally Posted by texex91

It's a great watch--wear it when you want.

Since you like the AP brand, might I suggest a Diver (any flavor next)--sports watch will be more versatile for you.

Enjoy the watch and congrats!

That's awesome - Noah, you're getting some good advice on your next reference!

My fav sports AP... Ceramic

[VICI]

I am really surprised by some of the posts!

There is some animosity to a younger person wearing an AP!

Noah, by way of his wording and subsequent comments, sounds like an educated and respectful young adult.

Just because some of us wouldn't give our kids an expensive watch, doesn't mean that it is only way to think.

I subscribe to the belief that if you teach your child right from wrong, bring them to a certain mentality and show them what they 'should' strive for, perhaps they will set a higher bar for themselves.

Noah, if you love the watch, wear it. Post pics! Age is irrespective of personal style.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by VICI

I am really surprised by some of the posts!

There is some animosity to a younger person wearing an AP!

Noah, by way of his wording and subsequent comments, sounds like an educated and respectful young adult.

Just because some of us wouldn't give our kids an expensive watch, doesn't mean that it is only way to think.

I subscribe to the belief that if you teach your child right from wrong, bring them to a certain mentality and show them what they 'should' strive for, perhaps they will set a higher bar for themselves.

Noah, if you love the watch, wear it. Post pics! Age is irrespective of personal style.

Well said Alex

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by lipjin

Well, age is just a number. So doesn't matter what age you are - but the attitude with which you wear the watch.

Wear it because you like it, not because you want to project an image of which you are not.

First and foremost this.

Originally Posted by VICI

I am really surprised by some of the posts!

There is some animosity to a younger person wearing an AP!

Noah, by way of his wording and subsequent comments, sounds like an educated and respectful young adult.

Just because some of us wouldn't give our kids an expensive watch, doesn't mean that it is only way to think.

I subscribe to the belief that if you teach your child right from wrong, bring them to a certain mentality and show them what they 'should' strive for, perhaps they will set a higher bar for themselves.

Noah, if you love the watch, wear it. Post pics! Age is irrespective of personal style.

Well said.

I didn't have an AP or Rolex at your age but I had a Breitling navitimer. I had been receiving watches as gifts from my mother annually since kindergarten. It is how I got into this hobby in the first place.

I almost think my 300 dollar Swiss army in first grade was more over the top than was my Breitling in high school, but I digress.

Wear the watches, be modest, don't flaunt wealth and people will mostly treat you without judgement. Those that do, distance yourself from immediately.

[FightOnSC!]

Originally Posted by VICI

I am really surprised by some of the posts!

There is some animosity to a younger person wearing an AP!

Noah, by way of his wording and subsequent comments, sounds like an educated and respectful young adult.

Just because some of us wouldn't give our kids an expensive watch, doesn't mean that it is only way to think.

I subscribe to the belief that if you teach your child right from wrong, bring them to a certain mentality and show them what they 'should' strive for, perhaps they will set a higher bar for themselves.

Noah, if you love the watch, wear it. Post pics! Age is irrespective of personal style.

I tend to agree.

Clearly the fact that he's even asking shows that he is aware of what he has and by knowing that some might deem it inappropriate shows that he is grounded and conscious of the impact of being seen with a nice watch.

That said, as a young man he can learn to treat nice things well. And let's be honest, you may love your g shock but is that something to hang onto for a lifetime then pass on to your son?
why not own something of value, wear it conscientiously and pass it on to your child in the future? Many great memories and milestones lie ahead for a 16 year old young man. Might as well have something to create memories with.

Let's be honest, most would see a Rolex as far more ostentatious by virtue of the general public knowing what a Rolex is (and the clueless and often over exaggerated price people think a Rolex costs). If you don't know what an AP is, you couldn't tell it apart to any other watch you've never heard of.

[Blue and White]

Originally Posted by FightOnSC!

I tend to agree.

Clearly the fact that he's even asking shows that he is aware of what he has and by knowing that some might deem it inappropriate shows that he is grounded and conscious of the impact of being seen with a nice watch.

That said, as a young man he can learn to treat nice things well. And let's be honest, you may love your g shock but is that something to hang onto for a lifetime then pass on to your son?
why not own something of value, wear it conscientiously and pass it on to your child in the future? Many great memories and milestones lie ahead for a 16 year old young man. Might as well have something to create memories with.

Let's be honest, most would see a Rolex as far more ostentatious by virtue of the general public knowing what a Rolex is (and the clueless and often over exaggerated price people think a Rolex costs). If you don't know what an AP is, you couldn't tell it apart to any other watch you've never heard of.

