Any retirees out there?

[McLovin]

Actually this question is for anyone who cares to offer an opinion, but retirees are most welcome. My father is talking about retiring and I want to get him a special watch. I've done some research, but I'm kind of new to watches... Any advice is appreciated.

Dad doesn't have very strong eyes so legibility is a big factor. He's not going to want anything blingy, and will want something that goes with a t-shirt and shorts. He's of medium build, so nothing huge. I'm thinking the Exp1 39mm looks really good -- it seems very readable and understated. What do you think? I know there's no date on the Exp1 -- for a retiree would this really be a big knock against the watch?

I also like the Aqua Terra. It has a lot of features I like in the Exp1, plus the date and I believe a display back. But is Omega special enough? Something tells me only Rolex will do for this occasion.

And a really basic question: is servicing going to be a big burden? Maybe I should be thinking about a quartz instead? Again, quartz doesn't seem special enough, but I don't want to give a gift that causes headaches.

Please excuse all the newbie questions. I owe the old man a lot so I'm trying to get this right.

[Darlinboy]

Explorer is a good choice, and I would also say take a look at the Air King and DateJust models - simple and classic.

Service on a Rolex is going to be several hundred dollars a pop, but only required every five years or so, and some owners don't even bother that often.

Very thoughtful of you to get something so special for your Dad at this life milestone!

I'm sure you'll get lots of other suggestions here, and whichever way you go, good luck with the search and congrats to your Dad!

[dddrees]

Welcome to TRF.

If your going to buy a Quartz I wouldn't spend that much money on it personally. If your going to buy a luxury watch make it a mechanical watch. You really can't go wrong with a Rolex, however does he have any other preferences which may help determine which one he wants. Any chance you might want him to help by chosing his own considering he will be the one wearing it?

[Blokewurm]

I think you've chosen well, the Expl 1 is a great choice!

It's legible, casual, modestly sporty without looking dated or having any bling.

I own an Aqua Terra (black face) which is a timeless classic, but it's more dressy than the Expl 1 and as a result less youthful. If your Dad's still a bit trendy, I think he could prefer the Expl 1 over the AT. Plus, if the money is not really a factor then I would spend the extra and get the Rolex.

It's got the edge and you won't go wrong.

J

[travisb]

I bought my father one 5 years ago. Classic, sporty, dressy (if need be).
The lack of a date function makes it easy to never really have to adjust anything other than when there's a time change. Just pick it up and go.

[cyglee]

Welcome. If you choose to stray from Rolex or Omega, I suggest looking into Ball watches. They have basic easy to see models, tritium gas tubes, some exclusivity, good value, nice history. But...in some cases, only a Rolex will do.

[Rags]

I'd go for the explorer I.. Great time piece classy enough to be worn with a suit & sporty enough to be worn with jeans & a t-shirt & also at 39mm is the perfect size.

[RolexPete]

I bought my Dad a Rolex 14060 Sub no date for his 60th birthday/ retirement gift.

[dpkong]

if you're looking at a 39mm watch, then any of the sports Rolex at 40mm will fit. does your Dad like a bit of yellow gold on a retirement watch?

you do have quite a few choices. Explorer 1 or 2 or SS Submariners if he prefers only steel and maybe a two-tone Submariner or a Datejust if he likes gold.

forget quartz watches and i'm sure your old man will definitely appreciate a Rolex. it may be a bit expensive but it will be worth it.

[Annan]

Agree that an Explorer would be a good choice. But if you want a date feature the DJ is a good choice too. If a DJ and your dad's eyesight is a factor, I'd suggest a white dial. For years I had a champagne dial with gold hands and recently got a white dial model...much easier to read the time!

[Maxtor]

I have an Exp 1 and find it the perfect everyday watch. Looks good with shorts and works with a suit. I like the 36mm size but the new 39mm seems in line with the trend to bigger watches. No matter what you choose it will be a winning gift.

[DucS2R]

I just turned 60 and bought myself a Rolex Sub c. The Explorer is also a good choice. While I love Omega and own two (seamaster and Speedmaster) there is something about a Rolex to commerate one of life's passages. Get him a Rolex, it will blow his mind. And the most important thing will be that it came from his son!

T

[George Ab]

It pretty hard to go wrong with a Rolex Submariner. Universally loved, easy to read; the perfect watch. It is the quintessential Rolex.

[StuartG]

As a retiree, let me chime in... Is your dad going to do any traveling? If so, a GMT with fat, legible hands might be appropriate. Will he be active enough to keep an automatic running? If not, a quartz watch might be the best choice, or if he's a watch fanatic, maybe a hand-wind. You should assess his specific needs before you do anything (imo).

