Thinking of a going back to gen submariner to one day hand down to my son

[danielv2000]

I initially stumbled upon the rep world after doing research on telling the difference between gen and rep. I subsequently purchased a gen submariner 16610 and wore it proudly for 3-4 months.

Later, as unforeseen expenses crept up, I sold it and picked up a first of many subs and many reps I have bought and sold since joining this wonderful community. Today, while I have many reps, I do not have a plain black 16610 sub. I've been thinking about getting a nice old beater gen sub from the mid-90's with lug holes. While I am impressed with the quality of reps (I own several BK watches) and am tempted by TCs new offering, I would not mind picking up a gen sub which I would pass down to my boy. He's getting a little older and I see him looking at it from time to time. Nothing wrong with passing down a Franken with gen movement either, it's just that a gen is still a gen... I would probably leave him all my watches assuming that they last that long! All have Swiss movements and when I finally get to all my projects, many will have gen movements as well.

Am I off here? Should I just wait until he gets into his teenage years and discuss the CGs and pearls in addition to birds and bees? If I had built all these watches myself, I would see it differently as he would appreciate my labor of building them. Unfortunately, I am no builder or modder.

Your input is truly valued!

[woof*]

Nothing wrong with wanting and buying a gen, after all..a gen is a gen.

As far as handing down, I personally wouldn't hand down a rep..with one exception: if the son and I both enjoyed the hobby together.

Gens and reps are two different things. I owned a 16610 and a Dj in the the early 90's and before that a few Omegas. I had to sell almost everything I owned to get through a bad divorce. I doubt I will ever have the extra money to spend on nice watches as I did back then and that's what drew me here.

I'd say if you have the extra money and have the desire..buy a nice watch that fits your hand down plan and don't look back.

[panerai153]

I agree 100% with woof. Unless your son shares your hobby, handing down reps could end up being a real embarrassment to him later on. Of course who knows what lies ahead 30-40 years from now. However if you are my age, and leaving this old orb is much closer now than coming into the world, I wouldn't leave my son any reps unless we had a long talk about what they are, and what he could do with them later if he wants to get rid of them. Fortunately for me, my son knows about reps, wears a rep SSD and is very happy with it. He knows that he can't sell it on Ebay!!

By all means get a nice old 16610 take care of it and at some appropriate time, pass it on to your son. Hopefully he will share your love of watches, and appreciate it as a treasured gift from dad.

[Akira]

I think the whole heirloom idea is great.

However, I personally wouldn't go for a 16610 - most common Rolex there is.

A nice 1680, if you want a date, otherwise a 5513.

I know I would be happier to get something a little more unique than the "entry level" luxury watch.

Hell, I say everyone wearing a Planet Ocean has put more thought into his choice of watch then everyone wearing a 16610.

In Manhattan, every 15th man on the street is wearing that sub.

[danielv2000]

Guys, thanks for the input. I agree that I would never knowingly embarrass by son! I would definitely explain everything to him and hopefully, he grows up and appreciates this hobby as I have come to enjoy it.

However, I personally wouldn't go for a 16610 - most common Rolex there is.

A nice 1680, if you want a date, otherwise a 5513.

I know I would be happier to get something a little more unique than the "entry level" luxury watch.

Good point! I've even considered a vintage Tudor Sub or Chronograph.

I had to sell almost everything I owned to get through a bad divorce.

I'd say if you have the extra money and have the desire..buy a nice watch that fits your hand down plan and don't look back.

Sorry to hear that Woof. That last piece of advice is how I've tried to live my life. Enjoy every moment and never look back!

[InDenial]

A few years ago I went through my mid-life and spent a lot of money finding my way out. One of the things I bought was a gen Speedmaster Pro--manual wind, hesalite crystal--because I was always fascinated with astronomy. I made a promise at the time that I was buying it for my first male heir. I figured with proper care, it could last longer than I did.

Since then, I've had a son so now I know who I'm going to give the watch to and I look forward to it when the time is right.

