Seeking something that would make a decent heirloom later on

[FraserCA]

Greetings all. I never thought I'd find such an active forum of watch enthusiasts (i.e. I had no idea so many people were as interested in them as I do).

Admittedly, I don't have much of a collection started thus far, but I'm thinking about purchasing another watch now, and I wanted to pose a question to all of you.

I'm 33, and I have a son who is now 1 year old. My family doesn't have much in the way of heirlooms, which got me thinking that it would be neat to purchase a watch now that I could pass on to my son when he turns 18 or graduates from college or something like that.

The question is, what to buy? I don't think it would be anything that expensive by the standards of this forum. A $100 to $200 price range probably, with a preference for staying under $150.

At that pricepoint, is there anything nice I could buy that would also make for a cool heirloom to pass on to my son later on?

[jtstav]

Welcome to the forum mate. I find when I hear of heirlooms the watch in question is generally a high end brand like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, you get the idea. To get something in that price range that will last until it's ready to be passed down shouldn't be TOO difficult but you have to make sure it's going to be quality made otherwise its not going to make it that long.

I'd personally recommend saving up a bit more until you can spend around $350-$500and getting something from a lesser known boutique brand like Steinhart, Christopher Ward, Boschett, or maybe Bernhardt. You'll get a real quality watch compared to other brands in the same price category. You could even go with a Seiko SARB or divers watch. Those things are built like tanks. I'd also lurk around here for a while and check out the WRUW (What are you wearing) threads and find something that strikes you rather than pull the trigger now and find something in the near future. Good luck with finding your heirloom piece! And know you are obligated to post a wrist shot when you purchase it!

[PH68]

When your long gone, what your son will want as a memento is probably far from what you thought he would "like".

[FraserCA]

Thanks for the suggestions jtstav, any pics of stuff I should take a look at?

@PH68: I dunno, I do have this old Elgin pocketwatch from the 1920s that was my grandfather's, and I'd never use it, but I love having it because of the history and the association I have of him. I'll pass that on to my son as well some day, but it would be nice to send along something he might actually use. And I know I can't predict his style, but I can hope that he'll be interested in whatever it ends up being simply because it's something unique that his parents passed along to him.

[ckot]

Thanks for the suggestions jtstav, any pics of stuff I should take a look at?

@PH68: I dunno, I do have this old Elgin pocketwatch from the 1920s that was my grandfather's, and I'd never use it, but I love having it because of the history and the association I have of him. I'll pass that on to my son as well some day, but it would be nice to send along something he might actually use. And I know I can't predict his style, but I can hope that he'll be interested in whatever it ends up being simply because it's something unique that his parents passed along to him.

When I was young, my dad always wore a Seiko that he bought while in the military. He gave it to me recently (he mostly wears a Timex digital now) and I'm looking forward to having it serviced and wearing it. It didn't cost a lot ($38, in 1968), but it is a good solid watch that now has great sentimental value to me.

So, based on that, I'd look at something like a Seiko SKX, an Orient Mako/Ray, or something else from Orient, Seiko or Citizen (or Bernhardt, if you are willing to spend a bit more). Wear it as he's growing up and it will become an heirloom, even if not a monetarily valuable one.

[jtstav]

You'll never be able to tell his style, at least not until he's a young adult. The only thing you can do is pick something you like that has a timeless design (IE a Submariner Homage, dive watch, or a simple dress watch). I say take a look at a Seiko 007 or a Steinhart Ocean 1. Heres some pics: (all pictures from google image search)

Steinhart Ocean 1


Seiko SARB033


Seiko SKX007

[Shepperdw]

I would recommend a classy watch, that will most likely never lose style. Such as a Tissot LeLoce, or what I own, A Sea-Gull M187s. A Tissot Visodate is also on the list that will never go out of style. I think you get the idea now :P.

[cheapie]

Heirlooms don't have to have a name like Omega or Rolex or whatever. While an heirloom is generally an object of value (generally jewelry), it doesn't have to meet a certain dollar amount to be considered an heirloom. My dad was a plumber, and so was his dad. You aren't going to see any fancy watches getting passed down to me. My dad's standard wear was a $10 Timex with a $5 Speidel.

If you want to buy a watch that's high enough of a quality that it can be passed down, pick up a Seiko 007 or 009 diver or Seiko Monster. Great watches in the sub-$200 range that have been proven time & time again they can survive multiple generations. These are true luxury watches that none of the elders in my family would have EVER considered buying.

[Y4BBZY]

I would go something that has already withstood the test of time in terms of design, has a rich watch-making history, and relatively easy to maintain maybe a quartz. For $200 you would be hard press to find a time piece that would last unless you go vintage/used. My recommendation would be a Hamilton Ventura because it is dressy, has a history within the model and company, has a quartz movement (easy to maintain), American roots with Swiss insides, and has timeless design that has withstood.



Also note that most watches can be handed down from one generation to another if properly maintained and care for.

[NightOwl]

I see the usual suspects have been nominated. Allow me to add another forum favorite, Seiko. I'd argue that a JDM Seiko (the good stuff produced for the Japanese market) with a 6r15 movement (hack and hand wind) can easily stand the test of time and be handed down as an heirloom. All of that for about $500-600, sometimes cheaper. They're well built, accurate, durable, and most importantly, good looking. There's a great range of designs as well, from toolish divers (SBDC003) to versatile dress watches than can be worn in casual environments (Sarb series). Plus, they're fairly easily to obtainable via sellers like Seiya and Chino.

sarb001/2/3


Sumo


sarb017


sarb033