Ready to buy my son his first Rolex- thoughts?

[Simon_jrees]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Adopt me

[Simon_jrees]

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

Can't go wrong with a 114060 however as it's discontinued and still obviously remains a steel sports model and very much desired you may have to cough up about 10k for one.

[BDII]

Just depends on if you like the Maxi case. I love the old 5 digit subs because the are so versatile and a little more under the radar.

But you know your son best! Trust your gut.

Hope to do the same thing some day!

[GONZO2LR]

This guy want to give his son a new Rolex, because his son is a great human being! This man is still alive and is enjoying his watch, one day he will probably give his son his Rolex and his son will remember him wearing it and he will remember the times he and his father wore Rolexes together....

I would continue looking for the one you want to give him, maybe you will get lucky...grey should be the last thing to do....

[BillA]

Well, if you must buy new, then I well understand.
Call around to a few AD’s or go grey if you are in a rush.
Good luck.

[Big Jay]

If he's obsessed with your 14060M, why not get him one just like yours? That's what I wear. It is an iconic Sub, in my opinion. Get him a 2000-2001 or newer with the upgraded lume (unless you like the idea of patina, which some do). They are gone up quite a bit but it seems like there is no shortage of them around, really. Unless I'm missing something. In this case, the gesture and the idea that you and your son could have matching ref numbers is poetic.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by joli160

Give him yours, it will be much more valuable to him.

Buy another at a grey. Small premium for a lifetime ownership

I agree. Send it in for a service first (if needed.) Also, why not wait until graduation - a bigger accomplishment than a b-day. I received my dad's "old one" when I graduated and I plan to give it to my oldest daughter (no sons). Then pick out a new watch for yourself!!

[Atone]

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

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What if he doesn’t use a platter?

[KonradvonMarburg]

Some people are saying you should make your kid buy his own watch. This makes some sense. Has he graduated yet? Does he have student loans, car payments? Many ways you could help your son.

That being said, there is a middle option. Why not tell your son that as a reward for all of his achievements you are willing to pay half the price of any watch he wants?

Of course, you can get him whatever you like. It's up to you. :)

[envuks]

Originally Posted by bajwa

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.

This is the key statement in this thread. Aside from rewarding him for his birthday, it sounds like more of a reward for becoming the man you hoped he would become. That’s big.

I’m generally against giving kids Rolex watches as most kids in that situation are entitled snots (with parents miss seeing this). This sounds different.


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[Oyster Sauce]

I have mixed feelings about giving a young adult such an expensive item when in truth his life is just beginning, but you've probably made up your mind and I definitely respect that. It's hard not to provide kids the stuff we didn't have.

The key question for me, and others have alluded to it, is what specific watch does your son really want? This is not a trivial expenditure financially, or sentimentally (for you, at least). It would be optimal to get him a watch that has the highest chance of him keeping and appreciating it.

From your original post, the only specific watch mentioned in relation to your son's preferences is the 14060m -- he's been expressing his liking for it for some time now. He (and you) have great taste -- killer, classic watch.

On the other hand, you've been looking at newer six-digit references (124060, 114060). What does he think about those? Although they certainly share a lineage and DNA with the 14060m, they also are different. To me, the vibe is very different between the 5-digit and 6-digit subs.

Based on the limited info provided, I lean toward getting him exactly what he likes -- a 14060m. Doesn't have to be your specific one; you can source a separate one for him on the pre-owned market. Might even be cool to have matching father-son watches. Best wishes, and congrats on raising a fine young man.

[640ibimmerguy]

I think the sub would be a great gift, if it were me personally I'd give him a newer one (with new style wty card like someone else mentioned), and keep yours. Let him make memories with his own, and he will presumably one day have yours too.

Also, Might be worth your while to still get your name on a few lists, I got the call within a few weeks. If you don't get the call just go grey.

God luck, sounds like he's a great guy and you've done a good job. I'm sure he will cherish whatever you give him for years to come.

[Eagles4133]

This is an important milestone and I say go ahead if he has earned it. The good thing is it seems he already admires what you are wearing. Personally since you already have a 14060, I would expect that he will eventually receive that when the times comes. It seems he also has started to be pulled into this hobby of ours. As others have mentioned, go with a Datejust, Explorer or even an OP. They can pretty much do everything and go anywhere watches. When parents have the means to present such a gift it isn't about "make him earn it" or "buy his own". My parents always were always very generous, but with that they also taught me the value of a dollar and I am grateful for those lessons as much as I am for the tangible items.

[TriaXenginE]

Thoughts? You’re a great dad, that’s what I think. Amazing gesture. So any Rolex you give him will no doubt be treasured for a long time.

[TimeAZ]

Honestly, it's best if you buy him the new model, from an AD, in new condition.

The new model carries some significant improvements but far more importantly, it's a new watch, it will be HIS watch, and not somebody else's. If you get a preowned one, somebody else's name will be on the warranty/papers, and somebody else's history will be embedded into the watch. For such a meaningful item, the watch should strictly carry HIS history and your family heritage.

