Another "Help Me Buy a Watch" Thread. for a 16 Year Old Lad (Inexpensive Analogue)

Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 09:55

Looking to buy my boy a half-decent watch for his upcoming birthday.

Might be opening a can of worms and opening myself to flaming (again) but would be grateful for some input from anyone who has more than zero knowledge like myself. Or heckle away as you see fit.

I Have read through other threads and deals and trying to get a bit of an idea from FB and YouTube but I'm clearly wayyyyy out of my depth.

Budget: thinking $4-500 but negotiable. (I'm not the typical super-wealthy Ozbargainer)

I bought one on impulse a couple weeks ago when I knew he was open to the idea. A week later he's finally given me his "specifications" and of course, Murphys law, they're completely different. New watch for me! Lol.

Basic requirements:

He has noodle arms like his old man, so thinking something thin. I had an old "Sekonda" thing lying around and even on the smallest notch on the clasp, I still had to take out a couple links for it to fit. Looked super chunky on him and he hated it. Lol.

He says he would prefer silver and fairly basic look.

I haven't done a lot of research, but initial googling threw up this which appears to fit the bill to give an idea what I'm looking for.

https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-au/t1504101104100.html

Not really fussed about brand or where it comes from, so open to any and all suggestions.

Any input most welcome. Thanks. :)

Fashion & Apparel Watch

Comments

  • Duckie2hh on 09/02/2024 - 09:59
    +4

    Seiko?

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 09/02/2024 - 10:01
    +12

    Budget: thinking $4-500 but negotiable. (I'm not the typical super-wealthy Ozbargainer)

    Damn I feel poor

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:37

      I AM poor. :( By Ozbargain standards anway.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 09/02/2024 - 10:40
        +4

        me, umming and arring about a $100 pagani watch for better part of 18 months lol

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 11:04

          My last watch was the Sekonda i mentioned and that was about $50 second hand about 20 years ago. Lol. But for some random reason I've made a bigger deal when my other kids have turned 16 than when they turned 18. Just keeping up the tradition for number 3..

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 11:05

          P.s. I'm certainly not averse to just spending $100 either.

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 09/02/2024 - 11:10
            +2

            @Fredorishi: honestly the sd1970 on aliexpress for about $100 is unbeatable value and for me has ruined the value aspect of anything more expensive (i still lust for a speed timer SSC813P1 though )

            will need about a 6.5 to 7 inch wrist ideally for it to sit right.

            if you can extend your budget (or wait for a better deal) - SSC813P1 (the speedtimer i mention above) is a classic with mass appeal (and decent resale because of this). 39mm case makes it suitable for skinnier wrist too. Go check it out at Shiels or similar as its usually on display if you want to see it in real life first. it is currently 627 at starbuy

            • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 11:30
              +2

              @Jimothy Wongingtons: The Speedtimer is definitely something I would wear myself. But way more than what my lad is after. I'm going for something simpler and way less chunky. The SD1970 looks closer to the mark but still seems a little "thick" at 13.5mm. Appreciate the thoughtful replies. Thanks

  • holdenmg on 09/02/2024 - 10:06
    -3

    $4 watch will tell the same time as a $500.
    Save your cash. lol

    • Fredfloresjr on 09/02/2024 - 10:10
      +5

      Why spend $4 when you can just look up at the sky to check time.

      • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:39

        Time is relative anyway, hey?

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 09/02/2024 - 10:41
          +2

          'when u realise 2024 going to be the same as 2023 because time is just an abstract concept created by humans and has no real bearing on the events that occur'

      • RiseAndRuin on 09/02/2024 - 15:05
        +1

        It might be a cloudy day

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:38
      +4

      Great point. Thanks. Maybe ill just draw one on his wrist with texta. Will be right twice a day at least.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 09/02/2024 - 10:44

        Draw on wirst

        i unironically lust for a d1 milano sketch

        just under $300 aud imported if you can nab stock during the limited releases. they usually get snapped up within 24 hours of release (At least the two last batches I've been watching)

  • jakepods on 09/02/2024 - 10:12

    if he is plus size maybe a fitbit charge

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:40

      Que? Where did you get "plus size"??

      • jakepods on 09/02/2024 - 11:06

        im saying if he is

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 11:32
          +5

          He's 15. 6'5 and built like a stick insect. I thought the "noodle arms" might give it away.

          • mskeggs on 09/02/2024 - 15:00
            +3

            @Fredorishi: Angel hair not soba.

