[Closed] Son's 21st ... what memorable present ... Omega watch?!

Ceramic poppy.

yeah, prices for luxury watches have skyrocketed - they are now an asset class, so price is no longer tethered to reality.

1. Coke
2. Hookers

Or Hake and Cookers - Sea fishing followed by cookery course

Hmmm, bit old for a powerkite. Aeropress?

I asked for a 21 year old bottle of whiskey. I found out I don't really like whiskey so now have a 35 year old bottle.

When it comes to memorable watches I think you need to have hidden it up your bum for it to count.

I have both and I reckon you would get an early Street Triple for the price of an Omega 🙂

I also know someone who is selling a really nice one 🙂 (Not me)

Similarly I was given an IWC for my 21st, I don't wear it much, but its very much my prized possession.

I would check very carefully if this is something he would appreciate though. my feeling is that watches are very much less of the thing now.

That being said maybe have a look at Oris or Christopher Ward watches, superb quality and the prices are a little behind the more in your face brands

You'd have to decide if that's the sort of thing he'd really appreciate. My parents bought me a nice (by our standards) watch when I was 21, I didn't really wear it and it's now in a drawer - I can't imagine wearing it any more now I always use my phone to tell the time. Shame, but I just don't need it and it's more bother to wear than it's worth.

It might work as an investment for that kind of money tho. But even then - if I didn't care about watches and my parents spent all that dough on one I might be quite upset that they didn't really get me.

Triumph Speed Triple

Good choice! How about a track day?

EDIT: missed that bit in your original post, but if he likes bikes then should be a hoot. I keep meaning to do one.

My folks got me an electric guitar (Squire - respectable Fender knock off) and a wee Marshall Amp. Was an excellent gift, still have it even though rarely play, and wife got me an acoustic Fender for my 30th, so a nice continuation there...

If he hasn't shown much interest in watches, then I reckon there's a chance it wont get used.
Lots of people, including me, have never understood people's fascination with owning them.

I got a toolbox full of quality woodworking handtools - most of which I still use today (26 years later)

My mum got me a St Christopher. Never wear it, took it with me round the world, still got it.

Quite how she knew I'd be a fan of down market pubs/upmarket hostels I'll never know. ;P

Oris and CW are good shouts, or a nice Seiko.

Thanks all...I'm not 100% sure watches have the same significance for the younger generation, and/or my son. Bug I'm reasonably sure he'd warm to it over time. And I'll check the alternative brands...but part of the appeal of Omega would be family tradition.

Bazzer, gently interested in a nice ST...any details.

Also, is a 21st still a big deal these days?

Now I'll admit I'm a bit of a watch lover (not snob ☺️, as I've got a few cheap plastic ones, as well as cheapo auto mexhanical ones).
I think an omega woyld be an ace present, but the seamaster (which i have) is now about £4k..
I DO wear mine most of the time, bar gym, running, or MTB stuff...

It's only going to apprexiate in value i suspect.
Plus, it'll last.
Plus, you and your dad have one, so that brand makes sense.

I guess cost is the only issue...

DrP

I'd not so much be thinking of how he'll look at it now but how he he'll look at it 25 years from now or 50 years from now. Pretty sure it'll mean a lot to him then.

I have/had nice watches, I wear my fenix every day as I want the data to dress watches are never worn

I have two boys, a while to go yet, but unless they are mechanically inept I will be looking to buy them some very nice tools which will last them. Something like a proper socket set, or useful for DIY projects

I asked for a 21 year old bottle of whiskey. I found out I don’t really like whiskey so now have a 35 year old bottle.

I got a 21yo bottle of Port Ellen on my 21st. I now have a 38yo bottle of Port Ellen.

Can't help on the watch thing. The only one I want is £4.5k which is more than my car is worth.

@AUS

Its actually my old one that my mate has had for years now. Its a 2009 R model but has K-tech forks, nitron rear shock, carbon wheels, giamoto rearsets etc etc

He was planning on putting it back to standard to sell it, but he would obviously do a deal with the trick parts if someone wanted them.

He is meticulous at looking after things and it looks great still.

PM me and I will put you in contact.

binners
Subscriber
1. Coke
2. Hookers

bazzer
Member
I have both

Lucky boy!

Aus, I would suggest looking at Ian Blowers, Parkers and Goldsmiths for pre-owned Omega; Austin Kaye would have also been on the list but they have recently closed.
You could search for one from his birth year.
I like Omega watches - had one that was stolen, now have a DeVille and would love to have the Petrograd museum collection one.

