Who says the millenials aren't into nice watches...

[JUSTIFIED]

Today a 20ish year old guy commented on my Daytona, which really surprised me. I asked how he knew what it was. He said his dad was a big Rolex guy and he reads a lot about them. My 4 sons (20 - 26) are all into watches as well. Not sure they inherited it from me because my first Rolex came after they were all well into their teens. Maybe from their maternal grandfather as he wore the same Rolex for 30+ years.

Having said this, I've noticed a substantial number of the younger generation not wearing watches. i wonder what the future holds for the mechanical watch (or any watch)? Only time will tell (no pun intended).

[mfireman]

Interesting. Recently one of my millennial colleagues noticed my 116710 and said "nice watch". I was hoping he was into watches and would want to talk about them but when I discussed it he said that although he likes my watch he never wears one and doesn't need it because he tells time on his phone.

[Ckci]

My 27 year old son is into them!

[Dr. Prunesquallor]

Originally Posted by mfireman

Interesting. Recently one of my millennial colleagues noticed my 116710 and said "nice watch". I was hoping he was into watches and would want to talk about them but when I discussed it he said that although he likes my watch he never wears one and doesn't need it because he tells time on his phone.

I've heard that too. It seems...I don't know...kind of 19th century (pulling something out of your pocket to check the time). Things like The Apple Watch may turn that around, but whether that leads to a rediscovery of traditional watches is problematic.

[TimeToWatch]

I'm 27 and can confirm us 20-somethings love Rolex

[G.D.BeanCounter]

Even with the age of modern technology, it never occurred to me that a mechanical wristwatch may some day be a thing of the past; not sure if that will make them more or less valuable in the next 30 years, but I think I will continue to enjoy mine for now. I hadn't really been introduced or seen my first Rolex in person until I was about 19, and got my first Rolex when I was 20, still not knowing much about the brand, other than it wasn't cheap and it carried a solid reputation... there was also the "bling" factor at that stage in my life. Left behind the bling over the years, and abandoned other brands that lost 80% of the value as soon as you walk out the store. I think I'd feel more comfortable not wearing pants than not wearing a watch. Interesting question, though.

[GB-man]

I'm 28 and have been into watches for nearly 20 years. We exist

[Framelock]

26 here. I bought my first Omega when I was 24, first Rolex around the same time. Had always appreciated watches but spent the first few of my earning years playing with cars. Wore a Casio for 5-6 years before that. With peers in my age group, it seems many wear watches and many do not. I think the older ladies and gentlemen in my life are much more enthusiastic than the majority of youngsters. This usually leaves me as the odd one out at local watch get togethers and conversations. It's at least easy to pick up info when you're the kid of the group, though! :)

Without trying to be too bold for my first post, I think that the mechanical wristwatch industry is very safe. They survived quartz, digital, and now smart watches and have managed to thrive thus far. Well, at least Rolex has, in my opinion. The introduction of the smart watch has been interesting because aside from the technological differences/purposes, they imply that in all these years...people have not gotten tired of looking at things on their wrists.

[VIG]

I'm 29 and have loved watches, particularly Rolexes, since I was 5.

[pablo5]

I'm 32 and caught the bug about 3 years ago when I purchased my first SS DJ from Tourneau on 5th Ave in Manhattan on one of my first adult vacations. I always admired watches and told myself I wouldn't put anything on my wrist as an adult unless it was a Rolex. After doing some research and really learning about them I have bought and sold about 6 rolexes and currently own 4 as well as a Patek. Its truly a passion of mine that has grown and I love to talk about and appreciate the watches as beautiful pieces of art and history. I also think they're great investments and most of the time no one my age or younger even notices I'm wearing a watch but at the end of the day it is for me and my enjoyment!