[GradyPhilpott]

Based on what you said in your post, I'd recommend a DateJust, but the other choices you mentioned would be excellent gifts.

The DateJust is wolf in sheep's clothing so to speak. It's dressy, but just as tough as the Explorer, has a date and looks super worn with anything, even grungy jeans and a t-shirt.

I'd also recommend the Jubilee bracelet.

[pacifichrono]

Originally Posted by McLovin

I know there's no date on the Exp1 -- for a retiree would this really be a big knock against the watch?

Hey, McLovin! I retired last year so I'll just make two quick points about the 'date' issue: 1) If your dad's eyes are as bad as mine, he won't be able to read the date anyway, and 2) When you're retired, you don't really care what the date is! Good luck!

[McLovin]

Wow, thanks for all the very helpful comments! This is really a friendly forum! I wish I could have checked in yesterday but the family kept me going till I dropped.

To answer questions, I'd rather keep it a surprise. If I were to ask, he'd say to spend the money on his grandkids. I'm sure he'd prefer a steel watch -- he's a modest guy who lives in a modest town. He wouldn't wear gold except maybe to church on the big holidays. He's active enough to keep it running, but doesn't do a lot of traveling outside his timezone. Yeah DucS2r, a Rolex will blow his mind ;) He's never had a really good watch, but I know some of his friends like Rolex. It's probably the only manufacture worthy of a pat on the back from those guys.

After reading your posts, I'm thinking even more strongly that Explorer is the way to go. Great point travisb about not having to make date adjustments -- I think that will be an advantage. Pacificchrono, LOL, awesome post -- I think my dad will agree on both points. I'm also going to take another look at DJ and its many dials -- great idea. Thanks again!

[Christiaan]

I bought my Father a Pepsi GMT for his retirement.

[Wehtiko]

I don't know how old your dad is or how large a wrist he has. But I may be in the same kind of age bracket he is. I know that I'm having a little more trouble reading small print so I would think that a watch with very readable hands would be appreciated.
From what I could gather he's not an ostentatious kind of guy, so I would stay away from the 'bling'.
I would think that the Explorer, 40mm and up, might work well. I like the newer ones because of the uncluttered faces increases readability. Also the GMT steel may be a very good choice: classy, rugged, dressy, and understated.

[siewmaiwatch]

suggest to get him what he likes. but if it's a surprise, an airking is timeless, a true classic!

i would wish for a son like you!

[siewmaiwatch]

Originally Posted by pacifichrono

Hey, McLovin! I retired last year so I'll just make two quick points about the 'date' issue: 1) If your dad's eyes are as bad as mine, he won't be able to read the date anyway, and 2) When you're retired, you don't really care what the date is! Good luck!

two very good points. a nice congratulatory classic designed piece may be in order.

[Polemic]

If he likes YG, you can buy a TT DJ on Jubilee.

Otherwise, Explorer or any SS DJ would be nice.

[McLovin]

Just a quick update on this old thread. After months spending way too much time reading up about Rolex models on this strangely addictive site I went to the AD to try on some watches and get one for Dad. The Explorer 1 was indeed a great watch. But it turned out to be my second choice. The 14060M Sub ND is sprinkled with fairy dust! What a great watch! Long story short, Dad was just amazed to get the Sub and loves it. Thanks to you all for your advice and observations! I've enjoyed the journey as well. While I've been a JLC guy for a while, I think my next watch will be a Rolex or Tudor. Can't wait to see that Pelagos!

Dad sent one wrist shot:

[kcmo]

Great choice! I'm sure he's thrilled!

[subtona]

came down to the same 2 choices for my dad about a year ago... wound up with the explorer 1 because it came up before the 14060... both perfect choices.

congratulations your a great son

[kxux]

If you are thinking about Explorer I also look at the smaller, but to my eyes little more legible Oyster Perpetual with very similar dial. I found the blue dial better legible than the Exp 1. Though the domed bezel did not talk to me as much as Exp 1 bezel.

Either way it will be a great gift.

Oh, I missed your last post: Congrats on great watch for your dad. The Sub ND is a classic.

[Boothroyd]

Congratulations on a great choice, and nice wrist shot!

[roger0770]

how about a datejust 116200 in a white roman numeral dial w/ oyster bracelet? it's a little smaller than the e1 - 39mm, but classic and timeless as well.

[McLovin]

I'm confused why this thread got moved to Open Discussion Forum after being in the Rolex forum for almost 7 months, and having Rolex content. Anyway, I hope the guys who helped me out are able to find it.

[gmh1013]

Im retired (54 years old) but no kids....wish somebody would buy me an EX 1....your dad is lucky!