Rolex or 1911??

[OmahaTacticalTrng]

We're preparing for our first child this May (boy), and I am thinking I want to buy something special that I can pass down to him at a milestone later in life (ie. college graduation, 18th birthday, etc).

My first thought was to a Rolex or similar timepiece that I could wear and enjoy, always letting him know how special it is and that someday it will be passed down to him, but lately I've been contemplating a nice 1911 instead. I'm talking $2,500+ Ed Brown or something, not a Kimber from Cabelas.

Just curious on what others have done, or contemplated?

[John Chambers]

To me, both are a good choice. But be sure and actually use whichever you choose as a family heirloom needs some history, not wear marks from the safe.

[DopeForWind]

To add to what John said, I would say get the Rolex and wear it, unless you plan to carry the 1911 24/7. Because you are on this forum I'm guessing you carry a glock, so Rolex it is.

[bog]

I think you're on to something but since you asked what I did when my kids were born....... I started a 529 account.

Either of your options sounds great. Right now I have two sons and no Bon Vivant watches so I just tell my wife my first will be a Rolex, second will be Omega, then the kids can fight over who gets which one! I plan for there to be plenty of treasure to go around when I pass so neither should be too disappointed.

All the best for the rest of the pregnancy and pending birth. It's good times, enjoy!

Cheers

[bog]

To add to what John said, I would say get the Rolex and wear it, unless you plan to carry the 1911 24/7. Because you are on this forum I'm guessing you carry a glock, so Rolex it is.

I can get on board with that logic.

Keep in mind whatever you decide your kid will probably spill your wife's nail polish on it, or scratch it up, or maybe one of his jerkoff teenage buddies will rip in off and sell it, or something crazy depending on how much piss and vinegar runs in your family, lol.

[Allen]

Rolex. Wait for something important to happen in his life, like having his first child to give it to him.
Al

[ctdair]

Both son and daughter given mine and wife's stainless Rolex watches on their 21
birthdays. Wife and I then purchased steel and gold Rolex watches. Have also
given both pistols. They like the pistols better.

[Paper Shredder]

Rolex. Wait for something important to happen in his life, like having his first child to give it to him.
Al

Yeah I'd wait atleast until they are out of high school / college or something when they are more mature with either a 1911 or a Rolex.

This does bring up a great point. I think I'm gonna play this card with my wife to get me a new watch!! You are brilliant! Ultimately all of my stuff will get passed down because I never sell anything.

[Danneskjold]

I'd also say Rolex. The more I consider things logically, the more I think heirlooms should be things your heirs won't have to potentially hide or surrender one day.

Which isn't to say you shouldn't still buy lots of weapons for them too.

[45Smashemflat]

To echo a couple of notes, whichever, ensure you use it to the point that it becomes "a piece of Dad" not just "Dad's piece." I have my Dad's Rolex, and his 1911. Now, it's "just a WWII vintage Remington Rand" but it went everywhere with him. Is it super accurate and a big name shop? Nope. But it goes bang when you need it, and if it could talk, it would tell stories. And it will go to his grandson one day. In the meantime, it brings him back to me every time I take it out.

On a similar note, my father was known to carry a simple yellow handled Case knife all the time. I bought him a new one every few Christmas's as needed. I had purchased one for him just before he passed. So, I gave his most recent "used" one to his grandson, my nephew. I gave the new one to my brother-in-law, his father, on the condition that he use it and scar it up as well, then pass it to his son. I know they will both appreciate that and carry on the tradition.

It seems to me weapons make the best heirlooms. Edged weapons, followed by firearms, but that is just me.

[steve_k]

A 1911 made or bought on the day of his birth would be bad ass.

[EDELWEISS]

Well you wont get a Rolex for $2500. A Submariner is gonna be closer to $8500. That being said a 1911 is cool but a Rolex is cooler for this instance. Youll wear it everyday, He'll see it everyday, and his friends will know its a Rolex but will they know about a 1911? Maybe but a quality watch will increase in value at a higher rate than a 1911.

Why not buy the Rolex now and give him a 1911 (better yet build it with him) when hes old enough to carry it....

[BGY]

Being in the luxury watch biz, the only guns I have that increased in value faster than my Rolexes were my Pythons...Unless you have Colt prewar commercial 1911's lying around, Rolex (certainly not all luxury watches by a large margin)trumps 1911.