[rootbeer7]

I was always into watches as kid. Mainly digital back then (I'm 43). I remember each a time a watch battery died it was thrown in a draw and another one bought. Once I got into mechanical watches and I think this is key, they don't just die. Even after years in a draw, shake them, wind them and they come alive again. Even the I-watch thingy will become disposable like mobile phones, whilst our watches will carry on. I love the fact I can hear it and feel it and in some cases see it work. The attraction will never die. Think cars; Electric or V8?

[William.L.]

I'm a generation Y'er at 33. I've had a love of watches since I was in my teens. Grandfather was into them, and I wear the same model datejust he did, and I got his omega when he passed, and got it running again in his honor. No one else is into watches in my family, so I'm the lone wolf. I love the older manual wind stuff and anything else that's vintage that no one else now a days would wear...just wish it wasn't so fragile

[superstarmar]

I believe a wrist watch is more than just for
telling time !!! For us men it's a statement and
our jewelry if you will !
Sure women adorn themselves with a fashion watch
plus all the additional pieces but nonetheless for us
Men ... It's our statement!!!
We wear maybe our wedding ring or 2 rings plus a gold chain
and our watch !!! And if anything our watch is the defining
piece !!! So I say if your going to do it , do it right !!!

[kngzfrd]

My 16 year old son is crazy about watches. He can spot a Rolex across the room and will even talk to his teachers about what watches they're wearing... That being said, I too wonder about the future generations, given cell phones, etc.


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[Anthon]

I think it is still way too early to say anything about these so-called millennials. Most of us from the 70's, 80's and 90's never bothered too seriously with watches either when we were in our teens and twenties. I certainly didn't.

[juliet]

Do you think the possibility of a lack of interest is in part due to the prices of these watches?

I saw an advert, on here I think, of a 1964 explorer by Rolex. The price was just under $200. Adjusted for inflation that comes to about $1500 in today's dollars. Instead that watch now costs about $6500. That's a big difference for those buying today.

I know that for me looking to buy my first decent watch it is a fairly large commitment when there is still a mortgage to pay etc, and that is with an income more than three times the average here in New Zealand. Perhaps when things are a long way out of reach interest wanes?

[KarlS]

I cant see the future generation really caring!! My 8 year old wont even wear a watch...asks me whats wrong with using the iPad!! I am sure the watch industry will reinvent themselves much as the did over the "doom and gloom" quartz area!!

[Roadblocked]

Do you think this same discussion would've taken place if forums existed when the accurtron Quartz came out?

[aw662]

I'm 22. I'm a big watch fan. Only have a small collection so far. But I'm intending for it to grow. I also enjoy reading about new pieces and their craftsmanship. I have a good relationship with the ADs near me and often go in and have a chat with them about different pieces they've got. For me it's a hobby. An expensive one at that!


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[Mick P]

Chaps

Most young men are interested mainly in chasing women, drinking in seedy bars and travelling around trying to see as much of the world as possible. That is a pretty expensive set of hobbies. The only major expense is likely to be a fast car. Therefore they are nearly always broke at the end of the month.

Fast forward ten years and they have started to transform into middle age where the reality of raising children and paying the mortgage takes over and it is usually at that stage where the big boys toy syndrome kicks in. We all need some excitement in life and good quality watches and cameras etc fulfill that need.

Quality becomes the main aim and we are all living proof of that and a good watch will always be a priority.

Regards

Mick

[patrickjb]

Originally Posted by Roadblocked

Do you think this same discussion would've taken place if forums existed when the accurtron Quartz came out?

This.

I'm 29, and love watches. I have quite a few friends who enjoy Rolex, and other fine brands. I don't think it's necessarily a question of whether Millennials don't like fine timepieces - I think it's a question of whether or not all of them can afford them at this point in there lives.

To each their own, if when I'm 50 and nobody is wearing Rolex - it will make mine all that more special.

[SamiKssiaa]

I'm 24 and bought mine at 23.

