What’s a nice starter watch for a college grad?

My son will soon be graduating, and he’s lately become interested in a wristwatch. He wants one with a leather band. Certainly nothing in the Rolex category or probably even TAG. Is there a good looking watch that you guys recommend?

 

Shinola

https://www.shinola.com

Plenty with leather bands.

 

I gave my son a Tag when he was 18, and then a Rolex when turned 21. Both were watches that I owned that I passed down to him.

I guess that's not much help

 

love the watches, but having “Shinola” on the face…I dunno.

 

I know you want the leather band type of watch . But these citizen eco drive divers watches are truly amazing for the money . You can also change the strap out to the "nato" style strap if he likes . It's a watch that looks the part and acts it as well . Two different models . I have the bn 2029
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Millionaire Next Door says Seiko.

 

I thought I liked them when they came out for just that reason....someone would say I didn't know **** from shinola and I could just hold up my watch and say....Uh yes I do.

How much are you looking to spend? You said not Rolex or Tag, how about a nice Seiko or Bulova, both a lot less spendy. If you want to spend a little more but not Rolex more there are also brands like Tissot or Oris that make nice ones.

I don't spend that much on watches but have some fairly unique ones. I just bought this one but it's really thick and heavy, it's ok but I won't be wearing it all day every day.....it's definitely unique with an actual bronze case. Not gonna be for everyone though.

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that’s sharp.

 

Obligatory...

 

Thanks, I thought so and I like it. I also not long ago bought a Seiko Ice diver that I really like too....The Zelos was about $700 the Seiko closer to $900...There are SOOOO many choices out there from huge brands down to little micro brands like Zelos. Maybe take him shopping and see what he really likes the look and feel of.

This site has a lot of unique brands and stuff and is where I bought the Zelos. Seems like a good company and the owner and namesake is on youtube doing reviews of a lot of the watches they sell. https://teddybaldassarre.com/collections/watches?uff_wihxf8_collections=261289672797&page=5


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If you (or perhaps your dad) have a watch to hand down, that is the best way to go.

(my nephew proudly wears my father's watch nowadays)

 

Seiko makes some really nice watches. I have one. My dad used to love his Seikos (usually bought on his trips to Japan in the 1960s).

 

Hmm I think the lengths you go to in order to keep it out of enemy hands so you can give it to him are more important than the watch itself!

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I agree... I had a nice, reasonably-priced Seiko (I think it was around $350 when I bought it, perhaps?) that lasted me roughly 30 years or thereabouts without even a hitch.

 

So in my experience there are watch guys, and non-watch guys. My brother is one that looks at his iPhone for the time.
I contend that a good starter watch would get the attention of a watch guy, to have him say "what's that?". It would also be under $500 and stylish and quality.

I've always thought a nice Tissot Chronograph (I like the PRC 200 personally) is a good edition to any collection. As a first watch it's a nice swiss piece. As the collection grows it can become a Weekend watch. However IHMO nothing beats a Rolex or Omega IMHO even if used. Rolex always retains value.

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-us/men.html
https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-us/t1144171105700.html

 

Yeah, but they'd also never give their imprimatur for a Ferrari, so do we really want to listen to those guys?

Mike

 

@Husker, what about Raymond Weil? They make very good watches - quite a few models with leather bands - and priced anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand. I've had one myself for quite a long time, and no issues at all & yes, keeps correct time always.

 

I wear a titanium Citizen Eco Drive daily for the last 28 years, basically because I had a saltwater boat (yacht, actually , and as I pronounced it, it rhymed with hatchet. ) In spite of owning a couple of very nice VC watches. The titanium is impervious to corrosion, saltwater included. Are you after snob appeal, or durable functionality? As I simply DGAF about what others think, I wear the $100 watch normally. Mine has a full titanium band, as I tend to sweat where I live in PHX, and leather does not take well to that. A leather band will need "maintenance" or replacement occasionally.

 

Hey we try and teach them good principles about buying quality and frugality

they might end up following our bad examples anyway but let’s not pay for that

 

^^In the same category as Raymond Weil, look at Hamilton, Longines or Frederique Constant.

 

Hamilton, Tissot, Seiko would be my recommendations. They have some great looking watches and are all well established brands with histories. I think a Hamilton Khaki would be my pick and should keep you at or under $1k

 

I have always liked & wanted a Longines Evidenza and the pieces in their "Master Collection" are well made and pretty sharp looking (my opinion) for the price. That said, even being a staunchly pro-mechanical watches as I am, I don't see how you could go wrong with a Citizen Eco Drive and that would be my suggestion... the Eco Drive.

For something a little more interesting take a look at the Junghans "Meister Chronoscope". It is a good timepiece with a very timeless design.

 

I bought my son a Rolex Submariner in preparation for college graduation next May (hidden away in a safe place), but now I’m concerned it might make him a target for mugging. So I’m rethinking it, but not sure what to do.

 

Sell it to me. That’s what you can do.

Honestly, a little situational awareness goes a long way. When my spidy senses tingle, it goes in my pocket.


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Be the one that mugs him.
Lesson taught and everyone wins!