Id go with something you know he will enjoy and remember, so id go for the following

Triumph Speed Triple
Track day on said Triumph Speed Triple
Followed by and night of coke and hookers

Will be a 21st birthday we will never forget!!!

Steal your dad's and give it to him.

If he hasn’t shown much interest in watches, then I reckon there’s a chance it wont get used.
Lots of people, including me, have never understood people’s fascination with owning them.

It'll probably end up like my mate's Rolex. It's a really, really nice thing that he's had in a drawer for 20 years.

I'd go for some sort of experience, maybe something you can do together. Expensive tat is, well, expensive tat, a personalised token keepsake will serve the same purpose. One of my most treasured possessions is, of all things, an engraved padlock.

How about a Swiss Army Knife? I got one as a leaving present from work in my 20s, thought "nice idea but I'll never use it" then used it near-daily for like 20 years until I lost it (or had it stolen).

Both my kids got expensive watches for their 21st and they both cherish them. They do not see them as "expensive tat" they see them as gifts given in love that they will have when we are gone. My son keeps his for special occasions. The point was to give them something they would never consider buying for themselves. We also had a massive piss up as well.

How about a 21 year old Omega?

Do you think you might be more keen on the Omega idea than him OP?

It would have been a waste of money on me at that age, or now.

Maybe a set of quality tools if he's a budding greasemonkey?

Or some riding training?

21 top tunes from all his years (not chart number ones) on a pen drive.
21 family photos(framed or poster)
21 stories about him that you and the family remember best.
21 collectable coins.

Daft stuff.
A compass.
Ice skates.
Power kite ..4sure
An axe or a really nice knife.

I'd put the money in a pension for him tbh, will almost certainly be worth a lot more in 34 years than the watch, he can't spend it or lose it/sell it either. Boring, but I reckon he might warm to it as he gets older 🙂

Got my son a seiko 'turtle' for his 18th - its a nice save the ocean version and perhaps means a little more to him as he is a water polo player. He seems to like it and always puts it on to go out.

I bought myself an Omega for my 30th and its OK but I dont wear it so I would personally look at better value watches. It also never kept good time.

I would personally have a look at Seiko tunas. Nice story behind them, robust and reasonable money new. I think the proper ones are around 1K. I have a Seiko homage to the Tuna (solar model) bought for couple of hundred and I think its ace.

I got a posh watch for my 21st and can't imagine a more appropriate present. Wore it every day for about 18 years till the practicality of a smart watch took over, but still wear it often.

I got to chose it (a Tag Kirium), kinda wish I'd gone for an Omega to be honest!

The other idea we have is an ‘experience’

A weekend with Tommy Robinson at Centre Parcs? He won't forget that in a while...

I’d put the money in a pension for him tbh, will almost certainly be worth a lot more in 34 years than the watch, he can’t spend it or lose it/sell it either. Boring, but I reckon he might warm to it as he gets older

Rock and/or Roll answer there 😉

DrP

My mum got me a blanket for my 21st.
Trust me, I've not forgot.
RM.

How about a 21 year old Omega?

Nice idea but I doubt there's many of those still on the road.

I wasn’t in to watches on my 21st but I still appreciated them, that you have an Omega tradition in the family means I think that’s the right move.

The watch I got for said birthday actually started the mild obsession I have now, it was an Tissot and I still treasure it and wear it.

I’d be looking at a Speedmaster or perhaps a Seamaster. Both relatively timeless designs and won’t look out of place in 20 years time.

I think I’d also be avoiding most other brands. If you’re not into watches a Christopher Ward will mean nothing, a Seiko may not have the prestige. Rolex, yes and Tag maybe, but if you can afford it it’d want something from a brand perceived as being a proper watch maker.

Kilt.

Weddings sorted for life.

Cougar - vintage watches are available, not widely, but I found a few examples of a much older vintage for my year of birth; if properly maintained, they last for decades. If not properly maiantained they can be refurbed - Swisstec are the go to.
Nice to see Beej pinch my earlier suggestion 🙂

OP, that's a lovely thought, and would absolutely be the kind of thing that, even if he doesn't immediately 'love' it, he'd look after and keep hold of for years to come. But prices of all watches do seem to have gone up fairly sharply in recent years.

As above, pre-owned Omega would be good. There are also brands such as Oris worth looking at, or Christopher Ward, Tissot, Seiko are more affordable.