[Anthon]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Most young men are interested mainly in chasing women, drinking in seedy bars and travelling around trying to see as much of the world as possible. That is a pretty expensive set of hobbies. The only major expense is likely to be a fast car. Therefore they are nearly always broke at the end of the month.

Fast forward ten years and they have started to transform into middle age where the reality of raising children and paying the mortgage takes over and it is usually at that stage where the big boys toy syndrome kicks in. We all need some excitement in life and good quality watches and cameras etc fulfill that need.

Quality becomes the main aim and we are all living proof of that and a good watch will always be a priority.

Regards

Mick

Exactly this.
Wait till the millennials realize they are just as human as the rest of us

[JoinerLuke]

I'm 31 and british - probably a little bit older than a millennial I guess. Mechanical watches to me signify permanence and the will to repair and maintain something, rather than simply throw it away and start again. I'll never buy an apple watch because I hate a third party telling me what is outdated and now useless - maybe graduating during the credit crunch has put that into me.

Rolex to me is timeless, but more importantly physically lasting.

[Eva123]

Rolex, AP, Patek, etc. they are less accurate than cheap quartz or electronic watch, however, they will always retain value. Nowadays, these brands are symbols of success, status, show that person has a good taste. Of course, luxury watch industry is slightly shrinking as millennials pay less attention to mechanical watches, however, IMHO watch industry will survive and definitely outperform Apple Watch :)

Also, many people understand that you need different watches for various activities. e.g. I use Suunto Ambit2 when I am in a gym, if I am doing various outdoor activities I use cheap but very unbeatable Seiko G-Shock, however, at work other time I wear Tissot watch. I admit that Tissot is not the best known brand, however, it is still quality Swiss watch. Next month will be my 40th anniversary and I decided to buy TT DJ or TT DJII. I could buy Rolex more than 10 years ago but felt that it was not a right time. Now the time has come :)

[Anthon]

Originally Posted by Eva123

e.g. I use Suunto Ambit2 when I am in a gym, if I am doing various outdoor activities I use cheap but very unbeatable Seiko G-Shock

I agree with what you are saying but I had to smile when I read the above.
An Ambit2 (with built in GPS, altimeter, accelerometer, etc. etc. etc.) in the gym? You really need to get her out sometimes!

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Most young men are interested mainly in chasing women, drinking in seedy bars and travelling around trying to see as much of the world as possible. That is a pretty expensive set of hobbies. The only major expense is likely to be a fast car. Therefore they are nearly always broke at the end of the month.

Fast forward ten years and they have started to transform into middle age where the reality of raising children and paying the mortgage takes over and it is usually at that stage where the big boys toy syndrome kicks in. We all need some excitement in life and good quality watches and cameras etc fulfill that need.

Quality becomes the main aim and we are all living proof of that and a good watch will always be a priority.

Regards

Mick

Actually still sounds appealing!

[Bfd70]

A watch forum is not a good barometer of weather (my pun) watches will become antiquated. Of course every 20 something on TRF likes watches. That's why they are here. Before a man wore a watch to tell time. More teenagers own a phone than a watch.

[Qinhan]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I was always into watches as kid. Mainly digital back then (I'm 43). I remember each a time a watch battery died it was thrown in a draw and another one bought. Once I got into mechanical watches and I think this is key, they don't just die. Even after years in a draw, shake them, wind them and they come alive again. Even the I-watch thingy will become disposable like mobile phones, whilst our watches will carry on. I love the fact I can hear it and feel it and in some cases see it work. The attraction will never die. Think cars; Electric or V8?

Your comment made me think of sci-fi writer William Gibson and his take on smart watches, collectability and disposability. Gibson said that smart watches were ".. nothing without access to a system, and the system constantly outgrows it, evolves beyond it."

Full interview here (which I highly recommend):

http://www.watchpaper.com/2015/07/16...on-on-watches/

[JoinerLuke]

That William Gibson interview is great. Watches appear in his books as well - I think the 'baddie' in virtual light wears a vintage JLC military