Help appreciated on picking a Submariner!

[Yugga]

Our son is graduating HS with a full academic/athletic ride. In search of a submariner for him. Was looking at a 116610 but now the blue 16613 caught my eye.

How does one look for the right things on eBay besides paperwork, scratches, and link stretch? Anything I’m missing?

This is the type on eBay I’m referring to item#: 262594326809

All help greatly appreciated as this is a lifetime father/son gift.
Also feel free to weigh in on the ceramic black sub vs blue 16613.

[FrankNYC]

For a young person stick with the basic stainless steel. Either 114060 or 116610. I’d skip eBay and look for a reputable seller here in the Rolex for sale section.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

For a young person stick with the basic stainless steel. Either 114060 or 116610. I’d skip eBay and look for a reputable seller here in the Rolex for sale section.

100% agree with this.

[rb250]

Like others will say look for a trusted seller here, Davidsw, Takuya, etc. just do some research and find what you really want.

[Dirt]

I totally agree with the others.
As a rule. Keep away from eBay for this type of purchase.

You need to focus on buying the seller/vendor.
Hense the recommendation to look up the for sale section on this forum, or other well known forums for that matter.

[1mlee0916]

I don’t mean to be snarky at all. But is it really common to gift a HS graduate a new Rolex?

I know of people who feel uncomfortable wearing their Rolex at work in their mid 30s.

I’m asking out of genuine curiosity.


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[rb250]

Not to change the subject, but I think its a great gesture. It’s a gift that will last forever. Maybe his son is into watches. As he gets older he will appreciate the gift more and more...

[stidr]

Patients of mine have five kids. After graduating high school the parents bought each of them a rolex. Some of the kids wore their watches proudly, while the others will not wear them day to day. I asked one of the daughter how she feels wearing such a nice and pricey watch. She said she loves it and wears it every day. SG submariner. So, everyone is different and comes from all types of backgrounds. I’ve learned not to judge.

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by 1mlee0916

I don’t mean to be snarky at all. But is it really common to gift a HS graduate a new Rolex?

I know of people who feel uncomfortable wearing their Rolex at work in their mid 30s.

I’m asking out of genuine curiosity.


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Well, from a practical perspective college years are some “hard livin” years and there’s got to be solid chance of damage or theft in those 4-6 years

[Yugga]

Thanks all for your feedback.
I expected the questions around a graduation gift—it’s something I’ve always wanted to do for him. And yes he’s picked up a love for watches

[TheDon2000]

I wore a SS Rolex at 18 and so did my brother. No big deal. I highly recommend it if he will cherish it and take care of it. Make sure he understands the gravity of receiving and wearing a Rolex, which is considered by many to be a very high level status symbol, at his age.

Stay away from two tone or gold/blue etc. for his age. I wore a 116613LB when I was young for a while and it's not a good look, IMO.

114060 (Submariner, SS) and 116610LN (Submariner Date, SS) are selling at a high premium right now. You're paying at least $750-$1500 over retail especially if you go with BNIB. Check out Chrono24 as well as Watch Recon. I would also highly recommend DavidSW, OC Watch Guy, Takuya, Bob's Watches, mdgrwl, etc. All highly reputable.

[dkg1616]

For his first I would recommend getting on a list at an AD and wait it out till you get the call and go together!

[rb250]

I too agree with possibly getting one from an AD that way it can have your sons name on the warranty card. It will be that much more special. I am assuming he graduates around the month of May. If you get on a “list” who knows you may have one by then.

[exador]

I'd get him a Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight. Super cool watch and none of the Rolex stigma

[ashokleyland]

Save yourself from headache, stay away from ebay. Risky.

[Howlerbro]

Purchased a Pelagos LHD from Than at Takuya 8 months ago and couldn't have been more pleased with the transaction. He is super responsive and patient - highly recommend him

[mjr24]

I say buy from a reputable seller no matter where it’s from. I hate the same advice of “buy from a trusted seller on here”. With all due respect, I can check/research a seller much more on EBay than someone from here. Sure, there are 4 or 5 real trusted sellers on TRF, but you will also likely pay a small premium for their watches.

Plus, to be honest, you pay with PayPal on EBay and you will have protection. On here, you will have to wire the money (with no protection) or add several percent onto the price for sellers to take PayPal.

I just don’t believe buying here is the end all, be all of buying watches.

You can find some legit deals on EBay.....you probably won’t find those here. You will pay market.

I do agree with going for the SS at his age and not the two-tone.

[SS Oyster]

If going new, stick with SS.

May I suggest you gift him one of yours if you have SS. Would be meaningful.


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[oldman2005]

Yeah, give him one of your Rolex. Gave my son my Yatchmaster, daughter got a DJ from her mom for their PhD and MD. And I promise another kid my GMT-LN if he gets into med school. My kids are _expected_ to graduate from HS, college is a must, they get reward for their doctorate. You're being too nice!

[Psijason]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

For a young person stick with the basic stainless steel. Either 114060 or 116610. I’d skip eBay and look for a reputable seller here in the Rolex for sale section.

+1

[mjclark32]

College is full of craziness, people coming and going, lots of people in the locker room (I played FB DIII and there were still a lot of people with access), dorms and homes/apartments are often forgotten to be locked or purposely left open.
I'd try and avoid him becoming any sort of target etc. Maybe graduation or second year when he has a better lay of the land
But, it's your kid. You know how he is and where he's going.
Just figured I'd throw it out there
SS is my vote, either way.

[Finslayer83]

Originally Posted by 1mlee0916

I don’t mean to be snarky at all. But is it really common to gift a HS graduate a new Rolex?

I know of people who feel uncomfortable wearing their Rolex at work in their mid 30s.

I’m asking out of genuine curiosity.


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I know a handful of folks who got them for graduating HS and college. Some got Rolex others got Omega.

I got some cash to buy stuff to take to college.

YMMV.

[burnthesehills]

Just make sure to schedule it on your insurance policy.

I also agree a SS Submariner would be a great choice.

[droptopman]

LN SS for sure. Please avoid ebay. Plenty of great sellers right here. David SW is my go to guy but lots of solid options.

[upsidedownbelt]

Stay away from eBay and don’t buy him a two tone. Go with the SS.

[Number3]

Would recommend 114060 - indestructible, no date complication to worry about and slightly less conspicuous without the cyclops.

Great gift idea.

[raxford]

Standard 11660LN. Date or no date. I adore mine!

[214270Explorer]

Ebay.
No No No !!!!!

[OpusXIII]

A Rolex as a HS grad gift? What's this world coming to? No fng way. That's why these kids are the way they are these days.

[mml4]

Congratulations on your child's success!! Definitely stay away from ebay and make sure you have a discussion with your son regarding dorm life and security.
I vote for the Submariner 114060.