[chad newton]

Get both in matching colors. That would be bitchen...

[John W in SC]

Whichever you get, follow the advice of those who said to let him see you with it often enough that he associates it with you as his role model. Then, when he is older and you are old (or gone), you will have helped him become either a punctual fellow with a nice watch who is ready, willing and able to give people the time of day, or a warrior man who is ready, willing and able to defend himself and those he loves, should the need arise. Which do you want for your son?

John W in SC

[coastalcop]

Still have gdads 1911 . Still carry it as a bbq gun ( and occasionally on uc detail where the G-lock might be a tell).

Don't know how many watches will still be worn in 20 years ( much as I hate it). I have a few mid high end watches, sold a few, wearing the &($)$;& Fitbit my xo got me last year &;$(&)($.

[OmahaTacticalTrng]

Well I'm running out of time to decide which one to get, and it looks like everyone is pretty well evenly split on input here...

I'm already on board with whatever it is, he will see me with it all the time. I carry a Glock daily, but a nice 1911 would easily be carried on all camping/fishing/outdoors trips... which there will be A LOT of. I've got zero knowledge of 1911's, so some input on brands to look at or stay away from would be appreciated. Lately I've been looking at some Les Baers, Dan Wesson's, and a couple of Springfield TRP models... They all seem to be extremely well fitted and finished, but like I said, I'm no expert on 1911's.

[Hammer27]

I think a rolex is great because he can bring it everywhere he goes.

Springfield TRP is phenomenal, it's probably the best 1911 you can get for the money straight from the factory

[barnetmill]

I agree with many here in a classic watch with appropriate engraving on it. You might need a model 1911 to ensure the security of the rolex.

[Mike Heckathorn]

Well I'm running out of time to decide which one to get, and it looks like everyone is pretty well evenly split on input here...

I'm already on board with whatever it is, he will see me with it all the time. I carry a Glock daily, but a nice 1911 would easily be carried on all camping/fishing/outdoors trips... which there will be A LOT of. I've got zero knowledge of 1911's, so some input on brands to look at or stay away from would be appreciated. Lately I've been looking at some Les Baers, Dan Wesson's, and a couple of Springfield TRP models... They all seem to be extremely well fitted and finished, but like I said, I'm no expert on 1911's.

I love my TRP!

[Mike OTDP]

I'd be inclined to go with the watch, but not a Rolex. My tastes run to IWC, Breitling, and Bremont. And I might hold off...he might do something that warrants a watch with unit markings.

[WinstonSmith]

Use the money to start a college fund... Seriously.

I'm more in line with this, unless it's already taken care of. But here's my twist on it: only save enough for the kid's first two years of college. Make him earn the last part and he'll appreciate it more. I certainly did.

Also, there are only like 5-6 degree programs worth their time: pre-med, pre-law, hard math (and math by itself is somewhat limiting), hard science (physics, biology, chemistry), computer science, and engineering. Maybe accounting. Everything else may as well be underwater basket weaving or "minority gender studies".

[EDELWEISS]

Well Im a fan of the Rolex idea; but if you insist on a nice gun, Id opt for a SIG P210. Its way cooler than a 1911 in my mind. BTW Im still wearing my Rolex GMT that I bought in 1991.

[Paper Shredder]

I'm more in line with this, unless it's already taken care of. But here's my twist on it: only save enough for the kid's first two years of college. Make him earn the last part and he'll appreciate it more. I certainly did.

Also, there are only like 5-6 degree programs worth their time: pre-med, pre-law, hard math (and math by itself is somewhat limiting), hard science (physics, biology, chemistry), computer science, and engineering. Maybe accounting. Everything else may as well be underwater basket weaving or "minority gender studies".

THIS^^^ 100% on the 2 years college. Still by a Rolex and give him the rolex on his wedding day.

I'm not sure how everyone else navigated their late teens and early 20s... probably some were serving our country and some were humping it at a job.

My state of mind was not even remotely close to where it is today in my almost 40s. I was a brat and self absorbed although my parents were humble folks and hard working middle class. The 2 year deal let me transition into independence and I fell a few times as an "adult". I remember thinking 2 years are up, now what? How do I work and pay for school? I ended up working, then liking the money, then not going to school for 2 quarters, then seeing friends progress, then getting my ass in gear. I worked full time and finished college. That defined me as a responsible adult.