For myself, I'm buying reps because that's what I can afford and they give me pleasure. I don't think there's anything wrong introducing your son to the world of reps if he's already shown an interest. He can share your appreciation of watches and maybe develop his own. Who knows, maybe he'll grow up and buy a gen for you!

[JoeyB]

I gave my son a 'noob mariner' for graduation from high school. He'll be 24 next month, home for the summer, and we went to a family party Sunday. He was wearing that watch. He has put it through Hell while going to school in Hawaii, even cliff diving with it. It looks it's age and then some, all 'natural' wear and tear. He'll have his big degree soon, and I told him that when he lands that position he's working on, he can buy me a genuine GMT. He said 'Sure Dad. I'll just get it back anyway when you croak'. Brought a tear to my eye.

As Harry Chapin sang,

"And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me

My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin' home son?

I don't know when, but we'll get together then son

You know we'll have a good time then"

They grow up far too fast. That's a fact.

[mir36]

For men in a family, watches create a bond across generations.

I'm definitely into handing down birth-year subs. I purchased a gen 16600 (tritium) made in my elder son's birth year as my daily beater, with an eye to giving it to him after he graduates from university. However, now I am leaning towards holding onto it a bit longer and giving it to him when he's 30. Instead, when he graduates, I plan on giving him another sub made in my younger son's birth year. Hopefully he will be more careful with it given the knowledge that he has to pass it down to his younger brother.

A final benefit is the scheme definitely passes muster when I have to explain to my wife why I need more watches. I'm still looking for my own birth-year sub.

[JoeyB]

I never much cared for my birth-year sub.

[mir36]

I never much cared for my birth-year sub.

Classic! If I remember correctly that's a rune-serial!

[6now]

If you can afford it, get the gen and pass it on to your son. Everyone, whether you're a criminal or a saint, wants the best for their kids.

[Eiderdaus]

My 16610 will stay with me untill i leave this Planet and when my son is born i will buy him a new Sub from his birth year and hand it over when he is 18.

[kbh]

My son is in his early 30's and he's seen all my watches displayed in my office and has never mentioned anything about any of them. Not even a comment on "why so many watches, Dad". He wears a gen mid priced quartz of a somewhat well known but forgettable brand.

I guess my point is, don't be surprised is your son grows up and has no interest in your watches, either gen or rep.

[panerai153]

I never much cared for my birth-year sub.

The only birth date subs that were around when I was born were real submarines. Rolex subs were over ten years away.

[PGWDaddy]

My little man is turning 3 in about a month. He already has the bug; always wants to wear daddy's watches. Good times, gents! Good times.

Edited July 11, 2012 by PGWDaddy

[danielv2000]

Brought a tear to my eye.

As Harry Chapin sang,

"And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me

My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

When you comin' home son?

I don't know when, but we'll get together then son

You know we'll have a good time then"

They grow up far too fast. That's a fact.

Great song! Every time I hear that song on a classic radio station, I think of my boy!! At least, the good part of growing up just like me!

Its still early but was thinking of a watch as a high school graduation gift. That's why a sapphire watch makes more sense to me given he will be only 16 at that time. Maybe I am misinterpreting his glancing at my wrist when he's just looking at my bracelet or my rings!!

[InDenial]

Great song! Every time I hear that song on a classic radio station, I think of my boy!! At least, the good part of growing up just like me!

It's a catchy song, but I find it depressing--LOL.

[red series 3]

It is a very depressing song but so haunting with its ability to endear itself to everyone and their experience growing up.

I think it is the ultimate gift and i don't care that a 16610 is common. Who could ever have predicted the watches that are valuable now.

Maybe the last lug holed 16610 will be sought after in the future.

But the value will come from the giving of the watch not its potential sale price.

[JoeyB]

For me the song is not really depressing, but really hits all my buttons. It is about the realities of life. While the realities of being north of middle age might get me annoyed, it surely beats the alternative that so many I've known have met. I've been very fortunate, and got to see my Son grow to be a man. And like those before me, when told how fast that would go I paid no mind. Maybe the song, and a post, might slow others a bit to savor more. The human condition is such a silly thing.