Of course, now-a-days it's nearly impossible to get a new model from an AD. Gone are the days when receiving a Rolex actually meant something. Now we live in the "investment era" where greed rules all, Rolex watches get flipped, and the ones that do get sold are only offered to VIP clients that already have a dozen or more models or to others that collect and leave them in boxes or safes where they are not even getting worn for fear of damage and little scratches here and there.

So, assuming you can't get from an AD (very likely scenario) then you'll have to either pay a huge premium and get from the grey market (make sure to get one that is unworn, new, with new warranty card) or move on to a different brand.

[Aberdein]

I don't mean to be morbid but will your son get your Sub on your demise? If yes he will end up with two Subs. Have you considered getting him another model perhaps a GMT?
Another option would be you give him your Sub now, buy yourself a GMT which he would also get when the time comes.
But yes a gift of a Rolex on his 21st is a great idea. I gave my daughter a Rolex on her 21st and had the back engraved.

[dpt.calvin]

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

My parents grew up with nothing and they’ve given me everything. I can see how that is troubling to some people, but the difference is in how the kids are raised. I appreciate everything and every opportunity provided to me by my parents. They’ve worked so hard to give me things they didn’t have.

I will get the same pleasure and satisfaction of providing my children whatever I can (if I ever have children).

Anyway, agree with giving him yours and getting yourself a new one.

[Alfredo.]

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.

My parents grew up with nothing and they’ve given me everything. I can see how that is troubling to some people, but the difference is in how the kids are raised. I appreciate everything and every opportunity provided to me by my parents. They’ve worked so hard to give me things they didn’t have.

I will get the same pleasure and satisfaction of providing my children whatever I can (if I ever have children).

Anyway, agree with giving him yours and getting yourself a new one.

Exactly my thoughts... I'd say give him yours and get yourself something nice as well. Enjoy!

[zengineer]

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

Did you edit this or something...I'm not seeing where you asked if you should buy the young man a Rolex?

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by jumpmaster 175

1. The "make him buy his own" is nonsense - no explanation needed

This is the greatest statement on the thread. Geez, do you people not know the meaning of a gift?
I have given perhaps a half dozen Seikos (sub $200) to young men from my cycling team as they graduated from high school and left for college. I have gotten to know them quite well for a few years, they all know of my watch obsession, and it’s not only a useful tool for them, but a way to remember the good times we had. I love seeing them years later still sporting those watches.

[StevePirates]

I would save the Rolex for graduation and do a Tudor BB58 for the 21st bday.

But, in general, your plan is very sound. The 114060 is a heck of a watch. The thicker lugs aren’t my favorite, but it’s a great watch. I’d consider going for a 14060 to match yours.

[Wcdhtwn]

My initial thought, like many others here, is give him your watch. But that assumes you're ready to give yours up... which I doubt. In that case the 114060 is a great choice.

[thenewrick]

Get him the 41mm OP silver dial. It'll work well as dress watch and casual and it's affordable.

[RJRJRJ]

Go to an AD or two and explain your story to them. Maybe they can hook you up.

[Stan Cooper]

The OP says his son has obsessed over his 14060m for years.

I'm not trying to tell the OP what to do, but if I were in his position I'd have the 14060m serviced and present it to my son as a 21st birthday present. I could then purchase a new watch for myself, and it could be a Sub or something else.

[SPMN]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Go to an AD or two and explain your story to them. Maybe they can hook you up.

I agree with this 1000%. Try another AD or two, and tell them the story. You might have to wait a little, but I'm sure your son will understand. If nothing else, you can give it to him for a graduation present. If you really want to get one for him now, then get a 114060 from a grey dealer. There are a number of trusted sellers on the for sale section of this website.

[Rick_Nashville]

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

The OP says his son has obsessed over his 14060m for years. I'm not trying to tell the OP what to do, but if I were in his position I'd have the 14060m serviced and present it to my son as a 21st birthday present. I could then purchase a new watch for myself, and it could be a Sub or something else.

Yup, this. ^^^ Fantastic suggestion! And thanks to the other folks in the thread that offered the same idea.

[acaixguard]

Very nice gesture and wonderful give. The 1x4060 will make a fine gift that he'll cherish for life. Not sure what line of work he plans on getting into, but just make sure that he couldn't possibly benefit from a date function. If you can get hints from him on whether he would appreciate having a date function, maybe the 1x6610 will also be worth considering.

[MrGoat]

Keep your watch and buy him the 114060. This way he can make his own memories with that watch while you’re still wearing yours. One day when you pass yours on to him he may pass his down as well. Getting him a watch of his own gives you and him the ability to make memories together with your respective watches.

Congrats btw!!


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[awboxes]

You mentioned you have three children, the youngest being your son. Did you give to your daughters a similar valuable keepsake? Although he may value and appreciate your watch, side stepping your daughters may cause resentment, maybe now, maybe later.

We are all proud of our children and want to show them our love but a young person in college wearing a Rolex can prove problematic with classmates, roommates etc who don't even know where next months rent is coming from. Wait till he graduates college or gets married, he will value the gesture that much more.