Opinions sought for watch for daughter’s boyfriend

[rjd1]

My daughter’s boyfriend (he’s turning 27, guessing they will be engaged within a year or so and we are getting close with him and his family) has a birthday coming up. He’s to date not been a watch guy (wears either nothing or an Apple Watch) but is getting interested a bit and noting that I like watches and the watch I bought my daughter for college graduation. I’d like to encourage his interest and hopefully add a common interest to share with him for the future. I don’t want to go crazy here and overwhelm - so I am thinking of a $500 max budget to keep things somewhat in line with what his folks do for my daughter for birthdays and holidays. It seems to me that Seiko provides some great options in that range and one of my favorite AD’s carries a robust Seiko selection. Happy to hear any other suggestions too -

He’s in IT - sales and project management, he’s a pretty casual guy but has a lot of business meetings and face to face appointments, is a big sports fan and is starting from absolute zero watch-wise. He lives in the Charleston, SC area where it is very hot and humid much of the year. He’s a pretty intense and tuned in kind of person - very perceptive and reads situations well. He’s medium size/height/build. I’d love to hear any recommendations you experts may be able to offer! Thank you!

[MrGoat]

Seiko turtle!! Also, nice gesture.


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[winst]

That’s a real challenge at that price point, but after having looked on line for about the last hour, this is what I’d go for:

https://monochrome-watches.com/seiko...-review-price/

It’s well within price range, so also buy him a really good quality rubber strap that he can put in for Summer / Beach if he wants. I normally go for Vanguard:

https://vanguardstraps.com/collectio...rd-strap-black

Also, just slightly over your price range but always thought the Alpinist is a really nice watch:

https://www.exquisitetimepieces.com/...st-spb121.html


Good luck and keep us all posted how you get on!

[Easy E]

How about something like this? Seiko 5 GMt

https://www.exquisitetimepieces.com/...ts-ssk019.html

[saxo3]

https://spinnaker-watches.com

[Bazil]

Seiko Prestige …

[BSG75]

The SPRE is nice, too. Looks more expensive than the price point and goes from casual to dressy and there are various dial colors. https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/p...5sports/srpe53

[rjd1]

Thanks all for the options and feedback thus far, much appreciated!

Yes, I'd like to have some more money to work with but have been warned by wife and daughter (they know me too well lol) to not go overboard for fear of outshining what the future inlaws do for the daughter. That said, I have a bit of flexibility.

I'd forgotten about the Alpinist - that is a great looking watch. It also occurred to me to consider Hamilton Field Watch - they live in Charleston, SC and there's an AD right there too which is good if he needed service down the road.

Would love to hear any more thoughts or ideas!

[-dustin]

I like the Alpinist idea.

Or a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto...would require some digging, though, to hit price point.

[MichelleP]

As others have said, Seiko is a great watch for that price point. I recently discovered a micro brand called Erebus. I've ordered the Ascent Malachite. Has a on the fly micro adjust bracelet. Won't ship until April but they do have other options and a great price point

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Hamilton khaki field mechanical would be my choice (on a factory nato). Stellar piece. Robust ETA movement. Manual wind with excellent haptic feedback - very romantic, indeed. Super slim and incredibly legible - most legible watch I've ever owned, honestly. Although I am a 5 digit collector, I wear mine regularly and love it to death. I think it punches quite a bit above it's weight. Quality is much higher than any seiko 5, hands down. Although the price has increased in recent years, it's still a solid buy imho. You can definitely find the 38mm variant new and below the ~ $560.00 USD MSRP Good luck! And congrats to your daughter

[winst]

Originally Posted by 0nly5iv3Digits

Hamilton khaki field mechanical would be my choice (on a factory nato). Stellar piece. Robust ETA movement. Manual wind with excellent haptic feedback - very romantic, indeed. Super slim and incredibly legible - most legible watch I've ever owned, honestly. Although I am a 5 digit collector, I wear mine regularly and love it to death. I think it punches quite a bit above it's weight. Quality is much higher than any seiko 5, hands down. Although the price has increased in recent years, it's still a solid buy imho. Good luck! And congrats to your daughter

That would have been my first choice, but didn’t want to break the OP’s budget with such a tempting timepiece.

