First real watch for 12 year old

[Mlgatl]

A Seiko 5 SNK807. It has an automatic movement with a display back and most importantly its 37mm and was only $80.

The card will include a coupon that can be exchanged for a drivers watch when school ends if he winds up wearing the watch and doesn’t loose it.

Seems like a lot of watch for $80.

Almost makes me think twice about my Date Dates.....I could buy almost 700 for my Platinum DD40.

[TimeLord2]

Actually my son is looking for a watch too and i was looking in teh $300-400 range. i really like the Orient Mako USA II, and the Neptune (that one is a little over) Both have sloid end links and Saphire Crystal plus in-house movement: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/collections/sport
Also check out the Zelos Swordfish, Seiko movement: https://zeloswatches.com/collections/swordfish-diver
Also, Phoibos wave Master: https://phoiboswatch.com/categories/...ve-master.html
or Ocean Master: https://phoiboswatch.com/categories/...an-master.html
Seiko ProSpecs line, which you can get for less on Amazon or some other site: https://seikousa.com/collections/prospex

that's all I got… Good luck!

[Fat_ninja]

Seiko skx or Seiko 5

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by nsxnext

Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mmm

This for the upper end of the budget or a Seiko 5 with a display back for the lower end of the budget. Both could be a part of any watch collection regardless of price and would be a great first watch. Twelve was about the age I started getting into watches, among other things, and I've never looked back.

[Fort Rolex]

Seiko Samurai (maybe too big though) or a Victorinox Officer watch.

[Slider817]

Originally Posted by winst

Look at Tissot.

Agree with this. Got my nephew a Tissot Visodate for his Bar Mitzva, he absolutely loves it.

[Jack Kairos]

Hamilton khaki field 38mm manual wind.
Nice and thin, plus he can enjoy winding it everyday

[Mick8moses]

Honestly, As much as I like to pick out things for my wife and daughter. I think most the time they would rather make their own choices.


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[RTG]

Originally Posted by nsxnext

Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mmm

[htc8p]

i bought my son a classic swatch and the seconds hand fell off. havent gotten to have it repaired but that's a sign not to buy plastic crap

[RolexBHR]

These are all 38s,
SKX013 <- discontinued, and a proper dive watch with screw down crown. Easily modifiable and will be a classic since it is discontinued already. Multiple aftermarket strap and bracelet options you can enjoy with him doing searches and installation. It is a watch you can both enjoy to DIY mod together.
Timex Q Reissue
Hamilton Khaki Field

[royerlich]

This. Hamilton khaki field

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[dnpina]

Seiko 5

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[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by Fez110

My thoughts exactly. Tissot makes good Swiss watches without too much hype.

The other option would be a G-Shock or vintage inspired digital Casio.

I think the hardest part is finding a watch that can be adjusted to a small wrist while still comfortable.

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Tissot gets my vote, this may wear a bit big on his wrist but hey... he'll grow into it

[sdiver68]

Agree with Tissot, Hamilton, Seiko (including derivatives), Marathon. Maybe add some of the higher line Casios to the mix like the Oceanus.

If those aren't "nice" enough for you...Yema Superman, Longines Hydroconquest 39mm, Sinn 556 or 104, Oris Aquis 39.5mm or Artix.

[DGB]

I would say it is a bit early for a mechanical watch, at 12 they still play rough and won’t be careful.
I bought a G-Shock for my son, he wears it all the time, plays football (soccer), swims, cricket etc... with it.
He needs to get used to have a watch on his wrist and be (kind of) careful, he’ll get a nicer watch when he’ll grow up.
So G-Shock for me.


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[joli160]

Originally Posted by DGB

I would say it is a bit early for a mechanical watch, at 12 they still play rough and won’t be careful.
I bought a G-Shock for my son, he wears it all the time, plays football (soccer), swims, cricket etc... with it.
He needs to get used to have a watch on his wrist and be (kind of) careful, he’ll get a nicer watch when he’ll grow up.
So G-Shock for me.

For me as well ... let your son choose which one

[Golden Ellipse]

Skx013 hasn’t left my son’s wrist in a year — 10 years old and he loves it. Plays hard, beats the heck out of the watch, and it bears up. If he likes mechanicals then this is the one to get.

[Token74]

I went down the Christopher Ward route for my son when he was young.


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[unknown]

seiko is always an option but I would prefer Tissot

[L_S_SHOE]

Seiko SKX or similar. It’s the beater watch of many a great watch fanatic. Has history, looks great, works well, has day and date functions, can beat it up, and he can easily change the straps to suit him. Some degree of customizability is important for a kid that age. And, if/when he looses it, it’s not the end of world.

G-Shocks are great too, but I prefer their digital models, and it sounds like you’d prefer something mechanical anyway.


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[Mike B]

Another vote for the Seiko SKX. Great watch, and it will have him learn to appreciate mechanical time pieces. Also, he’ll grow into as well since the 007/009 don’t really wear that large to begin with.

I’d get him a nice 007 on a rubber strap and call it a day.

[Dr.Stu]

I really would ask your son what he wants.

I offered to buy watches for both of my nephews:

The 18 yr old wanted a larger diver's watch with a blue dial, so he picked out a Seiko PADI Turtle- and loves it.

The 13 yr old one was adamant that he didn't want a mechanical watch, but wanted a digital watch like the Ironman his dad wears (please, don't get me started). He said he's always playing sports (baseball,soccer, gym, etc.) & would be afraid of damaging the watch if he wore it & of losing it if he took it off. (He has small wrists & is still picking out the one he wants.)

[Phooi]

Originally Posted by Mlgatl

A Seiko 5 SNK807. It has an automatic movement with a display back and most importantly its 37mm and was only $80.

The card will include a coupon that can be exchanged for a drivers watch when school ends if he winds up wearing the watch and doesn’t loose it.

Seems like a lot of watch for $80.

Almost makes me think twice about my Date Dates.....I could buy almost 700 for my Platinum DD40.

Do you have a link for this? Thanks!

[2bigalow]

I would have to agree with the SKX 38. Great watch and will definitely be a keeper.

[imbatman]

i would say

Seiko 5
Hamilton Kakhi
G shock
casio

[Phooi]

I ordered this watch for my child.

[locutus49]

Rolex sub or Patek aquanaut. It'll teach him responsibility.

[York20]

I like Tissot at this price point. They come with lots of features which boys would find appealing and even educational.

But, not all boys are the same. Hope he enjoys and treasure a good watch. Otherwise, he might not wear it or simply manage to lose it.

[toxicavenger]

Freestyle Shark