Need some Gen Z watch buying advice

[tlawler]

My son, Josh’s birthday is coming up and I want to give him the same gift Dad gave me when I was about his age. Dad was first an Elgin, then later, an Omega man, so the one he gave me was an Omega Seamaster day/date. In the last 25 or so years, I’ve become a Luminox man. I’ve found a beautiful 8000 series chrono with stainless band that I’d like to get for him, but I don’t want to get him something that will end up in a sock drawer,

What are the experiences here of the declining popularity of wristwatches amongst the younger set?

Josh isn’t really your typical Gen Z kid, he is presently a division officer aboard an undisclosed Arleigh Burke class Destroyer somewhere in the Med.

I think the gift of a watch is somewhat in the Navy tradition. I always wore a Seiko Diver until Dad gave me the Omega, and I want to carry it on.

What say you guys?

 

[H Richard]

I'd say you are on the right track. A quality watch for a Navy active duty man would be appreciated. But, what could he buy through the BX at high discount, what is he wearing now?

 

[tlawler]

I'd say you are on the right track. A quality watch for a Navy active duty man would be appreciated. But, what could he buy through the BX at high discount, what is he wearing now?

The Exchange only has a few models, mostly the less expensive carbon fiber and rubber band models. He wears a cheap Casio now, but more for work use than anything fancy.

 

[Rule3]

I have had the same Citizen Eco Drive for probably 20 years never lost a second. Been in Salt water many times.
They have many types.
I do not know what "in" these days


Men'''s Watches | CITIZEN

 

[03hemi]

I have a couple of Omega Speedmasters, one Pro Moonwatch and one Triple Date Mk40 and nobody has ever recognized them except for 3 young men (18-20) on different occasions. All 3 guys recognized them from afar and approached me, already knowing what models they were and commenting on how they were their dream watches.
Both my sons are 29, neither couldn't care less about watches.
Either he's a watch guy or he ain't, you probably already know which one he is.
Go with that, why give him a $3-8k dollar watch he won't give two hoots about?

 

[BAM-BAM]

Been wearing a Seiko Automatic Dive Watches since 1989. Looks good, works well, and not worried about having to replace it if needed!

My 27 year old, Computer Sciences, has my old 1975 Seiko Chronograph, he also has a "higher end''[??] watch he picked up in Europe two summers ago.

My younger 24 doesn't wear a watch ,Material Science Engineer with the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Lab, but asked for one for Christmas. We had the same dilemma you're facing what watch? Said he wanted a Steel band????

Edit: A thought FWIW, is wearing a $3K watch a good choice on shore leaves?

Good luck!

 

[CH4]

I think buying a nice watch for your Navy son is a great idea. Lots of good dive style watches on the market that will work well, but for an heirloom watch, the Omega Seamaster is a better choice, even your dad thought so. I have several nice watches, but my Seamaster 300 Pro gets more wrist time than the others.

 

[Farmer17]

My wife and her family are really into jewelry and my wife has tried to buy me a nice watch numerous times. I have a few watches from Citizen and and Invicta and I just don't need any more, I only wear a watch when I have short sleeves on otherwise use my cell phone. But this is a nice watch I would probably take if someone one gave it to me.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Luminox-Navy-Seal-XS-3254-CB-Watch/dp/B0C4V5TLGQ/ref=sr_1_38?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jqoqgstHxIvq91Wg3Y4D9BD6Y4RvrfZcu0N8ojeYGJHJeyNph7SPhc2tfil6bhF7A_k8MMtQqf5LVhvlLh1Y94Jz9Rpp5_DG7N0bj5IU1rNTxIs1VyvnS9mLowNffnUdjQyNQQO3nS4eZPIJNc3-SqAM0rmQTrxJ2hy5XlsTCMOg3mwiB_kBcE8LK0akZAUFQiJwMDqOQ3oaIew945SqiklpAn0ed-STiLCp9NMZ7-Y6I6voCutnLe28-aK87j3XANUBYbCQj0k3ZZxJYf4o7Bjn2eiJ9oHm_iWo0Ojkn5FhL3Hp5I2HdKXT5s4pVatzVr6GTcC8zzOvCoev7E2tKwgrhnofcJyRbSFZkfiTfJJZ0YpmTj3dFThYHebrDzOEFiyIwlQnIvaJ1S-UhFRFqqK2mUSi8-CvpJldQRUVoLq0-q0vXqQQGjkuVEcW_8FT.1qP-Hss4eGnYNLy9kr9Tf3NYvRE_GSahXKxpYkd4lCc&dib_tag=se&keywords=luminox+watches&qid=1739906288&sr=8-38[/ame]

 

[s&wchad]

He might like this...

41mm Large Diver's Automatic (GSAR) with Stainless Steel Bracelet



– Marathon Watch

 

[Rustyt1953]

Everything I have read about the close and supportive relationship between you and your son I fully expect that, no matter the gift, it will be received with deep gratitude and love.