[AntaeusJ7]

I generally default to recommending people DO NOT buy watches for others unless they are very attuned to that person's needs, tastes, and style. Or if they know outright that someone has coveted a particular watch for a long time.

Have you considered going with him to the local Seiko/Hamilton/watch shop and basically giving him a budget to work with? Or you could make it a "surprise" - grab lunch, say you want to do some watch shopping, see what he gravitates towards, then pick it up on the spot. It might sound weird, especially since shopping trips aren't a typical "guy" thing, but I think it might actually be a good way to just spend time together, get to know each other, and see what he likes. He might appreciate something more along the lines of a watch that is associated with a good memory or bonding experience, rather than just a material object.

Anyway, just food for thought. I'm sure whatever you get will be appreciated, if you are as thoughtful in person as you seem to be online.

[rjd1]

Thanks gents! Looking hard at the Alpinist and the Hamilton khaki field mechanical. Added bonus for the latter is that they live in Charleston, SC and Demetre is a Hamilton dealer - would be nice if I gave him some straps down the road for easy changes. Much appreciate all the replies — will keep you all posted!

[samson66]

Definitely suggest the Seiko 5 GMT series. I tried one on a couple weeks ago and it is a sharp looking piece and the new bracelet looks terrific. And the $475 meets your <$500 requirement.

[rjd1]

Originally Posted by samson66

Definitely suggest the Seiko 5 GMT series. I tried one on a couple weeks ago and it is a sharp looking piece and the new bracelet looks terrific. And the $475 meets your <$500 requirement.

That is a GREAT looking watch.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by rjd1

That is a GREAT looking watch.

I agree, and they have 5 or 6 different colors to choose from too.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Definitely suggest the Seiko 5 GMT series. I tried one on a couple weeks ago and it is a sharp looking piece and the new bracelet looks terrific. And the $475 meets your <$500 requirement.

]

Damn, that looks good my friend

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Damn, that looks good my friend

Here's the same watch on my wrist. Hard to be at that price.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Here's the same watch on my wrist. Hard to be at that price.

Bet it wears nicely in that jubilee


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[winst]

Nice watch, but I think the Alpinist is a level up from that, as it is in the Prospex range. Hardlex glass on the GMT not Sapphire Crystal & it’s not a ‘True GMT’. If he needed a GMT function then yes it’s a good shout, but I think for quality & future ‘street cred’ Alpinist or Hamilton Khaki would be best bang for buck.

The only other one that crosses my mind is the Tissot Powermatic if the OP could get a decent discount on one to get it closer to budget.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by winst

Nice watch, but I think the Alpinist is a level up from that, as it is in the Prospex range. Hardlex glass on the GMT not Sapphire Crystal & it’s not a ‘True GMT’. If he needed a GMT function then yes it’s a good shout, but I think for quality & future ‘street cred’ Alpinist or Hamilton Khaki would be best bang for buck.

The only other one that crosses my mind is the Tissot Powermatic if the OP could get a decent discount on one to get it closer to budget.

I think the Alpinist is over the $500 limit

[winst]

Originally Posted by samson66

I think the Alpinist is over the $500 limit

Only by $80, on offer from here at the moment with a 3:year warranty:

https://www.exquisitetimepieces.com/...st-spb121.html

Or if you really want to stay under budget, there are several on Chrono 24 new from Japan etc which would still be under $500 allowing for shipping and taxes.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by winst

Only by $80, on offer from here at the moment with a 3:year warranty:

https://www.exquisitetimepieces.com/...st-spb121.html

Or if you really want to stay under budget, there are several on Chrono 24 new from Japan etc which would still be under $500 allowing for shipping and taxes.

I've seen the 5 GMTs as low as $275 depending on color

[mongrelnomoad]

You really can’t beat a Seiko 5 as an entry point. They’re such great watches: rugged, indestructible, reasonably priced, and there’s so many designs that one will surely hit the spot.

https://www.seikowatches.com/uk-en/p...5sports/lineup

[rjd1]

Thanks for all of the thoughtful replies and suggestions! I truly appreciate them!

