Give new or pass one down to sons?

[bgriz]

Saw the other thread on passing down watches...made me think its not a question of if I will give them a watch, but whether to give new or pass one down.

I have mixed feelings on how to handle this. My boys show a casual interest in my watches, they think they are "pretty sweet". When my oldest son graduates college next year I want to give him a Rolex watch as sort of a reward for his accomplishment, and to give him exposure to this disease we all have. lol. There's no question in my mind he will like it, but what I'm not sure is if I want to get him a bnib watch of his own, or pass one of mine down.

I tend to think a 22 yr old is not yet that sentimental and therefore would prefer a bnib watch more right now, then someday more appreciate inheriting my watches.

I realize I can do whichever, and I'm leaning towards new, but I'm curious what others have done or plan to do....give new or one of yours?

[JohnBoy]

Just an opinion - but I think I'd give a BNIB one to a BNIB graduate; a personal watch to specifically acknowledge his/her personal hard work and accomplishment. If the bug 'takes,' there will be special times in the future that will be appropriate to 'thin' your collection - and they will be appreciated! If there is some immunity from the first vaccination and the BNIB has been sitting in a drawer - older models probably won't be wanted either. Ah well....patience, Dad....patience....

[elcompa]

Originally Posted by JohnBoy

Just an opinion - but I think I'd give a BNIB one to a BNIB graduate; a personal watch to specifically acknowledge his/her personal hard work and accomplishment. If the bug 'takes,' there will be special times in the future that will be appropriate to 'thin' your collection - and they will be appreciated! If there is some immunity from the first vaccination and the BNIB has been sitting in a drawer - older models probably won't be wanted either. Ah well....patience, Dad....patience....

Great answer! I side with you on this. Give new for graduation. If, in a few years, you realize he / they love it, then begin to pass on something from your valued collection.

[KingsleyWalcott]

What a great gift either way. Unless he is a real collector" type, my guess is he will want a brand new model. good luck

[Clay]

Your mean you still have money after paying for college???
God bless you !!!

[Dr. Robert]

My favorite Rolex watches are the 2 that were my dad's.......they are waaaaayyyyy more special to me, I smile & think of my pops when I wear them.

[AnnemarieGirl]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

My favorite Rolex watches are the 2 that were my dad's.......they are waaaaayyyyy more special to me, I smile & think of my pops when I wear them.

This is my viewpoint as well. I have 3 kids to consider and ask myself the same questions as the OP. I have decided to give them out on 21st birthdays but having lightly tested the water already - i.e. not giving too much away but trying to find info! - it is more than apparent that the watch model is unimportant, it is the gesture and the sentimental meaning that is the most treasured. This is lovely that they see it this way and makes me feel even more proud of them. I too greatly treasure things passed down from my own family members and their monetery value is pretty meaningless to be honest. I wear my Grandmothers wedding ring on a necklace every day and it always makes me smile thinking about her and the wonderful memories I shared with her. I think a gift for their achievements at university is a lovely idea so long as it is not done in a bribing way! If you give it knowing that they did their best, no matter what grade they attain, I think is not only genuine giving, but also will do wonders for building the self confidence as they know you are proud of them for who they are.

[Vincent65]

I think a 22yr-old is mature enough to appreciate one of yours, personally, rather than a new one. I inherited a watch from an uncle when I was 15, and I still have that!

[grahamcoxon]

If in doubt, go new.

I'm sure there will be times in later life when passing on your existing collection feels more appropriate.

Either way, he's a lucky lad!

[Kingair]

My Sub goes to my daughter . . . when she's old enough . . .

My Dad has several nice watches . . . like 321 Speedy . . some vintage Rolex . . . I would love to wear them . . . but hopefully he becomes 100 in good health . . . that's more important for me !

HAGOne

[Bangel]

Could you let your son choose whether to select one of yours or get a BNIB?

[GregoryZ]

Pass one down, it will be more special.

[Alpino]

.

Give your son a BNIB, and pass all yours to me (I will pay shipping fees)

[Mystro]

Given your situation, I would get him a new starter watch (non Rolex) and see if he's really into watches first. If he shows he is into watches, wait until he is married or for his first child to give him your watch. It will mean a lot more. He is gonna get it when you die anyway so what's the hurry?

Originally Posted by bgriz

Saw the other thread on passing down watches...made me think its not a question of if I will give them a watch, but whether to give new or pass one down.

I have mixed feelings on how to handle this. My boys show a casual interest in my watches, they think they are "pretty sweet". When my oldest son graduates college next year I want to give him a Rolex watch as sort of a reward for his accomplishment, and to give him exposure to this disease we all have. lol. There's no question in my mind he will like it, but what I'm not sure is if I want to get him a bnib watch of his own, or pass one of mine down.

