I’m Thinking Of Gifting My Watches

[cop414]

Originally Posted by SemperFi

You’re right Tim. I don’t think they have the slightest idea nor ever thought of the care needed for these magnificent machines, which is understandable since they don’t own one. Heck, I didn’t either until I joined this forum.
They would need a Watch Ownership 101 class.
Even if they’re not into watches right now, I would hope that knowing how much they mean to me would make it mean more to them later on.

Watch Ownership 101, perfect!

[AzHadEnuf]

I have two hobbies that I’m passionate about. Watches and one I can’t talk about here. Growing up my son, with a great deal of work and dedication became a nationally ranked competitor in my one hobbies. Over the years I gifted him several of my “tools”. It was great to share my passion with him. For his HS graduation I bought him his first mechanical watch, a watch that I really liked. I thought it would be awesome to share my passion for watches with him. After a year he said “Dad this is a really nice watch, you love it, take it and enjoy it, it’s just not my thing right now”. He tells me he looks forward to having my watches one day because he knows how special they are to me. Enjoy your watches Angelo, for at least for another 20years.

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by AzHadEnuf

I have two hobbies that I’m passionate about. Watches and one I can’t talk about here. Growing up my son, with a great deal of work and dedication became a nationally ranked competitor in my one hobbies. Over the years I gifted him several of my “tools”. It was great to share my passion with him. For his HS graduation I bought him his first mechanical watch, a watch that I really liked. I thought it would be awesome to share my passion for watches with him. After a year he said “Dad this is a really nice watch, you love it, take it and enjoy it, it’s just not my thing right now”. He tells me he looks forward to having my watches one day because he knows how special they are to me. Enjoy your watches Angelo, for at least for another 20years.

You’ve got a fine son there Ralph. Thanks for sharing that.
By the way, your other hobby is the same as my other hobby.

[AzHadEnuf]

Originally Posted by SemperFi

You’ve got a fine son there Ralph. Thanks for sharing that.
By the way, your other hobby is the same as my other hobby.

Thanks Ang, he is a good guy, and smart. He has a couple of Perazzi’s and I have my NOMOS Club.

[Ruud Van Driver]

I would keep wearing them if it were me, Ang. You've said that you're relatively new to owning high-end watches (as am I, just over three years), so you've got a lot more enjoying to do before you pass them on. You've also said that your boys are not into watches like we are, so I really don't see the point.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer here my friend, but look at it another way: you've also said how much it would please you to see your watches on your boys' wrists. How would you feel if they never wore them?

The advice of a slightly younger man is don't do it. Enjoy them, you've worked hard enough to be able to buy them. Your sons can have them in due course

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I would keep wearing them if it were me, Ang. You've said that you're relatively new to owning high-end watches (as am I, just over three years), so you've got a lot more enjoying to do before you pass them on. You've also said that your boys are not into watches like we are, so I really don't see the point.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer here my friend, but look at it another way: you've also said how much it would please you to see your watches on your boys' wrists. How would you feel if they never wore them?

The advice of a slightly younger man is don't do it. Enjoy them, you've worked hard enough to be able to buy them. Your sons can have them in due course

I'm with Paul

It's a great thought Angelo but Paul already has a nice watch

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by cop414

Ang, I think that this is a great idea, my only caveat would be letting them know that these watches are “living” things so to say. They need to be maintained and that doesn’t come cheap. Many non watch people think that an expensive timepiece will just run for decades because, well, they’re damn expensive! It would be a shame as you said that they would eventually just sit in a drawer because the owner can’t or won’t spend the money needed to keep it running.
Other than that I’d say that’s a very heartfelt gesture if you decide to do it.
Oh btw, I actually feel like a son to you,,,, ummmm, Dad,,,

Good planning Angelo.

But have to agree with Tim.

[RichM]

Hey Angelo. It's a great jesture. I plan on doing the same for my two children. Being 64, I hope it won't happen for a while.

My only suggestion, the LT (hopefully Chief) gets the pride of the collection.

You know the FDNY are the greatest. Happy Holiday's buddy

[Rock]

My kids are 30 & 32.
For me the only criteria is "appreciation" of the watch. If I thought they'd enjoy them as much as I do and treat it with care and respect as I do, then I'd be happy for them to have them. But they wouldn't. A watch is just a watch to them.
Maybe when I have carked it the watches will mean something.

[rebel_1]

I say gift away. You’ll get more pleasure now than when your gone. I’d imagine during anyone’s last moments any material thing would matter very much. Enjoy their enjoyment while you can. Perhaps they all, or just one, might even start to appriate this sickness the same way you do.

