Hi,
It'll be my son's 18th next year so I'm on the lookout for a watch made in 2001, any suggestions or even proposals would be appreciated.
I'm looking for a daily wear automatic, something he can use without worrying about. I know he's not into fussy dials so no chronographs, just time and date will do fine. Sapphire crystal, some level of water resistance but not necessarily a diver, 36-39mm, not too dressy, easy to service...you get the idea.
Budget is around Eur 2000.
I thought of a Rolex Explorer but obviously above my budget and too expensive for him to service anyway.
Seamaster Aqua Terra or Railmaster would also fit the bill but they weren't released yet. Same with a Caliber 5 or Twin Time Tag Heuer.
Thinking now of a Seamaster 300m but even that's a bit too much watch.

Any ideas?

 

The electric blue or black would be lovely, they came with the automatic 1120 movement and were also available in quartz models if you didn't want the hassle of servicing. Pretty sure they were available from 1999-2207

Tough to find exact birth year though.

 

Agree with the SMP300 suggestion. Perhaps the quartz for truly worry-free wear?

 

Of course up to you, but unless the 18-year old is very atypical, I’d lower my price target significantly. Many many nice options in the sub-€500 space.

 

Really looking for an automatic though, something he'll cherish, and maybe even hand down one day, not just a watch.

 

The 300M in 36mm size would fit the bill. Readily findable for under $1,500 in reasonable condition.

I think you’re maybe tying yourself down slightly with the birth year thing.... so many current options that would be perfect. First and foremost would be:

 

Seiko have date codes on them... and enough time to hunt through eBay to find one. I’m not sure what model diver was available in 2001. I think that was just before the SKX.

 

I vote for the Quartz Diver 2541. I bought one for my son’s 18th to give him this spring.

 

My son's 18th is later this year and he's already told me in no uncertain terms he does NOT want a watch. Apparently some bad parenting along the way.

 

Mine too but I figure he’ll grow into it.

 

Report back when he has.

 

The best used hi end Seiko you can find.Bullet proof imho.
Good luck.

 

If you can afford it, a 5066 patek aquatnaut is pretty awesome!

 

Try again when he's applying for a professional job and needs a timepiece that didn't come from Apple.

 

You telling me I still need to support him after he’s left uni and is looking for jobs?

 

Sorry, guy, parenthood is a lifetime commitment. Didn't you read the fine print?

 

Well, to tell you the truth, fine print was not foremost on my mind at the time.