[chocho]

I initially stumbled upon the rep world after doing research on telling the difference between gen and rep. I subsequently purchased a gen submariner 16610 and wore it proudly for 3-4 months.

Later, as unforeseen expenses crept up, I sold it and picked up a first of many subs and many reps I have bought and sold since joining this wonderful community. Today, while I have many reps, I do not have a plain black 16610 sub. I've been thinking about getting a nice old beater gen sub from the mid-90's with lug holes. While I am impressed with the quality of reps (I own several BK watches) and am tempted by TCs new offering, I would not mind picking up a gen sub which I would pass down to my boy. He's getting a little older and I see him looking at it from time to time. Nothing wrong with passing down a Franken with gen movement either, it's just that a gen is still a gen... I would probably leave him all my watches assuming that they last that long! All have Swiss movements and when I finally get to all my projects, many will have gen movements as well.

Am I off here? Should I just wait until he gets into his teenage years and discuss the CGs and pearls in addition to birds and bees? If I had built all these watches myself, I would see it differently as he would appreciate my labor of building them. Unfortunately, I am no builder or modder.

Your input is truly valued!

Your Post inspired me to share my experience,

My father just passed away this last march and left me his gen 16803 that he wore everyday for the last 20 years it was never serviced and he basically took it off just to sleep. As you can imagine when I got it it was in terrible shape. I had no idea what a 16803 was and while i've always liked watches I knew very little about dismantling them and building them. The more I started to dive into reading about the 16803 and how to take apart the watch the more intrigued I became and the more I started to read and study up on TRF, VRF and here on RWG I ended up ordering a complete set of watch tools ( case openers, crystal removers, hand removers and pressers etc.) and took the watch completely apart I bought new gen hands , gen end links and new gen BI from my local rolex dealer I ordered a Serti slate dial which I love and a ThomasPerik case back which i also fell in love with I know its not for everyone. I put the watch together my self after studding every step carefully and then had my watchmaker give it a full service and polish. The end result after about $1200 and alot of studding and TLC, I have a watch that is very near and dear to my heart that reminds me everyday of the type man my father was and helps to guide me in my everyday decisions in the sence that I try to think how would my father have handeled this situation being that I have a constant reminder of him on my wrist, as well some thing special that I can one day pass down to my future son or daughter. Not to mention I have discovered a new found love for this wonderful hobby of watch making, I just ordered a cheap $15 automatic jap watch to practice taking apart and rebuilding a movement and as some of you know from my other thread am in the middle of planning my first build a 6538 Big Crown. Just thought Id share my own personal story specially since I just got her back from the shop yesterday she's ready for another 20y of abuse =). Pics bellow sorry orig pics were from my phone that's why they suck. Oh and by the way im 34 i defiantly appreciate the watch and what it means to me now way more than I would have at 24, my 2 cents fort the poster thinking of handing the watch down to his son when hes 30. Still waiting for my gen end links incase any1 was wondering had to put some aftermarkets cause orig were damaged and lose was afraid watch would fall off.

Original Condition 20y of wear and tear:

New Pieces and restored watch ready ti take a lickin:

[Cromag]

What great stories!Especially this one, to me. It must have been very cathartic personally rebuilding your fathers watch. You did a great job too. It looks stunning!

