Mechanical watches for kids
Hello Watch crunchers, I was hoping that somebody could help me with a gift idea. I have an employee that has two small children and one of them is fascinated with Watches. I showed him how my mechanical watch works and he’s just absolutely entranced by it. He has a twin so I would need to buy two of these, if I was going to get one as a gift for him, I would have to buy two
. They are both only six years old, so they are still a little guys. I cannot for the life of me find a starter or kids mechanical watch that would be cheap enough to buy for both of them, but allow them to see how it works and have some fun with owning a mechanical watch. Does anyone have any suggestions?
My watch collecting journey started at seven years old when my grandfather, let me take apart a mechanical watch he had that didn’t work anymore. I started off with a Hamilton and Khaki field in my la...
I think Aliexpress is your best bet here. So many fun options that they can bang around for not much money. If they were a little older / bigger I would suggest the Seagull 1963 because of the caseback but the winding is a little advanced and they are big watches. I would look at what deals you can find from Pagani, San Martin, Addiesdive etc. Perfect use of what they have to offer.
I’d hit AliExpress. Maybe a popular Chinese microbrand like Cadisen, Merkur, etc. Jody from Just One More Watch has a ton of reviews for inexpensive mechanical watches that would be perfect.
Swatch has some really nice options.
I like the Ali express idea but all the watches are huge. Most 44mm only a few 40 mm
Go to eBay and search Boys mechanical watch. Find everything from Tudor to Timex. Women’s watches work today if the style is right. 25-28mm is a good fit.
I gave my 7yo daughter an old hibeat Seiko that’s 25mm.
What about Seiko 5 SNK8*** models? These are the quintessential entry level auto. They are on the smaller side, they are robust and can be bought quite cheaply these days in many fun colours..
Make sure to check out Blok Watches! Their 33 mm is amazing and made just for kids. It’s a Swiss Made watch too! Not open caseback but will spark that appreciation!
Amazing. Encourage them to learn about the mechanics by assembling a clock! I can personally vouch for this one:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2vxypKsBDJ/?igsh=MWF5cW1iOHU1MTcweQ==
Amazing. Encourage them to learn about the mechanics by assembling a clock! I can personally vouch for this one:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2vxypKsBDJ/?igsh=MWF5cW1iOHU1MTcweQ==
That’s super cool. Where are they sold? I could find anything on the instagram page
I called the name of it out in the description if you click it - it’s sold by a bunch of different retailers if you google it but the shipping really varies. No better way to learn about a wheel train and mainspring. You can do it a few times and try it without the instructions too. Just don’t overwind - I had a friend bust their mainspring. It’s not meant to keep good time, just for the experience.
My suggestion would be simple 38 mm Tandorio SKX013 copies from AliExpress. ~$50 a pop. Get a couple and then put SKX exhibition backs on them.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805760919365.html
If you want to do extra, maybe get a couple of NATOs from CNS on the cheap for them to switch out and stuff?
What about Seiko 5 SNK8*** models? These are the quintessential entry level auto. They are on the smaller side, they are robust and can be bought quite cheaply these days in many fun colours..
This was my thought as well. I think something with an open case back is gonna be great for little ones. My son enjoys seeing all the parts. Heck, my partner and I do too!
Plus, a seiko will last ages and can be repaired if needed.
I cant believe I am suggesting this as I do not own any, but the moonswatches are very fun and might plant a seed !
It's gonna be hard to find a cheaper skeleton watch in a very small size. I would just get them a timex https://timex.com/collections/kids-watches
You can pick up some older Swatch automatics fairly cheap. The casebacks are see through with designs that kids like and can see the movements.
I got one of these. Super fun to wear, and easily cheap enough for 6 year olds! Might be on the large side, but it's worth it.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPm6Vmm
I got one of these. Super fun to wear, and easily cheap enough for 6 year olds! Might be on the large side, but it's worth it.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPm6Vmm
41mm???
41mm???
I know, I know, it's pretty big for a kid. But also only $13 shipped, and it really is fun. Maybe consider a cheap skeletonized pocket watch. I got one with the same movement (I did a hand swap on them). Still get to see everything without spending much, and size isn't an issue since it's not worn on the wrist. Just a thought anyways.
Since you want a mechanical one, then you can find vintage Mickey Mouse watches like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145622785685?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28
Sistem 51 swatch!
A seagul 1963 is a good starter for everyone even for the kids in my opinion…and the caseback on seagul is the best mechanical view you can have for the price…get 2 of them and they will remember their journey
How about the swatch x blanc pain??
I’d go to Jomashop and search for sub-37mm Seikos. Here’s an example: 36mm, automatic movement, exhibition caseback so they can see the beating heart, $120… what more could you want?
https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-snkd99k1s.html
My son just got this at his 10 year birthday. Very nice that it has also a glass back side.
My son just got this at his 10 year birthday. Very nice that it has also a glass back side.
What is price point? Reference number?
What is price point? Reference number?
310€ Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ83K1
Look at the #swatch #sistem51 watches. A mechanical watch with 51 parts and an exhibition case back.
Well, this is what I needed up with. Sort of a gp Laureato rip off. It will be big for them but at least they can see the movement…..