Yesterday I went with the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph in 38mm Black/Black strap. Of course, I had to pick up the 42mm for myself after all this research (lol) so I blew the budget of $500 on his but not too terribly thanks to continued great treatment from my AD on the combo. They even threw in a Hamilton green NATO for free so the BF can stop by and have it swapped out when the Charleston weather heats up if he likes. They both will be in hand on Wednesday and his will be given to him next time we are in person and before his late Feb birthday.

I wanted to get him something special as we are beginning to all grow very close and it’s pretty apparent where things are heading with my daughter. I also wanted to fertilize the interest he’s shown in watches as hopefully a common interest we can share as life moves on. This will be his first “real” watch.

I’ll update you all when we give it to him - and again, thanks for all of your replies - initially I was leaning Seiko which obviously has great options - but I’m happy with the final choice.

[rjd1]

Originally Posted by AntaeusJ7

I generally default to recommending people DO NOT buy watches for others unless they are very attuned to that person's needs, tastes, and style. Or if they know outright that someone has coveted a particular watch for a long time.

Have you considered going with him to the local Seiko/Hamilton/watch shop and basically giving him a budget to work with? Or you could make it a "surprise" - grab lunch, say you want to do some watch shopping, see what he gravitates towards, then pick it up on the spot. It might sound weird, especially since shopping trips aren't a typical "guy" thing, but I think it might actually be a good way to just spend time together, get to know each other, and see what he likes. He might appreciate something more along the lines of a watch that is associated with a good memory or bonding experience, rather than just a material object.

Anyway, just food for thought. I'm sure whatever you get will be appreciated, if you are as thoughtful in person as you seem to be online.

Excellent point - and I’d meant to address earlier but slipped by. That was also another factor in my decision. With my choice I have something to give to him and to present, etc. — but if all fails (and I don’t think it will, but notwithstanding…) I can easily go to the AD with him and swap it for something else.

[winst]

Originally Posted by rjd1

Thanks for all of the thoughtful replies and suggestions! I truly appreciate them!

Yesterday I went with the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph in 38mm Black/Black strap. Of course, I had to pick up the 42mm for myself after all this research (lol) so I blew the budget of $500 on his but not too terribly thanks to continued great treatment from my AD on the combo. They even threw in a Hamilton green NATO for free so the BF can stop by and have it swapped out when the Charleston weather heats up if he likes. They both will be in hand on Wednesday and his will be given to him next time we are in person and before his late Feb birthday.

I wanted to get him something special as we are beginning to all grow very close and it’s pretty apparent where things are heading with my daughter. I also wanted to fertilize the interest he’s shown in watches as hopefully a common interest we can share as life moves on. This will be his first “real” watch.

I’ll update you all when we give it to him - and again, thanks for all of your replies - initially I was leaning Seiko which obviously has great options - but I’m happy with the final choice.

Great choice! Out of interest, did they have the 38mm new bracelet version. It looks really good value for only an extra $50?

[rjd1]

Originally Posted by winst

Great choice! Out of interest, did they have the 38mm new bracelet version. It looks really good value for only an extra $50?

Thanks! I did see that on the Hamilton site but the AD didnt have one in stock. I sort of wanted to do multiple straps (future gift ideas, maybe plant the seed even a little more in terms of interest in watches) - but sure looks like a great value. I presume the bracelet version accepts the straps but I didnt get that far in my research.

[winst]

Originally Posted by rjd1

Thanks! I did see that on the Hamilton site but the AD didnt have one in stock. I sort of wanted to do multiple straps (future gift ideas, maybe plant the seed even a little more in terms of interest in watches) - but sure looks like a great value. I presume the bracelet version accepts the straps but I didnt get that far in my research.

Apparently, bracelet isn’t available to buy seperately, but I’m sure it will be at some point. There’s a lot of fun to be had with decent but reasonably priced leather, tropic, NATO & MN style straps on a field watch like the Murph. An Alpinist would have been nice, but the Hamilton is just that next jump up - I’m sure he’ll love it.

Even if he gets into higher end watches in the future as well, it’s the kind of watch you can keep for proper tool watch adventures or if you just want to keep things low key. A watch enthusiast will always see it as a good choice as well. I was thinking of a Tudor Ranger at some point but don’t think I can justify the price difference now I’ve seen that 38mm Murph on bracelet.