I bought my daughter her first watch tonight...

[severeclear]

What am awesome idea. Good for you mate. I bought my daughter a bottle of limited issue scotch from my favourite distiller. Holding onto that for her. I think I may have to consider something along your line of thinking.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mvmbles]

Great gesture and fantastic watch choice!

[try714]

Great watch for starter!!

[Lew Archer]

Well, based on recommendations made by members here, and others, I think I'm going to go with the 31mm version. Funny how that slight size change impacts the overall effect--I looked at them side by side today--and both are appealing. Price difference is negligible.

The 31mm has a somewhat more substantial feel, heft, and presence, yet is still an elegant and still classic ladies watch.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nycturbovr6]

Congrats! Very nice

[gr33n]

Beautiful watch. I would wait her 25 years old, as it is the time when I would have loved such a present. Not earlier, I would'nt have appreciated it.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by gr33n

Beautiful watch. I would wait her 25 years old, as it is the time when I would have loved such a present. Not earlier, I would'nt have appreciated it.

Thanks for that thought. You may be right. I will just have to see how she matures and judge when the time feels right.

[luvsub]

Nice! I like these markers.

[KY5-0]

Great choice. Just a thought but set it aside for her wedding! With the blue markers, it could be her something blue. It would be an amazing tie into her childhood and next step in life. Just a thought. Again great idea and a great thought for her to cherish at a later date.

[Lew Archer]

Well, a problem presented.

Originally, I picked out a 26mm with blue markers. I was not then aware of a 31mm option...member comments here, though, made me give that some thought. I asked the AD to locate a 31mm OP with blue markers. However, the 31mm is not available with the blue markers. Pink markers, though, are available.

The AD obtained a 31mm with pink markers to compare with the 26mm on layaway. By then, I'd seen both versions at other ADs, though not side by side. Then, inspiration struck. I conspired with the AD...and this what happened:

On Saturday, my seven year old daughter and I stopped by the AD, the Ben Bridge in the Thousand Oaks mall, to say hello to Binnie (my co-consirator there). Binnie chatted for awhile with my little girl, then, according to our plan, asked for her help. Binnie told my daughter that a client of hers wanted to buy a Rolex for his daughter, who was about to graduate from college, but was torn between two models. Binnie asked my daughter if she would look at both watches and say which she liked best. My girl, happy to have her opinion sought out, agreed. Binnie brought out both watches.

My girl weighed one in each hand...she liked them both...then I asked her, "which one would you like, if it was for you?"

After a moment, she replied, "I like the big one. The little one is too much like an old ladies' watch."

Binnie looked at me, I nodded, and Binnie said, "Well, I will tell her dad that's the one you recommend." Both of us smiling.

My daughter and I left the store and bought ice cream. My happy little girl had no idea that she had, in fact, just picked out her own watch, one which she will receive as an adult at the right moment.

Yes, I know, she's seven. Tastes and styles change, and all that, but, I think most would agree that the larger size is the safer bet, of the two. Her mom thought so, too, as did a couple of ADs I've spoken to about it. The larger size gives a greater presence and, though I was initially drawn to the blue markers, I rather like the pink markers, which are a simple feminine touch. I have the 36mm OP with a silver dial, and the two should make a nice "Dad and Daughter" pair.

When I write the letter that will accompany the watch when I finally give it to her, I will recount how she picked out her special watch at the wise old age of seven.

It was something to watch her, with such seriousness, weigh those two watches and make a decision. Anyway, the 31mm OP, with its pink markers, awaits...

[hdrazor251]

Great story. I hope she remembers picking it out.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by hdrazor251

Great story. I hope she remembers picking it out.

Me, too!

[Lew Archer]

I must add this: I've bought my share of watches over the years. All have been great fun.

They've all been for me, though.

This particular purchase, a gift to the person I love most in the world, brings a unique and complex joy, unmatched by any previous purchase.

[MKIVdan]

Originally Posted by Lew Archer

Well, a problem presented.

Originally, I picked out a 26mm with blue markers. I was not then aware of a 31mm option...member comments here, though, made me give that some thought. I asked the AD to locate a 31mm OP with blue markers. However, the 31mm is not available with the blue markers. Pink markers, though, are available.

