[boscoe]

What would you recommend?

I'd say Cheese: Invicta's bullet-proof 8926 (Japanese auto movement) Pro Diver. For around $100 it can't be beat.

 

[GradyPhilpott]

That's a hard one, because the age at which a person chooses a first watch can be quite young.

An 8926 is a rather large watch for, say, a twelve year old, but it would be a great first watch for a fifteen year old, but savvy peers might knock it's obvious resemblence to another well-known dive watch.

Youngsters tend to be trendy, so what they see their idols wear would influence their preferences.

I'd have to know a lot about the person before I could recommend a first watch and perhaps that choice is best left up to the individual.

 

[wautersjr]

What would you recommend?

I'd say Cheese: Invicta's bullet-proof 8926 (Japanese auto movement) Pro Diver. For around $100 it can't be beat.

I agree... and since the movement can be seen through the back, it might spark some interest into WISdom...

 

[timefinder]

I say most any Casio G-shock model with either resin, SS, or titanium. Those things are rock solid, offer a variety of features, very well priced, and can withstand anything. As an added bonus, they sync up with the atomic clock, so they are +/- 0 seconds a day. Can't get anymore accurate than that.

 

[GradyPhilpott]

I say most any Casio G-shock model....

I think this is a good choice, too.

Rugged, rugged looking, lots of great features, big and rugged.

 

[wilfreb]

a japan pro diver will be perfect.

but if you're looking for a quality first watch, then get a Heuer Link auto [no-chrono]

 

[mgiraz]

A good old friend:

 

[jdp87]

depends really, but I think a nice used omega would be a good stepping stone for a lot of reason

 

[triton]

What would you recommend?

I'd say Cheese: Invicta's bullet-proof 8926 (Japanese auto movement) Pro Diver. For around $100 it can't be beat.

I agree, I'm giving my 14 year old nephew one for Christmas.

 

[Tom Carey]

I highly suggest starting with a watch one of our fine fellow members may be offering in the sale forum. You can get a real bargain on a very well cared for watch that way. When started out on another forum. That is exactly what I did. Saved about $150.00 on the watch as well.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

 

[robjsteve]

Well for me, my first "real" (eg not a fashion) watch will be my Invicta 9937 CE (which is according to USPS currently being held by HM Customs & Excise until I give them some money!). With the weak dollar it works out an absolute bargain (well compared to the rolex gmtII that I'm getting in January anyway!!). Viva la fromage!

 

[jas32]

What would you recommend?

I'd say Cheese: Invicta's bullet-proof 8926 (Japanese auto movement) Pro Diver. For around $100 it can't be beat.

Is this question referring to a gift to your kid or someone else? If so, I'm afraid what you or I may think as "the best" may not be the best to the recipient.

My experience taught me not to buy a watch for my son unless he picked it out himself, because without his input, there is a 90% chance it won't be worn.

 

[boscoe]

No, just wondering what folks thought was the best starter watch for adult or teen.

 

[foghorn]

No, just wondering what folks thought was the best starter watch for adult or teen.

Definately NOT and auto or manual wind as a "newbie" watch owner may not appreciate or be able to care for one.
I'll go with the G-Shock.
It has to be inexpensive yet indestructable!!
And if solar powered it won't end up in a drawer as soon as the battery dies.

 

[Agent Orange]

8926.

 

[bullosa]

My son have a few cheap quartz before I gave him a Seiko5. He didnt care about watches until this one. Automatic, great lume and a see-through back and affordable. If he loses it or damaged it wont be so bad, I noticed he have been looking after it - his first Seiko.:biggrin:

 

[GradyPhilpott]

That's a striking watch. I like the dial, the bezel and the second hand with the long counter balance.

 

[Agent Orange]

My son have a few cheap quartz before I gave him a Seiko5. He didnt care about watches until this one. Automatic, great lume and a see-through back and affordable. If he loses it or damaged it wont be so bad, I noticed he have been looking after it - his first Seiko.:biggrin:

Hey, bullosa. Wanna adopt another son? I promise I'll take care of the Seiko that you give me!:thumbup:

 

[bullandvodka]

Is this question referring to a gift to your kid or someone else? If so, I'm afraid what you or I may think as "the best" may not be the best to the recipient.

My experience taught me not to buy a watch for my son unless he picked it out himself, because without his input, there is a 90% chance it won't be worn.

I couldn't agree with JAS32 more. With great moments like "the first real watch" it is the journey that is important and not just the destination. I'd think that going on shopping outings with your son is the best way to go about it. This way you get some quality time together and you learn what the kids are looking for these days while he can learn some of the aspects that make up a good watch.

An Invicta such as a 8926, a luminox with tubes, a Seiko, or any <$300 watch that sparks his interest is the right watch. You probably need to think of it as a "training watch" however because just like one's first car, you unfortunately learn how to care for it by accidentally beating on it.

Also with teens being mass brainwashed worshipers of brands, do take the time to educate him on why 98% of fashion watches suck and why fakes and other easy cheats have negative effects on the greater good.

 

[Birdman]

8926. This is an easy one. Lets start em out with an awsome auto. Grow their passion by giving thye right KIND of watch.