Don't judge me too much...

[oldkingc]

My son will be graduating high school this June.

I want to get him a submariner.

He has loved watches for years starting with a digital orange Arnette that he got when he was 11. He always glances and jokes about getting one as I reply with a scoff. He wouldn't expect it at all. He has worked hard from K-12 and is going into finance eventually, I'm sure he will be able to "pay it off". I just know that he would love it and it would be worth it to see his eyes light up.

Now, luckily we are blessed and his grandfather has tuition covered so it wouldn't be taking or depriving him of the funds. I would like to find the 116610LN or a real splurge, the 116613LB. I would like to know the most affordable way about getting either of these models. Do you recommend someone on this forum? Trying to haggle at an AD? Be mindful I am buying my child a Rolex before even purchasing one for myself.
Not that money is the issue but a deal would be excellent. Would love some advice for a newbie.

Thanks

[imono]

The best for the First born.
Why not?
Best deals are often found here.
Good Luck.

[Armyguy03]

GREAT deals found here. Might get a seller that has two!!

[s14roller]

See if you can get a great deal on a new one on here. I'm open to used most of the time, but as a sentimental gift, id go new.

[paverman]

Check the sales section right here on TRF and contact one of the several trusted sellers that roam these parts.

[iLLGT2]

Sounds like a great graduation gift, and like you trust him with such a luxury watch as well.. I say go for it :) Definitely give the business to one of the great trusted sellers on here ! Warranty will still remain on the piece within it's period so really doesn't matter

[patek.wis]

go lightly used/LNIB and save a ton

go with the LN, if he's only 18, gold may be a bit much for his style, but you know him better than i do!

[Trouble15]

As others have mentioned look for a trusted seller right here on TRF. Some of the slightly used models look virtually brand new & enable savings.

[Aarcher@McDGA]

I'm new and don't have mine yet but also plan to purchase one for my son as a college graduation gift. Good hunting and I hope you're able to find a great watch that your son will treasure forever.

[financeman]

As others have said, if you are going to buy him one, buy from one of the trusted sellers here and save some money. They always go over and behind and provide an awesome watch

[joe100]

High School is a minor scholastic achievement. Get him a Rolex after he graduates college, not compulsory school. It'll mean more to both of you.

[LightOnAHill]

what a great idea!

I think you're right that he will respect it and take care of it. best to insure it anyway because then if it breaks or it's stolen, there's not a major loss. everyone should insure their Rolex. you'll see the theft and loss threads pop up here from time to time and some of the people don't have insurance and they are totally out of a Rolex.

I'd say get him a new sub c black, being the one with the newer bracelet

[AK797]

Originally Posted by patek.wis

go lightly used/LNIB and save a ton

go with the LN, if he's only 18, gold may be a bit much for his style, but you know him better than i do!

[mmmk604]

I'm pretty young myself and I can't see myself wearing gold yet.
Get him the LN...btw you are an awesome father

[joseluu]

That is a great idea. It may even buy you a plate of soup in old age!

I agree with other fellow forumers: it woukd be better to go the SS way for a youngster. Gold is a bit "heavy" at that age.

[jamesbondOO7]

I am happily amazed that an 18 year-old would want a Rolex. There might some hope for the human race then.

[Number3]

How about a Hulk? Perfect for a young man and there is an excellent priced new one in the sales section right now. If I didn't already have one I'd buy it!

Fantastic gesture by the way.

[TempoKing]

If your son deserves such a magnificent gift for a job well done - Do it..

Most likely an Authorised Dealer will sell a new steel Rolex Submariner
at full retail plus tax. I believe you can find here at TRF a new Sub
for around 10-15 percent less than retail... and no sales tax (out of state etc.)

[SUBversive]

I would do it. As said pre-loved. And insure it ASAP.

[floater156]

Originally Posted by patek.wis

go lightly used/LNIB and save a ton

go with the LN, if he's only 18, gold may be a bit much for his style, but you know him better than i do!

[travisb]

Great gesture. I'm sure he'll treasure it!
Check the trusted sellers here.
I prefer the LN over the LB but you're the decision maker.

[kilyung]

Baby steps first. I'd get him a 14060M first. That's what I'm doing.

[oldkingc]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Baby steps first. I'd get him a 14060M first. That's what I'm doing.

I thought about that but does the 114060M have a ceramic bezel? I was never sure.

[warren G.]

Originally Posted by oldkingc

I thought about that but does the 114060M have a ceramic bezel? I was never sure.

Yes, the new non-date Submariner (114060m) have the ceramic bezel.

But the one kilyung posted was the older version.

[zion_rasta]

I'd say get yourself one first, then when your son graduates from college get him a Rolex.

Your son would probably be happier with an iPad mini anyway.

Even if he is mature enough, it is hard for a rolex to survive undergrad college environment.

People steal Walmart bicycles in college. A rolex would be a target. It makes for a great pawn shop fortune for a college student.

Girlfriends, friends, roommates, parties, libraries, dorm rooms, etc.

4 more years and wait for some maturity to develop.

Can you do it, yes (best dad title). Should you do it, not really.

My honest opinion.

[lhanddds]

I' m sure it will go great with his BMW. I definitely have a different philosophy on this one.

[mjclark32]

Usually I'm all for people buying watches, but for high school graduation I think it's a bit premature. Maybe after a couple years in or after foundation courses are completed or proof of solid grades, or even college graduation.
If you're deadest on getting it now then I agree with mike 14060, it will, hopefully, fly under the radar.

[Rocco22]

Buy him whatever you would like. It will be a great gift. I would of loved a sub after high school.yes I would buy it here and save alot.

[Doug T]

I would agree--wait until he graduates from college and then go with one of the trusted sellers on this forum. You can't go wrong.

[seand442]

Originally Posted by zion_rasta

I'd say get yourself one first, then when your son graduates from college get him a Rolex.

Your son would probably be happier with an iPad mini anyway.

Even if he is mature enough, it is hard for a rolex to survive undergrad college environment.

People steal Walmart bicycles in college. A rolex would be a target. It makes for a great pawn shop fortune for a college student.

Girlfriends, friends, roommates, parties, libraries, dorm rooms, etc.

4 more years and wait for some maturity to develop.

Can you do it, yes (best dad title). Should you do it, not really.

My honest opinion.

I couldn't agree more.