Ready to buy my son his first Rolex- thoughts?

[MeepHead]

Originally Posted by shedlock2000

It might have been for you, I had to wait a very long time to get one, and I didn’t like or enjoy the wait.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For,me it was 40:years. It wasn’t fun. Just more satisfying to me. That said, I didn’t want a nice watch until age 39 anyway. No right or wrong answer. Opinions vary.

[lhendrickson]

Wonderful gesture OP. My folks purchased me my first nice timepiece when I was 21 and was graduating from college. It was a Breitling SuperOcean Steelfish and I was so, so proud to have that on my wrist for years. Regardless, I always wanted what my dad had: a contemporary Datejust. When I was 26 and about to go to law school, my folks funded my purchase of a 1972 Datejust which I've worn every day since. A watch from my folks meant the world to me and it meant even more that it was like my dad's Rolex.

Anything you get him will be thoughtful and he'll surely treasure it for years to come. In time, he can save up and buy his own, too. As a recent law school grad, I myself am in the process of saving up to buy my own timepiece without the aid of my folks. Do I think they shouldn't have purchased me a couple of nice watches? Hardly. I was able to spend what limited resources I had to enjoy my 20s and young adulthood. Now that I'm entering into my profession, I can appreciate even more what they provided and will soon be able to proudly look down at my wrist knowing that my next piece was gotten through my own hard work.

I laud your efforts and wish you luck in choosing. New, pre-owned, or vintage, I'm sure you'll pick well and your son will be elated.

[srvrf]

About a year ago I bought my son and daughter each a Datejust for their upcoming college graduations. I was going to wait until the dates got closer but the AD and Rolex unexpectedly dissolved their relationship. Since they weren't going to be getting any more Rolexes and they could offer a discount, I decided to make the move.

I then debated letting them wear them vs. keeping them stored for a couple of years and went with my typical line of thinking that watches are meant to be worn. They wore them around the house a bit, but never to school. They both told me that they loved them but they felt that at their stage in life, they'll only wear their Rolexes on special occasions. Despite their young ages, they have thought about how they may appear to others, the fact that they may not always be responsible, and the possibilities of losing or damaging the watches. So I know that they appreciate them even though they were gifts and not "earned." And while their Datejusts are certainly nothing collectable, I hope that when they do start to wear them regularly, it reminds them of their mother and I.

[eonflux]

My son wanted my D-Blue when he was 1 yr old.
I said no way, it’s too big for your little arms.
How about my Sub or GMT?

But he persisted with his pleading.
I held out until he turned 2, and graduated from the Kitty Kats class to move up to Puppies.

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

I wish people would stop telling others how to spend their money/raise their kids. It’s their money. And their kids.

After all, he asked others how he should spend his money, be prepared for a wide range of answers.

[PAS858]

I was fortunate to get the BLNR. It came out the same year my son was born. I bought it for him. But until that time comes, I will wear it.

A bnew watch is nice. But nothing is better than your father's watch. The watch you grew up seeing on his wrist. The one that will remind you of your father when he's long gone. That's the watch you hold on to.

Eventually, he will get his 20+ year old BLNR, complete with box and papers. + his mother's Datejust 36 and a few more that we might end up adding between now and then.

The most prized watch in my possession is a 1967 Seiko 5 that is all original.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Stan Cooper]

One of my most treasured possessions is a JLC Atmos clock given to my father on his 25th anniversary with Schwinn Bicycle Company. My stepmother gave it to me shortly before she died. It means much more to me than any new watch or clock I could buy.

[lhendrickson]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

One of my most treasured possessions is a JLC Atmos clock given to my father on his 25th anniversary with Schwinn Bicycle Company. My stepmother gave it to me shortly before she died. It means much more to me than any new watch or clock I could buy.

Just ... wow. What a stunning piece. Thank you for sharing this here! Anything from my father or that my father has owned means more to me than a new piece with no history IMO.

[Combine man]

My step son has an amazing job on a luxury yacht, 80 mtrs long and over 1 mill a week to charter,he has just turned 30 he wants a sea dweller ,and we are buying it as a late present, we are on the waiting list with our AD,and he his looking when he docks around the world. An ideal present and first Rolex,he will also inherit mine in the future.

[BMess]

Originally Posted by bajwa

I have three kids- two daughters and a son. My son (the youngest) has grown into a wonderful young man, doing well in his studies (two majors), cares for myself and his mother, he's responsible for himself and cares for the family, and I'm just pleased with him overall. His 21st birthday is not far off and as he approaches the beginnings of his career I was hoping to get him something he'd remember and hopefully can pass on some day. I was hoping to get him a 124060 Submariner (he's obsessed over my 14060m for years), but after speaking to my local AD looks like the new Sub might be a difficult request. I've found a number of 114060's from well respected Grey Market Dealer's so that seems like a logical choice to me.