Very good post but does really not fit here. Nothing has been passed on here, it is a 15400 which the father could not have worn for years ....

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Blue and White

Very good post but does really not fit here. Nothing has been passed on here, it is a 15400 which the father could not have worn for years ....

I thought he was referring to the OP taking good care of it over the coming years then when he has his own family passing it down to his own son some day.

[FightOnSC!]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

I thought he was referring to the OP taking good care of it over the coming years then when he has his own family passing it down to his own son some day.

Yes... I'm aware nothing was being passed onto anyone, but was saying that through having nice things, you can take care of nice things. And in turn you can do something similar for your own kin down the road.

I received a very nice watch at 16 but I don't think it made me any better or worse of a human being.

At the end of the day, it's just a watch. What value it has or doesn't have is entirely in the eye of the beholder. He may be the 16 year old son of a sheik... (He says his family wealth is modest so most likely not... Don't take me literally) but again, it's all relative. Who cares. If he likes it and knows when it's appropriate to wear it, power to him. I won't put him down for being gifted a watch. His parents must be extremely thoughtful people with particularly good taste in haute horology

[Roll the Lex]

Can a 16yo wear an AP? If you have wrists, then yes. If I got an AP at 16yo, you bet I'd be rocking an AP. Should you wear an AP? You got it as a gift, now if I gave somebody an AP and they didn't wear it, I'd be pissed! That could have went to me!

But seriously, I would wear it but, keep a few things to keep in mind:

1) Don't be a d-bag about your wealth- have the same attitude toward it as others do toward a Timex or Casio. The last thing you want to be known for is "that trust fund brat with the $20,000 watch". Don't let it define you.

2) If you are working things are different- depending on the job, your supervisor/co-workers may take offense/be jealous regarding your wealth.

3) The AP is not as durable as a g-shock or Rolex. And servicing it is going to cost $$$ and take some time. This isn't a "let's go to the mall watch kiosk and get it fixed while I get my Auntie Anne's pretzel fix".

Other than that, wear away and show a pic!

If you can keep up with the running costs, I think that would be a nice watch to go through life with- a watch you've had since you were 16yo.

[AmanS24]

The fact you made this thread to what in my mind would be seeking validation is enough for me to conclude you as a person are not ready to wear the watch in question.
Age is just a number, this is more a question of maturity.

[77T]

I got an Omega as a graduation present in my teens. And that was over 4 decades ago. We were not wealthy - it was a traditional celebration of an accomplishment on the threshold of passage into adulthood.

Wore it daily for 20+ years. Then put it away, rediscovered it after going into Rolexes, refurbished it carefully and now wear it with fond memories of family.

I'd say you can begin your journey now and wear it with pride. Naysayers aside - you are the best judge.

[SearChart]

If you appreciate it, sure why not.

[AGKNYC]

wear it and don't even think twice. if it was RG or something super exclusive and extra flashy I would say no...but the 15400 is a perfect watch for you. 95% of peeps won't even know what it is. the rest who do will respect that it's the 15400 for a young kid rather than anything else. you seem well read and well mannered; you prob deserve it...and it will act as motivation for you to keep doing well...ESP in school.

Noah, wear it and don't even think about it. I'm only 30 and just bought the 26401RG. I have the nicest watch in my entire workplace and I'm one of the youngest guys. it's no biggie...it's proof that you can handle the responsibility and set a high level of standards that you should always try to maintain.

[stevenopoly]

screw all these haters saying don't wear it. cry me a river

Just maintain a good attitude and not by overly cocky or showy.

No big deal here.

[osamu]

I would suspect it would be noticed a lot less than any rolex. How often do you wear your rolex(es) around ? I bet if like 1/100 people notice your rolex, maybe 1/1000 would notice an AP, but I wouldn't put it too far behind Rolex as far as brand recognizably. If you don't feel comfortable wearing a rolex around, I'm not sure an AP is much different.

Obviously be smart about wearing jewelry around, in some neighborhoods and around some people, but that really goes for any age.

And, if you do anything like I did when I was 16... (by which I mean... when the 'jackass' TV show just came out)... yea maybe I'd leave it at home.

[Noah S]

Thank you all for the good information on AP and suggestions for a better daily wearer. While I really do appreciate the watch and love every single thing about it, I've decided to put it away and wear it on special occasions and weekends. And I'll post pics when I get around to it, as most of my collection is not with me right now. :)

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Noah S

Thank you all for the good information on AP and suggestions for a better daily wearer. While I really do appreciate the watch and love every single thing about it, I've decided to put it away and wear it on special occasions and weekends. And I'll post pics when I get around to it, as most of my collection is not with me right now. :)

Good call. You don't have to treat your AP like its the Mona Lisa, but by only wearing it on the weekends and on special occasions, it will stay in great shape for a lot longer. A watch like that is something that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. Don't forget that!

