What is a good brand to buy for children and teenagers to introduce mechanical ⌚?
This is not an inclusive list, and other brands are welcome in the comments. I tried to have a list of relatively affordable ⌚ that would not be a catastrophic loss if damaged or lost.
Quartz ⌚ are also good introductions to analog time, such as Blok, but are mechanical ⌚ only appropriate for younger adults?
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Sawtelle Gaijin
A Swiss Army Knife.
Member since
Last active: 5 hrs ago
8.27” / 21.00 cm
Seiko 5.
Something with an exhibition caseback.
Intro level Seiko 5. Definately not a Vostok. The wonky crown drives even seasoned collectors crazy.
Seiko 5.
Agree, avoid Vostok, they're not great to put it politely 🙄
All of the ones you listed honestly! I’ve owned all brands except Vostok and there are cool reasonably priced options from each!
Seagull 1963 with an exhibition caseback would be great for this. My first mechanical/automatic was a cheap skeletonized watch from an Amazon dropshipping brand, but I loved looking at the inner workings of this beautiful mechanism (and still do sometimes)
Would say an orient kamasu would be awesome. Its hardy and has 200m WR.
But if you're open to quartz, ita hard to beat a g-shock casioak. They look great, are durable, just an awesome choice.
Seiko and Orient are both good as introductory watches.
While Vostok is pretty niche, it's good only after they know what kind of watch they want to have. Its ugliness is a part of its charm.
A real SeaGull 1963 is around $600 unless you get a knockoff. I'd probably recommend the Orient but maybe you should leave the choice to him. Just don't get a Vostok. If you're going to go Vostok cheap you should just get a Merkur.
A real SeaGull 1963 is around $600 unless you get a knockoff. I'd probably recommend the Orient but maybe you should leave the choice to him. Just don't get a Vostok. If you're going to go Vostok cheap you should just get a Merkur.
I only threw in Vostok to possibly open and tinker with mechanisms.
Otherwise, a Vostok is a disappointing experience.
One can easily overwind them.
I only threw in Vostok to possibly open and tinker with mechanisms.
Otherwise, a Vostok is a disappointing experience.
One can easily overwind them.
You can get a Merkur mechanical and open up the back for about $30.
Depending on the age of the child, I would personally not spend a lot. I know this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but an invicta Pro Diver automatic might fit the size (36mm), cost ($69.90), and automatic (NH35A) bill.
Invicta Pro Diver Automatic Unisex Watch - 36mm, Steel (35848)
Depending on the age of the child, I would personally not spend a lot. I know this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but an invicta Pro Diver automatic might fit the size (36mm), cost ($69.90), and automatic (NH35A) bill.
Invicta Pro Diver Automatic Unisex Watch - 36mm, Steel (35848)
Actually, your suggestion is interesting and something that I did not think.
As far as expense, it does not make sense to spend much for a first ⌚ with youngsters.
Even Seiko prices might be a bit 🫰🏻🫰🏻🫰🏻.
Actually, your suggestion is interesting and something that I did not think.
As far as expense, it does not make sense to spend much for a first ⌚ with youngsters.
Even Seiko prices might be a bit 🫰🏻🫰🏻🫰🏻.
This was my son’s first auto 7 years ago. Now finishing college, it is still one of his favorite watches; one of his beaters.
Vostok or Orient for sure IMO. Affordable and durable, and lots of variety.