I tend to think a 22 yr old is not yet that sentimental and therefore would prefer a bnib watch more right now, then someday more appreciate inheriting my watches.

I realize I can do whichever, and I'm leaning towards new, but I'm curious what others have done or plan to do....give new or one of yours?

[RXAPPP]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Given your situation, I would get him a new starter watch (non Rolex) and see if he's really into watches first. If he shows he is into watches, wait until he is married or for his first child to give him your watch. It will mean a lot more. He is gonna get it when you die anyway so what's the hurry?

Did that with our daughter - A new Quartz Cartier - she will get Mum's Rolex and APs when the time comes.

I'll get my son a non rolex nice watch and he can get mine when I am gone

[Cesium133]

I think a BNIB would be fine for now. He'll appreciate it because it was from you to him to celebrate an accomplishment. He'll always remember his first Rolex as a gift from his father. Give him your watches later in life IMHO. But as you said, either way you go, the one thing you'll really be giving him is "the disease!"

[Joey_V]

BNIB - this is his occasion, not yours.

Sorta.

[mjclark32]

Which one of yours are you thinking about passing down to him?

[gpfps]

Like I said in many posts my father gave his DD last fathers day. 1980 model he wore every day. Now it's my turn. My son is a RN working at Ford Hospital in Detroit. He went Detroit Mercy on free ride for 4 years. I bought him a subc new for all his hard work and saving me $25,000 a year for collage. The thing is he wanted and loves fine watches. If not it would be silly to buy a Rolex for him. I'm not putting down $7000 if he were not into watches.

[Turbo23dog]

BNIB for a 20 something graduating college is an amazing gift that will leave a lasting memory. Something in the sports lines I'd think...

[Argentius]

I think new would have greater significance for him at this age.

I am 30 now, and do not think that at 22 I would have fully appreciated the passed-down watch then.

[GerardoG]

Here is my plan: when they get their degree, get them a new watch (whatever they like, for instance I gave my brothers new watches when they got their college degree, most were interested in Cartier and one in Tudor), they will enjoy their present for years. Later, on a significant date (wedding, birth of first son/daughter) handle them one of my watches. At that time they will 'understand' the meaning of passing down.

[77T]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Here is my plan: when they get their degree, get them a new watch (whatever they like, for instance I gave my brothers new watches when they got their college degree, most were interested in Cartier and one in Tudor), they will enjoy their present for years. Later, on a significant date (wedding, birth of first son/daughter) handle them one of my watches. At that time they will 'understand' the meaning of passing down.

We were typing same thought at same time

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by 77T

We were typing same thought at same time

Great minds think alike!

[77T]

Hopefully there will be plenty of time to pass down your watches sometime in the future. If you do BNIB for graduation, you have the benefit of choosing one that fits his future pursuits whether business or other.

Something rugged like an Explorer or Expl.II might be a great start for him.

Then when you hit other major milestones in the future - yours or his - you can pass down one of your own. Maybe one which is the polar opposite of the grad gift.

[porschejeff]

Very nice gift either way, but BNIB for a significant event is more meaningful IMHO.

[Cabaiguan]

Here's my thought on this. I've always loved my dad, but I didn't really start appreciating his past efforts and love for ME until I had sons of my own.

With that in mind, I would give your young son a BNIB and save your watch until he has that inner "a ha!" moment of fatherhood himself.

[kilyung]

Pass down. It'll be more likely to stay with him if it has some sentimental meaning vs just a watch.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Pass down. It'll be more likely to stay with him if it has some sentimental meaning vs just a watch.

I disagree. At 22, he's still got some stupidity left in him to get out (at least I did). This tends to make us more careless; if he loses the watch, and it was the BNIB, then it's just "a watch". But to lose your dad's watch...

I agree with the above posters that I didn't recognize at that age the significance of heirlooms. When I was 29, I was given my grandfather's beat up old desk, which he used for 50 or so years. When I first received it, I pictured it as just a beat up old desk. Now, 6 years later (and with kids of my own), I sit at that same desk and picture all of the deals made by my grandfather (he was a driller for 60 yrs)--money made and lost, arguments, celebrations. It's really special to me...now.

[mr_gray]

Originally Posted by southtexas

I disagree. At 22, he's still got some stupidity left in him to get out (at least I did). This tends to make us more careless; if he loses the BNIB watch, it's just "a watch".

I agree with the above posters that I didn't recognize at that age the significance of heirlooms. When I was 29, I was given my grandfather's beat up old desk, which he used for 50 or so years. When I first received it, I pictured it as just a beat up old desk. Now, 6 years later (and with kids of my own), I sit at that same desk and picture all of the deals made by my grandfather (he was a driller for 60 yrs)--money made and lost, arguments, celebrations. It's really special to me...now.

beautifully said. X 2. re: taking care of things, you're mozart if you have it by 35-40. why set up a "you did what" situation.