          • jakepods on 09/02/2024 - 16:44

            @Fredorishi: i wish i was that tall :(

            • Fredorishi on 10/02/2024 - 12:10
              +1

              @jakepods: Its a bit over-rated imho. I would gladly give away some of my height in exchange for getting rid of the horrid back pain and other joint problems. Not to mention not being able to fit in plane/train seats, find clothes that fit etc etc. First world problems but its a pita sometimes! Lol

              • rumblytangara on 10/02/2024 - 13:09
                +1

                @Fredorishi: As soon as I saw the 6'5" I thought "buying clothes a tota PITA and then your body is screwed by sometime in your 40s"

                • Fredorishi on 11/02/2024 - 02:26

                  @rumblytangara: Yup. He's already got size 15 feet. And at least 12 months growing left. He's gonna be a giant, poor b÷*$tard.

  • joka on 09/02/2024 - 10:13

    This would have been on the lower end of your budget. Not sure what else you can buy for $4.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/830152

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:41

      Damn, i missed it. :( Seems to have been $10 though, not 4.

      • RiseAndRuin on 09/02/2024 - 15:06

        Plenty of this stuff on aliexpress https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005117024988.html

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 15:17

          Yeah for sure. I've checked out a few of the previous Aliexpress deals on here. Which one would you recommend that fits my specs and why?

          • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 15:34
            +1

            @Fredorishi: Many of the watches on AliEx are homages. There's a bit of division in the watch community as to what is acceptable. Personally, I mostly avoid them, though I do have a few watches that fall into that category.

            San Martin is a brand that comes to mind - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005047978695.html

            Steeldive SD1970 is a reasonably popular here -
            https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005245396885.html . There's no denying it's great value but it is a homage of a Seiko watch.

            Then there's brands like Pagani design. I'm not personally a fan. You can look at the previous deals to get an idea.

            Then there are lesser known brands. As another example, I have a - Nakzen "Pagoda" which was a decent watch for the money.

            • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 15:48

              @ihfree: Yeah. Cool. Thanks for that. I was actually just looking at a couple San Martins over on the FB forum. The one you linked could definitely fit the bill. Quite a few to think about now.

  • AustriaBargain on 09/02/2024 - 10:21

    Smart watch makes sense this day and age.

    Otherwise may as well be a gold watch so it can be jewellery for formal wear. $500 doesn't buy a lot of gold though. Gold maybe too feminine for some guys. I think Rolex sell some watches that cheap, Tag Hewer too.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:45
      +1

      Yeah cool. Buy me one of those Rolex or Tags and ill give you the $500. I think you mean Tag Heuer"

      • AustriaBargain on 09/02/2024 - 10:48
        +4

        I've seen them all for less than $50 spread out on a folding card table at the harbour markets.

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 11:11

          I'll take a look when I'm up thay way in the next couple years.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 09/02/2024 - 10:27
    +1

    A couple have just been posted, like this

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 10:51
      +1

      Yeah, like i say, I've had my eye on all of the recent watch deals. None of the ones you link really fit the specs i mentioned. Thanks though.

  • freefall101 on 09/02/2024 - 11:11
    +4

    The basic citizen ecodrive (or even quartz) is a good looking watch. My dad bought my one when I was 17, the quartz was great because I had the same lanky as hell build and it actually looked good. I know automatic is all the rage but quartz has its place as a simple watch - https://www.citizenwatches.com.au/collections/mens/products/…

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 11:38

      Hmmmm. That actually looks pretty close to what he's getting at. Seems readily availble too. Cheers for that. Probably the most helpful post yet. :)

  • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 11:15

    40mm may be too big if you want a watch that looks good in proportion. Measure his wrist and then look at pictures of people wearing the watch you're considering. There are also other factors such as the size of the bezel, lug length, lug angle, etc.

    Off the top of my head -

    Under Budget -

    Over Budget

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:02

      Thanks for the thoughts. Out of those, a Seiko 5 fits the bill pretty well. Something like this seems ok.

      https://www.creationwatches.com/products/seiko-mens-208/seik…

      • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 12:09

        I find myself wearing my EcoDrives/solar watches and more and more, especially after WFH started. Being able to just pick it up and wear it is great. I have a Citizen AR3015 which now lives on a fabric strap and feels like wearing nothing.