His watch is similar to mine, about 7" and he's been wearing a 40mm Seiko for some time now that fits my wrist quite well. Do you think the 114060 is an appropriate choice for the 'occasion', and will it be a good daily wearer? Should I only search for examples under warranty or would an earlier year Sub be fine in your opinion?

I remember these being ~$7k a few years ago, can't find one for under $10k these days. What's that about! Still, it's worth what I'm willing to pay at the end of the day I suppose.

Thank you in advance

As someone who received my first Rolex when I was 21 (albeit mine was a college graduation gift), I feel qualified to answer this question.

I strongly disagree with those who have suggested you give him your watch. Although I understand the sentimental value in such a gesture, I think it would be more meaningful both to you and your son if you gave him his own 114060 that will be with him for all of his life's greatest events.

With respect to the appropriateness of gifting your son an 114060 for his 21st birthday, I think you would have a difficult time finding a more appropriate watch. The 114060 is versatile enough for everyday wear whether that is with a suit or a bathing suit, it largely flies under the radar, and it's the quintessential model that any Rolex lover (which it sounds like your son is) will appreciate for years to come.

My only recommendation is that you buy the watch a few months prior to his birthday and send it to Rolex for a full service so it's as good as new when you give it to him.

It's a great gift and I'm sure he'll love it.

[SeeDweller]

Originally Posted by BMess

As someone who received my first Rolex when I was 21 (albeit mine was a college graduation gift), I feel qualified to answer this question.

I strongly disagree with those who have suggested you give him your watch. Although I understand the sentimental value in such a gesture, I think it would be more meaningful both to you and your son if you gave him his own 114060 that will be with him for all of his life's greatest events.

With respect to the appropriateness of gifting your son an 114060 for his 21st birthday, I think you would have a difficult time finding a more appropriate watch. The 114060 is versatile enough for everyday wear whether that is with a suit or a bathing suit, it largely flies under the radar, and it's the quintessential model that any Rolex lover (which it sounds like your son is) will appreciate for years to come.

My only recommendation is that you buy the watch a few months prior to his birthday and send it to Rolex for a full service so it's as good as new when you give it to him.

It's a great gift and I'm sure he'll love it.

Absolutely.... THIS!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pinchy]

I'm going to reiterate... no. Especially not if it's his grail watch, that's something he would value more if he earned it himself. You are basically depriving him of the opportunity to do that for himself.

I think a Rolex on someone in their 20s just tells the world it's either fake, they have rich parents, or they are frivolous.

Perhaps a nice Tudor?

P.S. I do have a hulk purchased for my son already that my wife and I wear on occasion that we will eventually gift him, but that will only be for a very special occasion, like when he gives us grandkids.

[Edwardd]

Nice gesture, but you should give him yours and get another for yourself, he'll probably love that more

[Panader]

Try harder to find one from an AD. Subs can be purchased for retail if you put in some effort. You will find an owner or manager with a son who will enjoy your story and take mercy on you.

Why not upgrade your own watch at the same time. A two piece father son combo!

[Mystro]

Projecting this hobby on others can be a mistake. A fun little test is get $15k in cash and put your Rolex on the table next to it. Ask the child which would you want more if you could choose??? It cost you nothing but a trip to the bank for this exercise. Let the child see what $15k in cash looks like next to the equivalent SS Rolex. Just be ready on their choice and how their mind values each.

[LSUmd]

I love my 114060 for its sentimental value, as it was a gift for my 30th, but the 124060 is a much better-designed watch. IMO it would be worth the wait if the price is within budget. I'm also a strong explorer advocate and absolutely love the new 124270. IMO it is nearly the perfect unit of watch (as is the 124060... depending on your preference). If you have a relationship with an AD, requesting the first available 124060 or 124270 would be my vote. If local AD is not helpful, I'd also try stopping by other ADs within a few hrs drive. Both the 124060 and 124270 are tanks and are perfect everyday wearers for a 7-inch wrist. Also couldn't beat either as a one-watch collection. Great gift. Sounds like you have an amazing family.

[iangbris]

Originally Posted by AkshayArgade

My advice to you would be let him buy his own watch with his own money.

Sorry dont mean to be rude but you cannot give kids everything on the platter.

Let him work for it.

And incase you absolutely want to give him a watch. Give him your old sub.. not a new one.

Just my opinion

Sent from my GM1901 using Tapatalk

My advice,ignore this advice! I have given both my sons a Rolex for their 21st. I did it for the same reason as you are. It’s a lovely gesture that from the sound of it is very well deserved. A 114060 is a great choice and I’m sure he will treasure it because of who it came from.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[640ibimmerguy]

Sounds like you've done a great job, and what a nice gesture. My thought is he would cherish anything you got him. But I think your choice is great. Do you think he would care about the date function at all? Adds a little cost but just asking.
Definitely go with one of the Grey dealers you hear about on this forum...

I love mine btw, and based on what you've said this would be something he would keep for a lifetime.

[WatchtraderNY]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Adopt me

Haha


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk