Opinions Please? Rolex as a grad gift?

[Albatross]

Hello to All...
This is my first post here although I have lurked here for a while and have learned much from this very intelligent community. I have had a deep appreciation of fine timepieces for most all of my adult life and bought my first Rolex (TT Datejust with Ivory colored Roman Dial on TT Jubilee) when I was 29 years old. I'm now 51 and still wear that same watch everyday.

My oldest daughter will be graduating from college in May. I have educated her from an early age on the importance of wearing a quality timepiece and that, once someone reaches a professional career, I believe that it helps to define you as someone who refuses to cut corners and is willing to be the best at whatever they are doing. I truly believe that. She has always said that someday she will have one of her own.

I am considering getting her a Rolex as a graduation gift, but I am wondering if it's really appropriate. Don't get me wrong...if anyone deserves one it's this girl. She has worked extremely hard in school, double major in Biology and Psychology, finished in 4 years flat (hard to do anymore) preparing to enter grad school as a Physician Assistant, 3.5 GPA in a very difficult science curriculum, Special Olympics volunteer for 4 years at their National Winter Games, Volunteers every week at the local humane society, and works part time as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the local County retirement/nursing home in the town where her University is. Not trying to brag (well...maybe a little), but just trying to give you all a feel for the type of individual that I'm talking about here.

But, even with all of that being said, she is 21 years old. Just graduating, just starting a new job that she will work at for a year before going to grad school, still just hanging out with her friends in the meantime who are the same age and are all wearing seikos or timexes or whatever. Does showing up with a Rolex on your arm when you are that 21 year old "kid" make you proud or make you uncomfortable? Does it look out of place among your peers? Does it make you look like a spoiled brat becuase Daddy bought it for you instead of many of us who worked hard, succeeded, made money and then rewarded ourselves and bought our own? I feel like she has earned it...but does it cheapen it for any of you if someone gave you a gift like this and maybe you feel like you, yourself haven't "earned the right" to wear a Rolex...whatever that might mean? Would your first opinion of seeing a 21 year old girl wearing a Rolex be "it's probably a fake"? (unless that person is an actress or a singer or a Kardashian...not just a "normal" 21 year old girl like my daughter).

Please give me your candid thoughts on this. Like I said, one of the differences here is that this girl actually knows Rolex and understands what it means to have one. She has been around mine all her life. I bought my wife a matching ladies model to mine about 14 years ago when we took a vacation to the Cayman Islands. My daughter stood right there when I bought her Mom's. She knew even as a 7 year old that it was a big deal for us. She has always wanted one and would love it and appreciate it, which is a lot better than buying something for someone and they say "what's this?". But, I guess I'm questioning whether the timing is right. As a Rolex lover yourself, and all that means to you, what do you really think when you see a 21 year old wearing one? And..should I, or she, really care what you think or should she just wear it with the pride of knowing that parents that love her wanted her to have it and she can keep it forever and that's all that matters.

I look forward to any opinion that any of you have on this. Thanks!

[Fiery]

I think it would be more appropriate to gift her her first Rolex once she starts her career, once she's finally out of all kinds of school. I guess it would be somewhere around the age of 25-26 for her, so it would be the perfect time.

But, in case you decide to get her a Rolex now, then I would pick one of the least blingy, least identifiable Rolex models. So fluted bezel, TT, Jubilee bracelet, and date with magnifier is out of question for me. My personal favorite is the 36mm Oyster Perpetual with blue arabic dial, and the 34mm Air-King with white arabic dial.





(not my pictures)

I wanted to gift my sister with either one of those watches, but while she loves them, it seems she wants to receive that only after she finished her PhD studies, and starts to work. In the meantime she said she would pick a Tag Heuer that she reckons would be "more comfortable" to wear around her friends and colleagues at the institute.

[McLovin]

Some people love Rolex and some have negative feelings about the brand -- it's not possible to generalize. I think the best thing to do is ask your daughter what she wants. I took my wife out looking at Rolex DateJusts at Christmas, and she chose an Omega. Go figure. She strongly preferred the Aqua Terra's styling, and the "stealth wealth" aspect was also appealing to her. Good luck -- you sound like a great dad, and I'm sure she'll be proud of any gift you give her, but I'd ask her to be sure.

[MP5]

She graduate from Michigan? On scholly or you pay?

[Ristretto]

Get her a Rolex she deserves it, however make sure she only wears it when its appropriate in her case special events or when she dresses up.

Some people are intimidated by a Rolex, specifically if she is going to apply for work for example.

[11618]

You Must be very proud of her, If you do buy her a Rolex keep it under the radar

[joe100]

I'd wait. I gave my 21yo sister a vintage gold Zenith. She keeps it in my parents safe. She loves it and wears it when she can but expensive watches in a college setting can be a liability. She never wears it outside of family events and her friends don't even know she has it.

Take her to Paris for a week of shipping and get her the Rolex after grad school.

Sorta reminds me of my car forums when these 16 yo new drivers say their parents bought them a BMW because they had good grades. I always feel that good grades and hard work in school are expected. Not saying your situation is the same at all but graduating college well is expected, finishing grad school well is an achievement. As Rolex says, " a crown for every achievement".

[bewithabob]

I rather enjoyed buying my own first Rolex, after I had been working. It symbolized something I had earned, rather than something I had been given. Just my thought.

[ecsub44]

99.9% of everyone she interacts with won't notice it...or won't care.

If you want to buy it for her, then go for it. Shell use it to tell time, and remember it as being a special gift from her father.

And no one "earns the right" to wear a Rolex. There is nothing to earn...it's just a watch.

[Dr. Robert]

My parents gave me a Rolex when I graduated university, they are gone now....I treasure the watch, I always think of them when I wear it & smile.

[cajerseyboy]

GO FOR IT! You at obviously proud of her accomplishments and want to reward her with something very special. I remember when I graduated college and my fraternity brother received an Omega from his father. I remember thinking of how great it was for a dad to give such a symbolic gift on such a proud day. That was 13 years ago and his father just passed last year. He wore the watch at the funeral. He will always remember his father through that watch. (sorry to bring a death into this but I think it shows the power of a special gift long after it was given)

On your daughters graduation day, I'm picturing you handing her the wrapped green box after receiving her diploma with a letter that explains how proud you are and that this watch is not only a symbol of the excellence you see in her now but the excellence you know she will attain post college life. you may even want to get it engraved.

It will then be up to her on when to wear it.

Show her how proud you really are of her..... Give her the best. She will have it forever and it will be something she will always remember you by.

[kareemthedream33]

I say do it, she sounds like a great girl. A nice air king, date, or 31mm date just sounds about right to me. Something simple and classy.

[RX0-Unicorn]

Get her a Rolex. She deserved it. I was a Biology major at NYU and it was a tough subject. I could careless what other people think about my Rolex as real or fake. As long as I know it is real, who cares what other people think.

Which Rolex are you considering getting for your daughter?

I'm thinking about getting a Submariner or Explorer for my friend's graduation.

[ayecarumba]

Hi Albatross,

Welcome to TRF!

IMHO, as a high school gift that would be pushing it, but for a college grad (and with her accomplishments?), no brainer! Especially given the significance it represents within your family. For some people, it's a non-event. But since it is part of your family lore, I say go for it.

You will not regret it and as some have mentioned, what a fantastic heirloom and reminder of her parents love, affection, and pride wherever life and her travels take her. She will glance at her wrist and feel your presence.

I'd get it engraved too.

Congrats and Well done!


--Paul

[LightOnAHill]

I'd say in my opinion, get her the rolex.

My opinion of somebody of that caliber would be immediatly created by her gaze as she meets my eyes, and by discernment, I would know just what you said. This is a woman that doesn't cut corners. I wouldn't think once or even slightly that the watch is fake. Nor would I define her by the watch.

A woman as accomplished as your daughter defines herself by her power, and a beautiful watch would be worn well as adornment on her, but FAR more importantly, she will have a timeless gift from you, that she will always remember as such.

Give it to her.


And post pics here!

Congrats to your daughter and to you. I hope that when I'm in your shoes, my children are in her shoes. :-)


And, I'd say give her a picture of one, telling her that is her gift about a week before graduation ceremony, so she and you and your family can go help her try a few on, and let her pick out the one that is her favorite, and wrap it and let her open it up the morning she walks. She will appreciate it best that way, being what she chooses, but a gift from you.

[threemonkeys]

There's no right or wrong here - just personal opinion.

For me, I would prefer to give my kids (three sons) a watch when they get married or have their first child. While college is a nice achievement, it's somewhat the norm these days.

[datejust24]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

99.9% of everyone she interacts with won't notice it...or won't care.

If you want to buy it for her, then go for it. Shell use it to tell time, and remember it as being a special gift from her father.

And no one "earns the right" to wear a Rolex. There is nothing to earn...it's just a watch.

Well said

[Art 1]

I don't see a problem with it.

[horseco]

You get her whatever gift you want... you wear a watch it doesn't wear you... No ones opinion matters, not even mine... Listen to you heart...

[Cru Jones]

If you think she deserves it and you want to give it to her, I don't see what the issue is with giving it.

[ideal-watches]

Like her education which can never be taken away from her, so will be the first watch of inherent and monetary value her dad gives her. I am a pay for performance boss. In your case, your little girl who's all grown up now, will undoubtedly value the thought and the generosity her dad has bestowed on her.

[InTime]

a nice airking or even an omega if you are not comfy w. a rolex. it means a whole lot. you are rewarding her for her hard work. it will only motivate her in the future.

[HunterST]

Buy her whatever you want. I gave my girl a vintage 6694 that looks great on her and she loves it. Saying " I gave her a Rolex" might sound ostentatious, but in practice it is just a really nice gift and none of anyone else's business.

[RollieKid]

Originally Posted by bewithabob

I rather enjoyed buying my own first Rolex, after I had been working. It symbolized something I had earned, rather than something I had been given. Just my thought.

x2

[unclesallie]

I say give her a Timex !

You value quality, and Rolex..you've installed those values in your daughter.
She's worked hard, and as a symbol of your appreciation for that work and her accomplishments, give her a new SKY DWELLER only $40Grand.

nah, just get her a nice rolex, and she'll love you for it, and you'll love
yourself for doing it. hurry!

[kilyung]

I'm going to do the same with my kids. Already have birth year Rolexes saved for them.

[Fifth Ave Rolex Man]

It's a wonderful idea. Engrave the case back with
something sentimental; She'll alway have it and appreciate this gift!

[gwozhog]

I vote for a Rado. The idea of getting a Rolex as a present is not as rewarding as buying your first one for yourself. I hate silver spoon gifts. Heck you already ponied up for her college degree so buy yourself one now that she not draining your bank account anymore.

[horseco]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

I vote for a Rado. The idea of getting a Rolex as a present is not as rewarding as buying your first one for yourself. I hate silver spoon gifts. Heck you already ponied up for her college degree so buy yourself one now that she not draining your bank account anymore.

Aim higher, maybe it will be rewarding when she buys her first Patek... Buying a Rolex is an investment, like the education it will last a lifetime...

[77T]

It is a nice gift and fitting. I know some have commented about style and bling - IMHO make it fit your desire to give and fit her personality.