        I have an SNKL23, kind of inspired this article and a deal. I like it and often it ends up spending a bit more time on my wrist if it makes it into my rotation. The other Seiko 5 I have is the SNK809.

        I'm not sure how I feel about the price - feels a bit inflated. Would be worth doing some research on current pricing.

        A few things to keep in mind with Seiko 5s

        • No hacking
        • No hand-winding
        • I've found the power reserve not to be as good as on more mainstream movements
        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:43

          Comprehensive article. Thankyou! And that watch/band does look pretty sweet. Pardon my ignorance but what do you mean by "no hacking"?

          • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 12:46
            +1

            @Fredorishi: Sorry - second hand doesn't stop when you're setting it. Honestly not too big a concern but a nice to have. I rarely set the seconds now.

            • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:48

              @ihfree: Ahhh. I see. Yeah, as a complete watch novice, I dont think he will notice. (Or would I) but definitely appreciate the pointers, thanks heaps.

  • FezMonkey on 09/02/2024 - 11:21
    +1

    I think MVMT watches have a great style and they are not at all expensive. Sub $200 from memory.
    They are minimalist design which sounds like it will suit your son's interest.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:15
      +1

      Hmmm. Not bad. Something like this would probably fit the bill. Thanks. https://www.mvmt.com/watches/odyssey-ii-1/cali-prix/28000357…

      • carlJack on 09/02/2024 - 13:21
        +4

        They are garbage. Please dont buy fashion watches like MVMT or Daniel Wellington. If you are will to spend $400 they buy something with heritage like Seiko, orient, Citizen,Timex.

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 14:48
          +1

          Thanks for the heads up. Yeah, I think I'm gonna go with a Seiko. Cheers.

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 09/02/2024 - 11:25
    -1

    Just get a smart watch like an Apple Watch SE.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:03
      +1

      Hurrr durrr.

  • quietsarcasm on 09/02/2024 - 11:42
    +1

    https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p443202…

    prices are higher compared to a few years ago but these are from a well known brand, good size for noodle arms and won't break the bank

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:16

      Yeah, just checked out a Seiko 5 above. Definitely on the short list now. Thanks..

  • KaTst3R on 09/02/2024 - 11:46
    +2

    When i was 16 all i got was a $25 Casio. Despite that, I was very happy.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:17
      -4

      Cool story, bro.

      • KaTst3R on 09/02/2024 - 14:13

        I'm not a bro, bro.

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 14:44
          -3

          Cool story, chum..mmmmmmmm…p.

  • BoltThrower on 09/02/2024 - 12:11
    +1

    Galaxy watch 6 40mm when under $300
    Something more in line with the Tissot you linked. https://starbuy.com.au/seiko-manhattan-srpe43j/

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:21
      +1

      Yeah, the Seiko is pretty close. Thanks. Don't really want a smart watch..

  • Benoffie on 09/02/2024 - 12:12
    +1

    If your 16 yr old isnt a fashionista or watch fiend, a Seiko is a great starting watch.

    I got mine an Mojito but he's a bit fussy and colour coordinates etc. Plus, uni.

    https://www.seikowatches.com/in-en/products/presage/special/…

    If yours is at high school, I would go something like seiko 5 sports (colour face only if they like that) or a Seiko classic

    https://starbuy.com.au/by-brand/seiko/?page=3&mr_is=13

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:23

      His favourite outfit is still a tshrt, shorts and runners. Lol. I think the Seiko 5 is probably the front runner at this stage. Thanks.

  • jv on 09/02/2024 - 12:19
    +1

    Budget: thinking $4-500 but negotiable.

    https://www.watchvault.com.au/collections/watches-under-5-00…

    last one… free shipping…

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 12:27

      All I can see is a Breitling with one too many zeros? Nice looking watch though. :)

  • USER DC on 09/02/2024 - 13:06

    just go to bloody kmart, simple

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 13:48

      Oh wow. Yeah. I didnt think of that. Thanks so very much for your insightful assistance. Your parents must be proud of how helpful you are.

  • itsfuze on 09/02/2024 - 13:06
    +3

    I bought a Seiko 5 as my only watch and love it.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 13:49

      Definitley the front runner.

  • Shadowsfury on 09/02/2024 - 13:08
    +2

    I love citizen eco drives - I have 3 of them

    try find one with sapphire glass front, but all in that range are solar powered - all of mine are 7-10 years old and never had to change the battery

    • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 13:24

      I bought my first one in 2012. Still going strong.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 14:39

      Yeah, ironically thats the one that is soon to become mine. A Promaster from Starbuy from an Ozbargain deal. Sounds like it was a good choice afterall. Lol.