I certainly would not have appreciated a rolex or a 1911 as a 20 year old. It would be "cool" but I would not have understood the work that goes into such a valuable item as well as "earning" it through life as there are no "free rides". YMMV, but that's my perspective. I'm having a baby girl May 16, so I'm trying to figure out my "gift" LOL.

[OmahaTacticalTrng]

As to the college fund, it's already taken care of thanks to the GI bill that I haven't used... I figure that will be at least a start, and then he can either get a job and work through school, or join the military and get it paid for. I did both to get my undergrad.

I think I'm leaning towards the 1911 because I envision us using it together, teaching him to shoot, always having it on outdoor activities, etc. The rolex would teach him the value of nice things, but I can do that with so many other items as well. Truth be told, I'll probably get a rolex for myself to celebrate a professional milestone in my career, and then pass that down to him one day as well.

Still looking for some 1911 names to look at... The TRP's feel pretty awesome, and aren't outrageously priced, but some about owning a Les Baer is just appealing to me. Brand envy?

[warriorscience4u]

With literary symbology I'd skip the watch, unless it is already a family heirloom restored.

1911s; Les Baer, ED Brown, or an STI. American made STI's have not failed me yet and they are still affordable, but worth every penny of the LBs or EBs.

Congratulations, must be coming soon? How's the wife doing?

(Go with an EB Kobra Carry)

[Mike OTDP]

Also, there are only like 5-6 degree programs worth their time: pre-med, pre-law, hard math (and math by itself is somewhat limiting), hard science (physics, biology, chemistry), computer science, and engineering.
Yup. I'm helping my nieces through...one graduates from James Madison University with a B.S. in Mathematics. The other is planning on nursing school. I told them point-blank that I'm not putting $10k/year into a basket-weaving program.

[WOLF220]

Me personally, I like the idea of the 1911. Nighthawk custom, les Baer, Ed brown, Wilson combat are all top tier 1911's. Any of which would qualify as heirloom quality weapons.

[TACC]

I told all 3 of my kids I will pay for 4 years of college at a 4 year university. If they choose to do the community college route the first 2 years they pay that bill on their own.
I have 2 with their bachelor's and one graduating in 2 weeks with a master's from fsu that she paid for on her own while working 40 hours a week.

I agree with the Rolex idea to be willed to them in remberence.

I also agree with getting a shooter to spend time with them, and not exactly a safe queen but regardless of the cost one that is reliable and will take care of business if needed.

Sent from the TACC OPS Center

[kabar]

My best bud showed up at the hospital with a suspiciously long and narrow package the day my oldest boy was born. It turned out to be a Red Ryder BB gun for the boy's "birth day."

Why not buy him a nice .22 target pistol. Later you can tell him the first time take him to go shooting, "This is yours. It bought it for you when you where born. Someday when you're grown and have shown me you're a man and ready to handle a man's responsibility, I'll be passing it on to you.

[StarFire]

OK, I'm a little late to the party. I think you need to do it all.

Get yourself a Rolex, and a 1911 Wilson or whatever if you like. Wear the Rolex, shoot the gun.

Everyone needs a Rolex (I have ahem, several) but I mostly wear an Omega or a Seiko. How embarrassing.

And everyone needs a 1911 (I lost count). But I carry a Glock. :hail:

Meantime, fund his college account and let him buy his own watches until he's old enough to appreciate fine instruments, like age 30, then give them to him.

Unless he becomes a doctor, then let HIM buy YOU a new watch, maybe a house too.

If he becomes a lawyer... change your name and move. :laughing:

[c.helm]

1911 because if you put 300 rounds + though a Rolex, it would be worthless.... :)


http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/Nframe/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfk2cri4c.jpg (http://s743.photobucket.com/user/Nframe/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsfk2cri4c.jpg.html)

[WinstonSmith]

Another aspect is is that you may want to invest in their education before college. A strong, private HS thst emphasizes academics pays off in scholarships and success. Don't overlook tutoring, SAT/ACT prep and outstanding GPA performance now.