Your Post inspired me to share my experience,

My father just passed away this last march and left me his gen 16803 that he wore everyday for the last 20 years it was never serviced and he basically took it off just to sleep. As you can imagine when I got it it was in terrible shape. I had no idea what a 16803 was and while i've always liked watches I knew very little about dismantling them and building them. The more I started to dive into reading about the 16803 and how to take apart the watch the more intrigued I became and the more I started to read and study up on TRF, VRF and here on RWG I ended up ordering a complete set of watch tools ( case openers, crystal removers, hand removers and pressers etc.) and took the watch completely apart I bought new gen hands , gen end links and new gen BI from my local rolex dealer I ordered a Serti slate dial which I love and a ThomasPerik case back which i also fell in love with I know its not for everyone. I put the watch together my self after studding every step carefully and then had my watchmaker give it a full service and polish. The end result after about $1200 and alot of studding and TLC, I have a watch that is very near and dear to my heart that reminds me everyday of the type man my father was and helps to guide me in my everyday decisions in the sence that I try to think how would my father have handeled this situation being that I have a constant reminder of him on my wrist, as well some thing special that I can one day pass down to my future son or daughter. Not to mention I have discovered a new found love for this wonderful hobby of watch making, I just ordered a cheap $15 automatic jap watch to practice taking apart and rebuilding a movement and as some of you know from my other thread am in the middle of planning my first build a 6538 Big Crown. Just thought Id share my own personal story specially since I just got her back from the shop yesterday she's ready for another 20y of abuse =). Pics bellow sorry orig pics were from my phone that's why they suck. Oh and by the way im 34 i defiantly appreciate the watch and what it means to me now way more than I would have at 24, my 2 cents fort the poster thinking of handing the watch down to his son when hes 30. Still waiting for my gen end links incase any1 was wondering had to put some aftermarkets cause orig were damaged and lose was afraid watch would fall off.

Original Condition 20y of wear and tear:

New Pieces and restored watch ready ti take a lickin:

[chocho]

Thxs Cromag the project has definatly helped me to get through theses rough months, I cant wait for my endlinks tho these crapy aftermarket POS are driving me crazy

[danielv2000]

Your Post inspired me to share my experience,

My father just passed away this last march and left me his gen 16803 that he wore everyday for the last 20 years it was never serviced and he basically took it off just to sleep. As you can imagine when I got it it was in terrible shape. I had no idea what a 16803 was and while i've always liked watches I knew very little about dismantling them and building them. The more I started to dive into reading about the 16803 and how to take apart the watch the more intrigued I became and the more I started to read and study up on TRF, VRF and here on RWG I ended up ordering a complete set of watch tools ( case openers, crystal removers, hand removers and pressers etc.) and took the watch completely apart I bought new gen hands , gen end links and new gen BI from my local rolex dealer I ordered a Serti slate dial which I love and a ThomasPerik case back which i also fell in love with I know its not for everyone. I put the watch together my self after studding every step carefully and then had my watchmaker give it a full service and polish. The end result after about $1200 and alot of studding and TLC, I have a watch that is very near and dear to my heart that reminds me everyday of the type man my father was and helps to guide me in my everyday decisions in the sence that I try to think how would my father have handeled this situation being that I have a constant reminder of him on my wrist, as well some thing special that I can one day pass down to my future son or daughter. Not to mention I have discovered a new found love for this wonderful hobby of watch making, I just ordered a cheap $15 automatic jap watch to practice taking apart and rebuilding a movement and as some of you know from my other thread am in the middle of planning my first build a 6538 Big Crown. Just thought Id share my own personal story specially since I just got her back from the shop yesterday she's ready for another 20y of abuse =). Pics bellow sorry orig pics were from my phone that's why they suck. Oh and by the way im 34 i defiantly appreciate the watch and what it means to me now way more than I would have at 24, my 2 cents fort the poster thinking of handing the watch down to his son when hes 30. Still waiting for my gen end links incase any1 was wondering had to put some aftermarkets cause orig were damaged and lose was afraid watch would fall off.

Mate, thanks for the post. Heart-warming story and a great watch. I like what you did with the watch, adding a beautiful serti dial and transparent case back. Your dad is with you every second of the day.

[InDenial]

My father just passed away this last march and left me his gen 16803 that he wore everyday for the last 20 years it was never serviced and he basically took it off just to sleep.

Sorry to hear about your father and thank you for sharing your story. As a father myself, it's heartwarming to hear how you can take a simple object and make it so meaningful. You did a great job with the watch and it's nice to see how your father can have some positive influence even when he's not there.

[InDenial]

Maybe the song, and a post, might slow others a bit to savor more. The human condition is such a silly thing.

As you say, that's probably what makes this song so good. For me, it served as a warning and reminder and I promised myself long ago that I would never be like that man in the song.