[joli160]

Thinking about this myself, my sons in their early 20's and one in his late teens really like my watches.
I see a lot of irresponsible behaviour from them which is holding me back. Perhaps in a few years when they are more mature.

Your kids are already in calm waters and I would talk with them about it. Wearing a nice watch is something you learn to appreciate, so probably I'd give them now.

[ejvette]

Angelo Your a young man still remember 67 is the new 57 I would think on it a bit more and if you still feel the same in a few months from now then go for it my friend but your boys have their whole lives ahead of them to enjoy these wonderful timepieces and the link to their father that they represent

[Bigblu10]

Wow, sorry to hear about your heart attack and bypass back in 2009. Was it caused by hereditary reasons or unhealthy lifestyle choices? I would just mull over your thoughts for awhile, take your time to come to a decision. Eventually you will know what to do.

[tbonesteak]

Something special between you and your children. I'm sure it would make them very happy whatever you do.

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

Hey Angelo. It's a great jesture. I plan on doing the same for my two children. Being 64, I hope it won't happen for a while.

My only suggestion, the LT (hopefully Chief) gets the pride of the collection.

You know the FDNY are the greatest. Happy Holiday's buddy

Happy Holidays Rich,
Spoke to the LT today. He doesn’t wear a watch, neck chain, or even his wedding ring. Told me he would only wear a watch 5-6 times a year and that I should just enjoy wearing mine. He knows he’ll get one eventually.
Also told me that one of his brothers doesn’t wear a watch and the other wears a smart watch.
So, it appears that my passion for fine watches is simply that...my passion, not theirs. And that’s okay. I get to wear and enjoy them, hopefully for many years to come. And they and my grandchildren will get them one day. Win, win.

[bdex75]

What you found was my initial reaction (fear) Angelo. I am 42, my younger siblings don’t wear a watch, my kids don’t wear a watch, hell my wife’s Tudor was shelved in favor of an Apple Watch.

I hope that my kids grow into the watch person I am and I can see my son doing that but it will be a while, he is 15.

I am thinking about gifting a watch to my dad who is getting ready to retire at 67. Will need a lot of sage advice when that time comes. He is a tricky fella to buy a gift for.


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[ejvette]

Originally Posted by SemperFi

Happy Holidays Rich,

Spoke to the LT today. He doesn’t wear a watch, neck chain, or even his wedding ring. Told me he would only wear a watch 5-6 times a year and that I should just enjoy wearing mine. He knows he’ll get one eventually.

Also told me that one of his brothers doesn’t wear a watch and the other wears a smart watch.

So, it appears that my passion for fine watches is simply that...my passion, not theirs. And that’s okay. I get to wear and enjoy them, hopefully for many years to come. And they and my grandchildren will get them one day. Win, win.

All is well that ends well!


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[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by bdex75

I am thinking about gifting a watch to my dad who is getting ready to retire at 67. Will need a lot of sage advice when that time comes. He is a tricky fella to buy a gift for.


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That would be sweet. I’d do the same if my Dad was still alive.
You’ll get all the advice you need right here Brandon.

Originally Posted by ejvette

All is well that ends well!


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You’re right Ed. Problem solved.

[Alexwwjd]

Originally Posted by droptopman

What a dilemma. Kudos for you for thinking about it. Tough call, but there is something great about gifting someone something really special. Gifted my Dad a Sub Date a few years ago and everytime I see him with it on, it just brings a big smile to my face. Initially, I was going to trade it in on another watch as I ended up with a no date and preferred it. I did not need both of them, so asked my wife what she thought about me giving it to dad. She was all for it. Honestly, it was one of the most rewarding things I have done. Seeing his face when he opened the box was priceless. I did it on Father's day. He was speechless. Big tough guy but this really got him. Only second time I have ever seen him show a tear

I would guess you would find similar joy from seeing your boys wearing your watches.

Thank you for sharing Mark. I needed a post like this.


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[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Alexwwjd

Thank you for sharing Mark. I needed a post like this.


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Absolutely agree. What a wonderful way to honor your father.

[S52]

I say go for it!

One of my best memories as a watch hobbyist was gifting my late grandfather a Milgauss for his 80th birthday. The feeling of giving him that watch was unmatched by any of my own joy I have ever experienced when I procure one for myself. It was wonderful seeing the smile on his face every time I was around him and he would glance down at his wrist.

I think in the end you will be much happier experiencing the joy of your kids having your special watches while you are still around.
And I'm sure if you ever get the itch to give one of them some wrist time they wouldn't mind loaning it back to you for a day or two

My only regret is not having been able to do it sooner so he could have enjoyed it longer than he did. RIP

-Christian