I’m a big fan of my Sinn 836, and it falls somewhere in that price range if you can find one. The Sinn 104 and 105 are also highly regarded tool watches with a small but very loyal cult following. They’re known for minimal design, feats of engineering and rugged utility, and the look of their watches really appeals to me.

Watchbuys is their US authorized seller and they have quite a range of features and colors.

Watches I don’t own but want to that would have been great to start with:

Certina DS PH200m - around $1000

Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope - a little over $2000

Oris makes some beautiful divers around that price range, tons of colors and designs and sizes.

This is a great question and will be a great gift. Do you have a style in mind? Dive, dress, sport?

If there’s a chance it ends up being his only nice watch (for a while), I’d get a medium-sized dive watch that isn’t too thick. Dives are more appropriate with suits than ever, and they are easily the most versatile for everything right up until white tie formal (and even for that if you pull it off). By keeping it under 42mm, you’ll keep it as versatile as possible too. Even with divers accepted with suits, real oversized ones may still stand out. Black will also be good for maximum wearability.

As for a specific watch, I’d recommend something that a limited release in the year of your son’s birth. Doesn’t have to be extremely difficult to get, but even if it’s 1 or 10K or something, that’ll be a good way to ensure it’s still pretty valuable and exciting in 18 years. You’ll also want an automatic with a precise movement for the same reason. Automatic movements will get only more accurate, and you don’t want to give something obsolete, so chronograph level precision or close would be a great thing to look for.

I think the right Seikos are about the best value for the dollar in the $3000 range, but there are a lot of great options. Longines makes some great pieces too.

One other that I’d consider that goes against pretty much all of the above is if you can find a good deal on a Cartier Santos. As a sporty but slim and sleek watch, it may be the most versatile piece out there when it comes to styleability/being able to wear it in all contexts/levels of formality. Used ones are still likely to be above $3k, but great deals pop up sometimes.

I got a Tag Heuer Carrera 02 for my son. Beautiful watch

@pepesueco

https://images.app.goo.gl/5QRHHWqGCKY383Z3A

Can’t share a picture on Memmy for some reason or reply to comments, it’s this watch. Had it for two years and it’s a dream. I’ll figure out how to post a pic via browser

Can definitely recommend these ones: https://www.seriouswatches.com/products/raymond-weil-freelancer-diver-2775-st1-20051

They should be in stock in many stores all around the world, the link is just for model reference.

I have been wearing them for the past year or so, zero complaints. They might be on a heavier side though as it’s full metal build including the strap, keep in mind.

How they look:

First I wouldn’t. Watches might not be fashionable in 20-30 years.

Second: Something truly timeless. Not any of the current trends, something neutral in size and design.

Also something not too sporty or dressy.

Personnal choice : I’d stay away from “Swiss” swatch group which are really overpriced.

Top choices:

• Junghans Max Bill series.
• Seiko prospex (at least you are sure the watch will run for a long tome)

Other

• Damasko DC70
• Muhle teutonia or panova

Maybe a high end Chinese watch as the period of their birth is China’s time.