Watch Recommendations for 14 year old son?

Sounds like Orient is what the young man is looking for. The Ray, Mako and/or Kamasu are a great introduction into watches. Seiko sisters company, in-house automatic movement, good case specs. Bracelet is the weak side but for the money it's a great watch

Vostok! I know it fills at least the first two requirements.

More importantly, it has a cool factor (for a teenage boy, not for FOWG's) that is essential.

And Vostok has a hundred different varieties. Good call!!

Are you wanting new? There are a lot of nice watches to choose from in that price range. Sector is a good starter for him. They are nice and also durable with a tapering bracelet. Orient and Seiko have some decent options but I don't think that they are very durable. The only thing making this a little difficult for me is the tapering bracelet. I know people frown on them but an Invicta would be a decent starter. Durable with models that have a taper. I wish you well. 

I think an Invicta quartz model is your best bet. If hes an active 14 year old he will bang up the watch enough that a mechanical movement may eventually not be able to put up with it. Quartz will withstand most 14 year old boy activities.

If hes the really careful type or doesnt wear it daily then Orient Mako or Ray are your best bets. Vostok as well and totally cool, but even more fragile with the acrylic crystal.

All black? Too much? But think how cool it will be with som cool colored NATOs w/ black hardware from for example CWC?

Orient is a great option, but have you seen this?? https://blokwatches.com/ I even want one for myself, they look very fun!!! If he want something a little more serious, yes, Orient without a doubt.

@bondi76 - I just heard the About Effing Time podcast talk about blok, I think they're awesome! Maybe for my youngest, but it looks a little too kiddy for my 14yo. (Wish I had this 10 years ago!) Also, their website is fantastic.

Thanks for the recommendations so far.

He loves my Omega SMP 300 quartz the best - it's the blue dial, sword hands, stainless bezel.

I saw a San Martin on Just One More Watch's youtube channel and really liked it! But it's pretty far over budget.

I'm trying to stay away from blatant homages. I like them, but he doesn't want a wannabe watch, I think he'd like an original design. He's been wearing G Shocks for about the last 6 years, but now wants something "nicer" - think "go anywhere, do anything" type.

I do want to stick to a bracelet, and then if he wants he can up the strap game. 

And Vostok is a hard pass. Sorry.

Invicta pro diver gets my vote.  Autos can be found for less than $100 if you hunt well.  Has all your requirement.  I like Invictas that are over the top in design.  Most of the hate is about the business practices not the watches themselves.  

I have a Ray Raven. I do like it. I upgraded the bezel to a 12hr. The only problem I have with it is the bracelet. It’s a rattler. Normally I’d just upgrade it to a Strapcode, but there aren’t currently any black coated options with fitted solid end links. If I could do it over again, I’d still get an Orient, but I’d go with the regular stainless. 

Timex - decent quality and brand is "recognizable" for the young. Though, most are not "strictly" divers by their specs.

As an owner of an Invicta 1953 (the 34333 "Batman" bezel), I highly recommend this for a fun, 40 mm, legible, no-date dive watch that can take a beating (and is a strap monster). The Orient divers are also good choices (but may have difficult strap sizes?) if he's not into vintage-style... the Timex and Seiko's under $200 won't have screw-down crowns and will only be 100m WR.

I'm not aware of any diver with a stainless bezel under $200 (edit: some Vostok's do) other than homage watches from China (e.g., Heimdallr Monster homage, Tactical Frog Doxa homage, Steeldive Willard homage as found at WatchDives dot com).

And get an aftermarket bracelet + a NATO strap + a travel case.

I'm going to suggest a Citizen Promaster Diver. For around $200, you are getting an ISO rated diver's watch with an Eco-Drive movement.

Citizen NY0040 series. 

I'd say start with a Seiko 5 or a Citizen Eco-drive divers. Pick a brand and have a good time choosing between all the models with your son as a bonding time activity.

Gshock...he will eventually end up with one like all of us! 

Scurfa Diver One

Not my review of course but lays it out well

https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/scurfa-watches-review-and-info/

Are you looking for an auto or quartz?

If quartz is ok check out Mathey-Tissot. They’re not related to Tissot of Swatch Group fame but are Swiss based and offer some great entry level watches.

There‘s tons of them on Jomashop on sale now too. 

I picked up this a while back for around the $200 mark and swapped it over to a silicon strap which is incredibly soft and comfortable.

It could be his first Swiss watch too!

if ok with quartz check out the Citizen EcoDrive models. The divers can be a bit big but there are lots to choose from. Cheap, no maintenance and dead accurate. I have one from 18 years ago (perpetual calendar!) that is still going strong.

I also say either Citizen or Orient depending on his preference. I've not owned the BN divers but I did have them for a while, they felt really solid. Only downside is that they come on PU straps, and that the OEM bracelet, although good, are hard to come by.

The Orient Mako II I've had for almost a year now, and it's been great. I'm not that active, especially not teenager guy active, but the watch did see some action this year. I get +20s a day with the watch, which is fine for me but it could be annoying if will be your son's only watch.

There's a small modding community for the Mako as well, if your son is inclined to. The braceler by the way, only tapers by 2mm so an upgrade might be in order for a better taper.

All in all, I think both watches would be great to start with an possibly have a place in a life long collection.

Was going to suggest this as well, a little north of $200 but not by much. A lot of watch for the money.

Out of stock on website, but restocking shortly they say, so an option for Christmas.

Another vote for Casio Duro MDV 106! You could get two watches and an assortment of aftermarket straps/bracelets easily for under 200 (the stock rubber straps are not good). I own a blue one personally, and it's perfect for beach days.

The new Seiko 5 Sport resembles the SKX. Even though it is not an ISO certified diver, is is rated 100m, has a better windable and hackable movement with a longer reserve time. Ok, not a sapphire crystal, but the Seiko Hardex is quite tough, and it can be easily upgraded to sapphire. Looks almost identical to the SKX. It also comes in many flavours. It would also be a great first real watch if he decides to become a collector, as he will always cherish it.

Great suggestion, wow!