The AD obtained a 31mm with pink markers to compare with the 26mm on layaway. By then, I'd seen both versions at other ADs, though not side by side. Then, inspiration struck. I conspired with the AD...and this what happened:

On Saturday, my seven year old daughter and I stopped by the AD, the Ben Bridge in the Thousand Oaks mall, to say hello to Binnie (my co-consirator there). Binnie chatted for awhile with my little girl, then, according to our plan, asked for her help. Binnie told my daughter that a client of hers wanted to buy a Rolex for his daughter, who was about to graduate from college, but was torn between two models. Binnie asked my daughter if she would look at both watches and say which she liked best. My girl, happy to have her opinion sought out, agreed. Binnie brought out both watches.

My girl weighed one in each hand...she liked them both...then I asked her, "which one would you like, if it was for you?"

After a moment, she replied, "I like the big one. The little one is too much like an old ladies' watch."

Binnie looked at me, I nodded, and Binnie said, "Well, I will tell her dad that's the one you recommend." Both of us smiling.

My daughter and I left the store and bought ice cream. My happy little girl had no idea that she had, in fact, just picked out her own watch, one which she will receive as an adult at the right moment.

Yes, I know, she's seven. Tastes and styles change, and all that, but, I think most would agree that the larger size is the safer bet, of the two. Her mom thought so, too, as did a couple of ADs I've spoken to about it. The larger size gives a greater presence and, though I was initially drawn to the blue markers, I rather like the pink markers, which are a simple feminine touch. I have the 36mm OP with a silver dial, and the two should make a nice "Dad and Daughter" pair.

When I write the letter that will accompany the watch when I finally give it to her, I will recount how she picked out her special watch at the wise old age of seven.

It was something to watch her, with such seriousness, weigh those two watches and make a decision. Anyway, the 31mm OP, with its pink markers, awaits...

Good choice and I think you picked the right one as well.

I frequent that Ben Bridge in The Thousand Oaks Mall often and one of these days ill make it out of the store with a new Rolex on the wrist.

Didn't know there were any other members here from Thousand Oaks!

[skprd13]

Beautiful watch! Right on Dad!

[Tombstone]

Great idea, beautiful watch.

[ExplorerChris]

It's perfect. So simple yet elegant it can be worn as a dress watch and look great with jeans. She will go out of her mind for sure !!!

[HERITAGE82]

This is a great story!! Very nice touch having her pick it out and she will be shocked when you get to tell give it to her with the wonderful memory attached.

[bentgsu]

Very nice. No kids yet but I'm already considering a milestone watch (for them).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bparone]

What a loving gesture. I think it's a smart move and the watch is pure class.

[V1Rotate]

It will mean the world to her....especially as she sees dad's interest in watches growing up...

Although "taboo", I wonder if an engraving is warranted for the caseback since it's never going to be flipped? These casebacks beg for a name and date if given to loved ones.

[Lew Archer]

Originally Posted by V1Rotate

It will mean the world to her....especially as she sees dad's interest in watches growing up...

Although "taboo", I wonder if an engraving is warranted for the caseback since it's never going to be flipped? These casebacks beg for a name and date if given to loved ones.

Definitely something to consider...and I've got time enough for that!!!

[airchitect]

I have two I'm hoping to do the same for. Good man!

[Lew Archer]

Once again, my friends, thanks for all your warm and supportive comments.

[SALTY]

Great gesture - good on you; and for her!

Though I am far from an expert, I suspect that the piece should be able to function flawlessly well past the typical; 5-7 year recommended service interval by keeping it in a safe and giving it a full wind every couple/few months. It will beep the lubricants distributed more evenly and not put nearly the amount of wear on the parts that everyday or frequent use will. That said, a lube, but likely not full service, will be all that is needed when that time comes.

I bought my daughter an AirKing or her choosing when she graduated engineering school - I love seeing her wear it!

When she graduated law school she got dinner!

Then, of course, there is that upcoming wedding this fall.

In all seriousness, it is sometimes challenging to express love and respect for our children and their accomplishments. Not that a "thing" should be a substitute for words and touches - but the gift of a Rolex does communicate sincerely and profoundly.

[sdfg]

Yes, it's a Rolex. Yes, it's her first watch.

[Maxtor]

Very nice idea. It will be a great moment for your family when you give it to her.

[Lew Archer]

Well, I picked up the watch tonight. I will post a few pictures later. Thanks again for all your thoughtful comments...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[watchf]

Good sentimental value for her to know you did that for her when she was 7 and she doesn't know about it until the moment she has it. I wish my daughter did that for me when I was 7 but that is impossible since I don't have a daughter.

[seand442]

That is a cool story. Even better if she remembers her trip to the store.