  • carlJack on 09/02/2024 - 13:32
    +2

    38mm Seiko SKX or 38mm Bambino.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 14:43

      Oooh yeah. That first one looks pretty good. Now im just gonna have to work out why one Seiko 5 is worth twice as much as a different Seiko 5. Hmmmm.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 15:15

      Do you (or anyone else who happens to see this) have any further insight into "Orient" watches. I'm quite liking the look of this one as well as a few others.

      https://joycejewellery.com/products/orient-contemporary-auto…

      • rumblytangara on 09/02/2024 - 17:01
        +1

        I'm not a watch guy, but from what I've been able to put together, Orients are decently regarded mechanical watches- more watch geek cred than a boring Tissot. The ones I have seen IRL look legitimately nice, unlike the very cheapest Citizens or Seikos.

        If I was after an inexpensive mechanical watch, they'd be my top choice. I almost bought one a couple years back, but I don't really wear watches (and have too many already.)

        • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 17:09

          Yeah, cheers for that. Bit hard to tell online I guess, but theres a few in my budget and desired style that look really nice. I might try and investigate a bit further. Thanks for the info.

          • rumblytangara on 09/02/2024 - 17:12
            +1

            @Fredorishi: Looking at photos online vs watches IRL is really important… photos always look good, but in person cheap watches can look very, very cheap.

            IMO flat, polished lugs and bezels look really shiny and unfinished on cheap watches, but this never shows up in photos.

            • Fredorishi on 10/02/2024 - 13:22

              @rumblytangara: Thanks for the insight. I haven't actually looked at too many IRL if I'm being honest. Too addicted to online shopping! I might drop in to a few places to check some out before i commit too much. Cheers..

      • Nicoletta on 11/02/2024 - 11:11
        +1

        Orient are great watches! The Kamasu is a nice model if he likes the dive-watch look.

        • Fredorishi on 11/02/2024 - 15:01

          Thanks for the recommendation and vote for the brand. Hes really after the more simple, silver look like i linked above, but I do like the look of the Kamasu myself. Cheers..

  • rumblytangara on 09/02/2024 - 16:59
    +2

    I love how a thread asking about analogue has a load of replies about smartwatches and fitbits.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 17:11
      +2

      I guess i asked for it. Some people obviously can't resist making dumb-arse comments. I'm always happy to reply in kind. Lol. :)

  • mapax on 09/02/2024 - 17:51
    +1

    I can’t really recommend a specific watch but agree with the seiko suggestions. I see you’re also aware of starbuy so don’t need to suggest that.

    Would your kid be interested in occasionally swapping the straps around to nylon or leather?

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 18:44

      I really have not much idea what he wants. But the idea of being able to swap straps certainly sounds appealing.

  • brian77 on 09/02/2024 - 18:19
    +2

    My then-girlfriend now-wife bought me a Skagen watch many years ago. My brothers then got me another Skagen as well some years later.

    I like their minimalist design and they’ve held up well from a style point of view. I have skinny wrists so they should fit your son well.

    I can’t speak for the quality of their Watch movement but I don’t really take notice of this.

    They’re relatively durable and I used to wear the initial one daily, however recently I haven’t worn watches.

    Worth taking a look into this brand. Bonus is that they’re relatively inexpensive and should comfortably come in under your budget.

    • Fredorishi on 09/02/2024 - 20:13
      +1

      Thanks. I'll check em out.

  • Socialsuicide01 on 10/02/2024 - 13:12

    Seagull 1963 from Amazon.
    Also join the Australian affordable watch club on Facebook and have a look there quite often people are selling watches at very very good prices. I picked up the Bulova Luna pilot watch brand new in a box with papers for $350 and absolute bargain

    • Fredorishi on 10/02/2024 - 13:29

      Thanks for that. The seagull looks ok but not really his style i don't think. And yeah, i joined that forum a couple days ago. Mind is boggling a bit on there, but definitely been a few ads I've looked at pretty closely! :)

      • ihfree on 10/02/2024 - 21:15
        +1

        1963 is a pretty nice watch, but it and variants using the movement are more enthusiast pieces. I wouldn't recommend them as a first or everyday watch.

        Movement is a handwind chrono which is amazing for the price.

        It and the movement also have a interesting history behind them.

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