@Frankconway...woosh....😉

This is the son you took to Europe on bikes a couple of years back?

How about paying to ship the bikes somewhere for another road trip- the States, or NZ?

Rock and/or Roll answer there 😉

DrP

Thought you were referring to watches there...

My son was 21 last October, he asked for a watch, we set a budget and let him choose. He went for a Tag and he loves it.

Thank you all ... much appreciated. Given us good prompting and on discussion with Mrs A, she's:
- hesitant re a bike (albeit I think it'd be out of budget anyways) as she understandably worries and I wouldn't really want to 'persuade' her in case of any prangs
- she'd like a long lasting 'thing', so an experience she's less keen on accepting that there's the memories (I think it might be the motorbiking thing again!)
- she's pro a watch as she thinks he'll grow into it, and it has significance. Son has just got a job in London, business development stuff, meeting lots of people, likes to be smart so she thinks it would suit him at this point too

Son is pretty chilled now, and it was mentioned that maybe I'm keener on the idea than son. Probably true. But we've had an 'interesting' few years together, and we wonder if he's matured a wee bit and might appreciate the thinking behind it, rather than just wanting a 'all about me' type present?

So erring towards a watch. We like the idea of encouraging a family link/history, hence the Omega push ... but they're pricey! And then son no. 2 will be set - yikes!

And yes, it is indeed the motorbiking trip son - we did a second trip last year and he's asked to do another this year ... each one has been shorter but just brilliant. And a real treat to be able to do it, Im so grateful for it. Best thing I've ever done.

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We bought an Omega for my son's 18th. Omegas are a bit of a family tradition (by accident) and he decided that was the watch he preferred when we took him to the jewelers to choose.

Fingers crossed it will last like my father's and grandfather's. He absolutely loves it

I have a Seamaster. It’s a gift to myself for qualifying as a Paramedic, I’d always wanted one, it’s beautiful and I love it, but I’m not sure I would now buy one. As I can’t wear it when operational and don’t wear it on the bike, it’s got limited wear time. I’m not the type to wear one for dress, it’s a watch to me, when I can, I wear it. I think now I’d buy a smart watch like Apple or fenix. I guess it depends on the individuals intended use

IMO go for the family experience together. Something a bit different that he’ll enjoy and remember, whether that’s a meal out or whitewater rafting.
I’m not a watch guy and don’t come from a big gift-giving family so can’t really give an opinion on an Omega but have always thought that having a laugh with loved ones is preferable to more ‘stuff’.

Speedmaster, timeless design. Iconic.

National Trust lifetime membership.

He’ll thank you (eventually). Not cheap but likely to pay for itself eventually.

Speedmaster, timeless design. Iconic.

This.

Those suggesting an experience, and I'm not knocking it in any way, but for a personal perspective, I'm not so sure.

An experience is a one-off, then a memory that fades and whilst it's a good memory, it's still a one off event. I like something you can keep for major birthdays, and for men who don't wear jewelry then a watch is the logical thing.

The OP says he's just got a new job in The City, having something nice you can wear to work, will look the part and will age with him is a great present. That he will open his drawer every morning and see the watch that'll remind him of his family and his 21st is awesome. And if it's something good it can last forever pretty much.

Like I said before, I wasn't in to watches on my 21st but I still love the watch I was bought and 20 years on, still wear it.

@Saxonrider Is your lad one of the STW IT team?

I had his letter positioned beside the right hand column and I couldn't help noticing how well the colours balanced. 🙂

A pal got a Tag for his 21st and still cherishes it though doesn't wear it too often (small entry level thing popular at the time). I've got a Seamaster my wife bought and also cherish it, was meant to be a wedding present but we were skint so got it as a surprise a few years later. The smart watch did see it relegated for quite a while though I'm wearing it again as the novelty of the Garmin has wore off.

So go for the watch, even if he doesn't wear it after a while it will still mean something and if he does all the better. Looks like it'll be hard to break the Omega tradition but you could have a look at Tissot, they have some MotoGP inspired designs.

Not a birthday present but my great auntie gave me her late husband's Omega DeVille a few years ago.
Took it in for a service and asked if they could get some info on age etc.
Turns out it was made in the year I was born. It's 46 🙂
It's not a watch I would choose if I was buying but it's a lovely watch and comes out on 'suit days' and family events
It's an heirloom I guess and it's nice to talk about where it came from when people comment on it.