You both win.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My wife and her family are really into jewelry and my wife has tried to buy me a nice watch numerous times. I have a few watches from Citizen and and Invicta and I just don't need any more, I only wear a watch when I have short sleeves on otherwise use my cell phone. But this is a nice watch I would probably take if someone one gave it to me.

Amazon.com

FWIW giving a "SEAL Watch" to a Deck officer might get him some ribbing!

OP, you started out with a Seiko Automatic Dive Watch ...... might be a good first step for a "young officer".

Save the "high end" watch for a Shore rotation promotion!

 

[DWalt]

My wife and her family are really into jewelry and my wife has tried to buy me a nice watch numerous times. I have a few watches from Citizen and and Invicta and I just don't need any more, I only wear a watch when I have short sleeves on otherwise use my cell phone. But this is a nice watch I would probably take if someone one gave it to me.

It is difficult to knock an Invicta despite its sub-bargain basement price. I inherited one about five years ago (the Pro Diver) and I started wearing it regularly about 9 months ago, instead of my ancient Victorinox quartz Swiss Army. No real reason, I just wanted to make a change. During that time I have grown fond of the Invicta. Clearly it’s a Rolex Submariner Date knockoff, but a pretty darn good looking one. And about 1% the price of a Rolex. It has an auto wind Seiko NH35 movement and so far it loses only about 15 seconds per day. That is more than good enough for me. I just reset the time every two weeks or so. My only negative comment is that it is a little too bulky for my taste. What’s not to like if you’re not a watch snob.
I believe that the decline in popularity of wrist watches among younger people is because everyone now carries an iPhone.

 

[Jon651]

My son, Josh’s birthday is coming up and I want to give him the same gift Dad gave me when I was about his age. Dad was first an Elgin, then later, an Omega man, so the one he gave me was an Omega Seamaster day/date. In the last 25 or so years, I’ve become a Luminox man. I’ve found a beautiful 8000 series chrono with stainless band that I’d like to get for him, but I don’t want to get him something that will end up in a sock drawer,

What are the experiences here of the declining popularity of wristwatches amongst the younger set?

Josh isn’t really your typical Gen Z kid, he is presently a division officer aboard an undisclosed Arleigh Burke class Destroyer somewhere in the Med.

I think the gift of a watch is somewhat in the Navy tradition. I always wore a Seiko Diver until Dad gave me the Omega, and I want to carry it on.

What say you guys?

Whatever watch you get for him, for a member of the military I would recommend a GMT movement. This way he can set the regular hands at the local time where he is currently, and the GMT hand for the time of wherever home is for him. This will allow him to know the time at home for making calls, etc. without having to make any quick calculations or wonder if it is day or night there.

My personal preference is for the Omega Seamaster GMT as it is rugged and chronometer rated, but I am most definitely NOT a Gen-Zer! While I am certainly a fan of mechanical watches, there are also versions that are quartz and have a chronograph function, but I have never found more than a passing use for that.

If the price is too over-the-top, then anything with the new Seiko NH34 or NH34A movement would be a good budget alternative. Seiko is a good, solid Japanese movement and the 34 series is their new one that adds the GMT function.

 

[robvious]

as stated above.. the Gen Z population are either watch people or not watch people... my Aerospace Engineer 27 year old has started making his own watches... many solid options offered above... good luck

 

[WardenRoss]

All the Gen Z guys I know wear an Apple watch....just sayin.

,

 

[TX-Dennis]

I haven't worn a watch in years. I decided they're redundant when I always have a smartphone handy.

Gotta say, though; that Luminox is a great looking watch!

 

[fotog54]

Check out your local Sam’s club. They usually have a good selection of Luminox watches.


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[Bald1]

My stepson turned 18 in December. My wife got him a Citizen Dive watch. Similar in appearance to the Luminox you’re considering. He loves it. It’s his “dress up” watch when he goes out with his girlfriend. I bought my son a Luminox Navy Seal when he finished basic back in 2013. I created a monster. He has bought several high end watches since. He bought himself and his wife matching Rolex. I think your son will love that Luminox. I know a gen Z and a millennial that would.

 

[VictorLouis]

Dad was ... later, an Omega man, so the one he gave me was an Omega Seamaster day/date.

I think you've already mentioned the one I'd recommend.

 

[AJ]

I wear Seiko's and have for years. First I bought was aboard USS Saratoga in 1983. Had broken the watch I had and needed another. All they had in the ship's store were Phillippe Patek and Seiko's. Since I did not know what a Phillippe Patek was, I bought a Seiko. Been wearing them ever since. The ships store had limited space and only put out a few things at a time. The next week they put out the Rolex's, should have bought one!

I am not a watch snob. This is the Seiko that I wear the most. My Wife bought it for me about 20 years ago for Christmas.