My only male progeny is a really good kid. He attends one of the famous specialized NYC high schools, is an exceptional student and a top notch athlete. So good, he was just made co-captain for the wrestling team which just won the city championship (((beaming))) The outgoing captain received a 4 year ride to Stanford under the cover of an academic scholarship. We have high hopes. He's curious about engineering and all things mechanical so I decided to give him an automatic watch along with a copy of "Practical Watch Repairing" by Donald DeCarle. I was able to find a NOS 1969 Bulova "Whale Watch" which still had the original strap. Choosing the "right" watch for my son was a little more tricky than I thought. Didn't want to be 'that dad' who hands a 15 year old a Rolex. To each his own and bless your heart if you can afford to give a kid a dream watch but I feel my kids should work for their dreams plus we're not exactly Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Slim. I purchased a new strap from Holben's (thanks for the recommendation, various members of this forum!). His first repair was a strap swap which he handled rather deftly. So far, so good, as he really seems to be taking an interest in his new acquisition. Next up: a trip to my friend Steve from Tarrytown Jewelers for a simple COLA. I've been promised that he can supervise the service hahaha. Are there any other parents here who have children or nieces/nephews, etc. interested in mechanical wrist watches? Any advice?? Still has the original tritium and it still works!
Maybe pass down one of your own watches on a special occasion. When I was 13 and starting middle school my dad passed this one down to me. I always saw him wearing it and it was one of the watches that really got me into collecting. Sounds like he is already interested, just let him know it is an expensive hobby.