I would stay clear of Christopher Ward unless it's something the really likes, I don't not think that they'll be really valuable in future. Stick to established brands. Seiko are difficult because only certain models are collectable.

I like the idea of a 21year old something. Maybe a vintage Seiko or Omega depending on your budget.

I have recently been purchasing things from my birthyear, it interests me.

If he's not a fan of watches I'm not sure it's a great idea, especially if you expect him to "fall in love with it". I wore watches in my early 20's (not fancy ones) but actually grew out of them - to me they're just an inconvenience when working at a computer (wrist resting on the strap) and I have my phone if I need to know the time when out and about. Haven't worn a watch now for 20 years, I don't think I'd have enjoyed parents asking me "where's your watch?" etc. and feeling guilted into wearing it at least when around them.

Not sure what to suggest as an alternative though if you want to give him something tangible and long-lasting. If he's into motorbikes isn't there some fancy kit you can get him for that (helmet, leathers etc.)? Might not be stuff he passes down through the generations but probably something he'd get a lot of use and his own memories from.

My son wanted an Omega for his 21st. I wore my Dad's Constellation as a daily wearer until I retired and treated myself to my own so they're a bit of a family tradition here.

Given the choice he chose an Aqua Terra as he wanted a model that would go well with his formal working attire and impress those that notice that sort of thing without being unnecessarily ostentatious or showy. They can be found at decent enough prices if you scour the right sites or selling platforms.

He recounts several meetings/ interviews where his watch was noted, and a couple where the client actually pushed their cuff up to make sure he could see their watch!

As a "long-lasting" item Dad's Constellation has now been relegated to dress watch status but is still on the road after 53 years, so think of them as a lifetime of service and a decent enough heirloom.

A watch isn't a bad idea even if he's not keen now - *if* it survives the journey into middle age! If I'd got one at 21*, I would have long lost it or chopped it in to buy something naughty - however it's just the kind of thing I wish I had now my folks are both gone.

*I wouldn't have, because I was a right ****er - but your lad evidently isn't, so deserves it.

Give him your watch ...
Then you buy another one, or nick your dads ....

https://www.birthyearwatches.com/shop/?pa_product_year=1999

What about some made-to-measure bike leathers? He sounds like he'd get a lot more use out of them than a watch.

Get him the omega but get it engraved with his name. that way he wont flog it!

2 hookers?

I would stay clear of Christopher Ward unless it’s something the really likes, I don’t not think that they’ll be really valuable in future

Probably agreed. They're actually good watches, but they have less cachet than more 'established' brands. But it really depends on budget

Isn't there a huge generation gap now as far as watches?
Sure when you and your dad were 21, watches were a status thing. My dad got a posh watch when he finished his tenure as managing partner at his firm and that was a thing back then.
These days, unless you're getting a watch to take photos with whilst pouring a bath of ridiculously expensive champaign, waving a fan deck of cash or dangling your Lambo keys off each finger, then are today's young adults aspiring to be analogue watch wearers?
I get the tradition but I think you may need to prepare yourself for just an appreciation of the guesture and possibly several decades of the watch sitting unworn.
Perhaps the better way to continue the family tradition would be passing down the watches you already have from generation to generation and thinking of something different for the 21st gift?
Obviously from my personal point of view, I'd prefer to have received my late grandfather's special watch as an heirloom than a 'new' watch with no emotive value beyond it being a traditional gift.

I got a tankard which completely bemused me - wtf was I supposed to do with a tankard ? 😂

I had a Seiko for my 18th birthday, still have it and cherish it. I have two Omega's and a Tag now too. All of them have sentimental value for various reasons. They will last a lifetime if looked after and probably won't lose a lot of money.

A Seamaster with a stainless bracelet can be everyday wear no problem, they are pretty robust.

These days, unless you’re getting a watch to take photos with whilst pouring a bath of ridiculously expensive champaign, waving a fan deck of cash or dangling your Lambo keys off each finger, then are today’s young adults aspiring to be analogue watch wearers?

I think that’s a somewhat disparaging view. I work with a few people in their early 20’s and there’s still something they love about mechanical watches. These are not rich kids at all, they (like the OP’s son) work in sales and a few have bought a nice watch with their first good bonus, generally an Omega or a Breitling, mainly as Rolex’s are so hard to get hold of.

And actually, if the watch does end up in a drawer and worn occasionally it’s not the end of the world, it’ll still hold positive memories and will last longer than pretty much anything else mentioned above.