Mechanical watch for preteens?

[Tonks]

I have 12 year old twins and would like to get them both mechanical watches at some point in the next couple of years. They’re responsible kids but they are middle schoolers, so I’d appreciate recommendations for watches that are tough and that wouldn’t break the bank if they do something stupid and need replacing. My first thought was maybe the Hamilton field khaki mechanical, but didn’t know what else I should consider.

Thanks in advance for recommendations.

[Greg 59]

My father bought me an Ingersoll for my first watch when I was around that age.
Seiko is another option or maybe a citizen.

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[watchmaker]

Watches are things your wear, and as such are incredibly personal. Ask your children what they like. You can bet that their taste will have changed by the time they are 18-21.

I'd save getting them a good mechanical watch until a milestone birthday. But if your mind is made up on mechanical for their next birthday I wouldn't look at spending more than Hamilton/Seiko money.

[Tonks]

Originally Posted by GregShakeshaft

My father bought me an Ingersoll for my first watch when I was around that age.
Seiko is another option or maybe a citizen.

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All good options—thank you. I wasn’t familiar with Ingersoll but a quick google tells me it’s a cool aesthetic.

My other issue is going to be trying to find case diameters that aren’t way oversized. My kids are pretty tall but they’re skinny and I’m not sure how much over 38 mm would wear. Of course, at the rate they’re growing I really shouldn’t worry. They’re eating everything that’s not nailed down.

[Tonks]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Watches are things your wear, and as such are incredibly personal. Ask your children what they like. You can bet that their taste will have changed by the time they are 18-21.

I'd save getting them a good mechanical watch until a milestone birthday. But if your mind is made up on mechanical for their next birthday I wouldn't look at spending more than Hamilton/Seiko money.

Excellent points. If I think about the jewelry I enjoy most (I’m a woman), it’s generally stuff I’ve had input in. So thank you for the reminder. I will seek input. It doesn’t have to be a mechanical, but I was thinking that might be a cool way to introduce them to watches at a slightly higher level than their current Timexes.

And yes, tastes absolutely change. When I was 18-21 I wore a 26mm two tone datejust. And now I wear a Sub-C date.

[timvbs]

I'd say Seiko SNKs they are 35mm cases, a crystal back so they can see the movement. Great introduction piece for someone of that age.

[Tonks]

Originally Posted by timvbs

I'd say Seiko SNKs they are 35mm cases, a crystal back so they can see the movement. Great introduction piece for someone of that age.

Those look incredibly cool! And omg, love the price!

[jsausley]

Seiko or a Sistem 51.

[LNazmm]

Swatch has a ton of mechanical options in colors, styles, and sizes I'd imagine a pre-teen would like. I was an 80s/90s kid and had one (not mechanical then) as did just about every kid in the 80s.

[gulllake]

Seiko SKX013. 38mm dive watch.

[Dennisoul]

Seiko SKX 007 or 009....cant go wrong, in-house movement, proper certified diver, 200m water resistance......gets the nod from proper collectors too....and can take a bunch of punishment from knocks etc....they do a black version and a Pepsi which I have....cost £250 for the Japan model, will be slightly less for the Malaysian model....mine runs at +4 seconds per day, which is within COSC......I use mine for work, proper beater that looks great....defo worth considering.


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[Tonks]

Originally Posted by jsausley

Seiko or a Sistem 51.

Thank you!

[timvbs]

Originally Posted by Dennisoul

Seiko SKX 007 or 009....cant go wrong, in-house movement, proper certified diver, 200m water resistance......gets the nod from proper collectors too....and can take a bunch of punishment from knocks etc....they do a black version and a Pepsi which I have....cost £250 for the Japan model, will be slightly less for the Malaysian model....mine runs at +4 seconds per day, which is within COSC......I use mine for work, proper beater that looks great....defo worth considering.

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The reason I'd go SNK over these is because of wrist size. These are very big cases and on a 11 or 12 year old's wrist they would look like you strapped a gameboy to an adults wrist.

[Tonks]

Originally Posted by LNazmm

Swatch has a ton of mechanical options in colors, styles, and sizes I'd imagine a pre-teen would like. I was an 80s/90s kid and had one (not mechanical then) as did just about every kid in the 80s.

I had one, too! Didn’t know they had mechanical options now. I’m hoping the styling is a bit less pop art, though honestly, I could see one of my kids liking the watch I rocked circa 8th grade, neon colors and all.

[prlwatch]

Chrono24 search is your friend. You can find a bunch of 34 mm or 36 mm or whatever watches at a reasonable price point, and then see what looks good to you. (Or to them if they are in on it.)

I picked up a used HMT a couple Christmases ago for one of my boys. It looks awesome, is mechanical, and cost $50.

[Tonks]

Originally Posted by timvbs

The reason I'd go SNK over these is because of wrist size. These are very big cases and on a 11 or 12 year old's wrist they would look like you strapped a gameboy to an adults wrist.

An aesthetic we would definitely want to avoid. Thanks for the heads-up. They will be big adults eventually (already quite tall), but we’re not there yet.

[Muxi]

34mm Air-Kings

[samson66]

Got my son an Orient Mako USA II which he loves. Beautiful watch. The blue is amazing looking. They also make in black or white. He was a little older (16) but it should work fine for younger kids too. My only complaint about it is the time keeping is a little erratic. Seems to have spells where it runs fast, then a week or two later settles down. But for the price it is hard to beat

[FreshPrince14]

Plenty of options from Seiko .. SKX line?

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[Tonks]

Originally Posted by prlwatch

Chrono24 search is your friend. You can find a bunch of 34 mm or 36 mm or whatever watches at a reasonable price point, and then see what looks good to you. (Or to them if they are in on it.)

I picked up a used HMT a couple Christmases ago for one of my boys. It looks awesome, is mechanical, and cost $50.

Thanks for the Chrono24 search tip! And awesome find!

[mtheard]

Amazon often has great deals on the Seiko 5/ Seiko SNKs. I'd definitely recommend one of those.

[Pw92676]

I agree that Seiko 5 or skx make a wonderful choice

[Blansky]

I'd also be careful of anything too flashy because I'm sure they'd be the only kids with a watch and a target for idiots/bullies.

I'd do an inexpensive Seiko. When they're 18 you can upgrade.

[Pauln]

I think this Seiko is the one to get. Bought it for my son. He loves it. Especially that it has an inhouse movement: SKX013K2. It's also pretty sporty for a kid. It's essentially a SKX 007 shrunk down to 38mm. Hodinkee did a write up here: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/se...e-propositionn. Currently a bit over $200 new on big gray sites.

[Dennisoul]

Originally Posted by timvbs

The reason I'd go SNK over these is because of wrist size. These are very big cases and on a 11 or 12 year old's wrist they would look like you strapped a gameboy to an adults wrist.

Good point...you are exactly correct


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[dnpina]

Seiko5. Lots of dial choices. And I think all have display backs.

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[Widows Son]

Seiko 5, lots of models to choose from.

[Lgear080]

Seiko all the way. He can beat it up, dress it up, and enjoy it his whole life.

[Bob the brush]

Timex Expedition is a very robust watch, I have used mine daily for the last 10+ years for work, and it has taken all in its stride, had to install a new battery a couple of times. They are cheap and cheerful, and I hope it does me for another year or so before I pack up work all together.

[LandWatch]

I wouldn’t expect too much from a pre-teen. My daughter had broken her citizen within 6 months when she forgot to screw in the crown and took it swimming. Replaced it with a babyG until she was older. Then a more robust auto citizen diver from about 16.