It’s First Communion season in Europe’s New Headache, and my little half-brother has his this year, in June. On this occasion it is customary here to give the kid some valuable items - usually a gold or silver chain and pendant, money, a bicycle, or...a watch. Mine was a Timex, which I have regrettably lost.

Our father has no other ideas for a gift from him and me to the kiddo than - go figure - a watch. I can get along with that, especially that I’d love to give my little brother something to remember me - his big brother - by. Something that will hopefully be his watch for years and decades to come.

In case of MSRPs by the 450-500USD mark, I am limited to brands that I can get with my employee discount, that being Certina, Tissot (Longines and Rado are not an option), Citizen and Casio G-Shock. My little half-brother already has a digital beater, so I thought of giving him something more serious, so a G-Shock isn’t exactly most fitting here.

Certinas can take a beating, but could be too serious for a kid. My thoughts go to Citizen, some basic Eco-Drive in titanium or a mid-size Promaster Diver. The last option speaks to me the most, but he might grow out of it in 5-6 years.

Some Timex Q reissue is also an option, the kid always gazes at whatever vintage watch I am wearing.

So...kinda serious, not too serious, can take some beating, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, sub-40mm.

If you could offer any suggestions, that’d be great!

The Certina DS-1 series offers incredible bang for the buck but may indeed be too “old folks.”

If he digs your vintage style, I say pick one of yours to gift to him...if he is responsible enough to take care of it and not jump in the pool with it. If not, a Timex Q reissue can withstand a beating and will likely stand out amongst the smart “watches” his friends wear.

I don’t think you can go wrong here with any choice. My gut tells me get him a Timex Q.

Another vote for the Certina DS-1 series..

Citizen Eco-Zilla. When he gets older, that watch will get him more ass than a bus seat.

conjurer wrote: ↑

Wed May 12, 2021 2:17 pm

Citizen Eco-Zilla. When he gets older, that watch will get him more ass than a bus seat.

He’s 10, that’s an age at which he still thinks that ”pussy” means nothing more than a cat. At best it’ll get him frustrated that he can’t enjoy it. The watch, I mean. Though if I underestimate him, and I’d tell him about the pussy magnet properties of that watch, probably that too.

Same goes for the DS-1. If a Certina, then maybe a quartz three-hand DS Podium.

I like the idea of a mid-sized Promaster diver. That sporty look will serve the youngster in good staid.

I’d say a conquest but since that’s out.

Is he into marvel? Citizen has a new line that to be truthful they aren’t bad.

Timex is timex and I truly like the idea of something that if taken care of will be around and still usable as an a teenager and adult.

This one:

https://www.jomashop.com/citizen-promas ... 1-18e.html

A little big, but he'll grow into it. Plus, it's got a lot of cool features that will keep him from getting bored with it. All his pals will be sporting Vostoks and shit, or worse, smart watches. And there he'll be, wearing a big-ass, 200m Citi with an orange strap.

biglove wrote: ↑

Wed May 12, 2021 1:28 pm

The Certina DS-1 series offers incredible bang for the buck but may indeed be too “old folks.”

If he digs your vintage style, I say pick one of yours to gift to him...if he is responsible enough to take care of it and not jump in the pool with it. If not, a Timex Q reissue can withstand a beating and will likely stand out amongst the smart “watches” his friends wear.

I don’t think you can go wrong here with any choice. My gut tells me get him a Timex Q.

I’m certainly leaning towards that. Ex aequo with the Citizen Promaster midsize.

I do have a nice 30mm Rotary Junior, but I think I might give him that when he grows up a little. I think that his first proper watch should be something that can withstand the occasional impact or splash, so that Rotary isn’t the best idea for now.

Citizen is known for having tough divers.
I got my nephew this one when he was 8, he loved it until he started getting into Gucci and Versace.
https://www.watchshop.com/ladies-citize ... 45688.html

Conj and racerx helped me find one, they can be tough to find. I don’t know if the above link is to a legit store, I just used it because it is in the UK and thought if you wanted it, it would save you some shipping and maybe VAT.

Not a Citizen or other from your list, but a fine inexpensive starter in my opinion

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006CHML4I/ ... PS9Q89FT3B

JAS1125 wrote: ↑

Wed May 12, 2021 7:28 pm

Not a Citizen or other from your list, but a fine inexpensive starter in my opinion

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006CHML4I/ ... PS9Q89FT3B

That’ll do great! I can buy one from a Dutch Seiko dealer who has a decent stock of 5s. I’d just have to talk the guy into not shipping the usual way, his usual shipping blows.

At that price, you can also get him a six display box and enable him to be on his way.

Good call, JAS. I was thinking the same. Perfect to be long lasting and easily replaced.

JAS nailed it.

JAS1125 wrote: ↑

Wed May 12, 2021 7:28 pm

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006CHML4I/ ... PS9Q89FT3B

Good call !