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Noah S

Thank you all for the good information on AP and suggestions for a better daily wearer. While I really do appreciate the watch and love every single thing about it, I've decided to put it away and wear it on special occasions and weekends. And I'll post pics when I get around to it, as most of my collection is not with me right now. :)

We'll you have it and it fits and you have a wrist so wear it and enjoy it! Doesn't much matter what any of us think.

[Urosfan]

Congrats if you wanna wear it everyday then do it, enjoy that fine timepiece

[PADI_Diver]

I'm 16 as well and I would love to buy my self a 44mm steel offshore but my folks refuse to let me spend 75% of my savings on it! Love watches, probably gonna 'settle' for a 114060


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[samuelhuntington]

Life is short. If I was gifted that watch at 16 I would wear it often. Obviously not when playing sports, partying etc... But to have a special piece like that and put it away in a safe is silly to me. I don't get why people get offended when young people have nice watches. Jealousy? Wear it well and like others said it's not about age but more about attitude. Don't be cocky and appreciate what you have and you'll be all set. Good luck

[HauteHorlogerie]

Sure I got my first Patek at the same age.

[JMW]

I do find it strange that some here say a 16 year old shouldn't have an AP considering how many watches that they own now, i see no difference what age has to do with it.

You have a beautiful watch and you should wear it as YOU see fit,watches are made to be worn and let's face it if age wasn't an issue everyone would tell you to wear it or sell it.

What baffles me as why you have to come on here and ask

[masterserg]

As Ken says, you already have it, so wear it and enjoy the hell out of it! You only live once and never know when it is time to punch out.

It's a great watch!

[T. Ferguson]

If you don't care what anyone else thinks then do what you want, it's your watch. But if you do care about the perceptions of others, and it seems you do simply because you posed the question, well then I think you've seen first hand that not everyone will have a positive attitude about it.

I don't know enough about your universe or the circles you travel in to advise you on this.

Best of luck.

[Watcheroo]

It is yours and made to be worn. Enjoy!

[2muchtimeonmyhands]

Noah, wear the the watch. Society's rules about formal and appropriate wear are far more blurred than they used to be. You could be a young millionaire exec at Google who wears jeans everyday to work or an aging billionaire on a yacht, who can tell either of them that it is not appropriate to wear a certain watch. Be it gold, high-end or whatever. Swiss brands effectively destroyed the conventions for watches in the 70s, by creating the 'luxury sports watch'. Hell, you'll probably find young women who have no qualms about wearing an expensive men's sports watch. If you can pull it off and love the watch then enjoy it. Although if you really want to make the most of your youth and a replacement isn't easy to come by then I'd be mindful of when to wear it

[Noah S]

Originally Posted by 2muchtimeonmyhands

Noah, wear the the watch. Society's rules about formal and appropriate wear are far more blurred than they used to be. You could be a young millionaire exec at Google who wears jeans everyday to work or an aging billionaire on a yacht, who can tell either of them that it is not appropriate to wear a certain watch. Be it gold, high-end or whatever. Swiss brands effectively destroyed the conventions for watches in the 70s, by creating the 'luxury sports watch'. Hell, you'll probably find young women who have no qualms about wearing an expensive men's sports watch. If you can pull it off and love the watch then enjoy it. Although if you really want to make the most of your youth and a replacement isn't easy to come by then I'd be mindful of when to wear it

Thanks. The examples you used had me thinking.

[srvrf]

I think Noah has the right mindset and I think wearing it on special occasions is a good idea right now (not at school). The negativity I think comes from the fact that it was gifted. Meaning of course that managing money well is a huge understatement. But there's a lot of extreme wealth on this forum. Dropping $30k on a rose gold AP seems to happen with surprising frequency. But there is also a segment of people on here that had to work pretty hard for their money and a $5000+ watch may have been unattainable until age 30-40. Face it, if a 16 year old is given a $17,000 watch, what comes at say 18, a $30,000+ car? And even if no kids recognize it, there certainly could be negativity if a teacher making $40,000 a year sees a student with a watch that they'd have to work half a year to afford. In the end, I don't think that rare use of the watch at age 16 is a big deal, and will keep the watch in very good condition. Then later down the road, he can decide when to make it a daily watch.