Ding ding ding! (Ringing bells with me.) My wife and I are going to be doing exactly this. I was fortunate enough to have an exceptional private high school experience, and we plan on sending our little ones through the exact same school. It costs about the same as college tuition at a state school, but I was better educated there than I was as an undergraduate. It definitely sets you up to succeed. We have time, but have been thinking about private high school on mom's and dad's bill and maybe all of college on the kid's bill-- not because we couldn't do it, but because they need to appreciate it and want it.

Speed, curious for any other degree programs you might add to my list.

[Forklift]

My first thought, was/is education, but with the state of todays educational system, I have reservations. Granted there are some great schools out there, my kids went to a classical Christian school with a college model, they were heads and tails above their friends that attended government schools.

The Rolex will always be available, but 1911's may not be..

[BillyOblivion]

Everyone needs a Rolex (I have ahem, several) but I mostly wear an Omega or a Seiko. How embarrassing.

Really?

I wear a casio, timex or Seiko, and I'm not embarrassed a *bit*. Watches--once you pass the timex level--are trinkets. Learning to ride, to shoot straight and to speak the truth (and when to keep your mouth shut--something he didn't quite pass on) that is enough.

My father barely left anything when he died, but by then he's already given me the greatest gifts he could--the value of working hard, solving problems, honesty and integrity and being self-reliant.

None of my dads guns really interested me, but about 15 years after he died I pulled his old worm drive circular saw, added oil, changed the blade and built my wife a planter box that she ignored.

[kabar]

Really?

I wear a casio, timex or Seiko, and I'm not embarrassed a *bit*. Watches--once you pass the timex level--are trinkets. Learning to ride, to shoot straight and to speak the truth (and when to keep your mouth shut--something he didn't quite pass on) that is enough.


I found it interesting to learn that the reason behind the super fancy watch originating out of Geneva Switzerland was largely due to Calvinism and the reformation. A good Christian would not wear "worldly" jewelry as it was prideful and probably sinful... but a really, really good watch, though expensive, was something useful and not just merely ostentatious. Heck, it could even help you get to church services on time.

[Huntindoc]

I have bought a bottle of Dom Perignon for each of my children (vintage year of their birth) and keep them in my wine cellar. I also have bought them a mint proof silver eagle coin each year of their lives since they were born. I give it too them at Christmas and keep it for them in the safe. I like the idea of the Rolex but I find that most of my watches look pretty beat up after about 5 years or so. Even with sapphire crystal, the housing gets pretty worn.

Ultimately, the child will decide what item of yours is meaningful to them after you are gone. It might be a watch or your hammer or a gun or something you would never expect.

[coastalcop]

As to the college fund, it's already taken care of thanks to the GI bill that I haven't used... I figure that will be at least a start, and then he can either get a job and work through school, or join the military and get it paid for. I did both to get my undergrad.

I think I'm leaning towards the 1911 because I envision us using it together, teaching him to shoot, always having it on outdoor activities, etc. The rolex would teach him the value of nice things, but I can do that with so many other items as well. Truth be told, I'll probably get a rolex for myself to celebrate a professional milestone in my career, and then pass that down to him one day as well.

Still looking for some 1911 names to look at... The TRP's feel pretty awesome, and aren't outrageously priced, but some about owning a Les Baer is just appealing to me. Brand envy?


As An aside, if your home of record was Texas look at Hazlewood Act as well (there are discussions about making some changes to Hazelwood, but to my knowledge they haven't happened yet). If your boy goes to a Public institution in Texas (My boy is at A&M college station) Hazlewood takes care of the tuition portion of the bill (all other fees, dorm, books, labs etc. are on you)

[Paper Shredder]

Business, Finance, Economics, get yourself set up for an MBA as well, with a minor in a useful language for international business. Finance majors with excellent performance do well.

The OP needs to buy a very nice and thoughtful gift for mother before doing anything that we have suggested.

Agree on all fronts... MBA only after some time in the ditches though.... the millennials that I see in my business with MBAs think its an automatic $50k bump for a piece of paper. I love seeing them short circuit when finding out that not everything fits a perfect business case model that they ran in B school.

Yes, and definitely a gift... but this whole "push present" deal with women these days..... seems like consumerism has hit again. I don't agree with it, but have to fall in line to keep the peace. I'll just buy my SI RMR slide as my "holding hands while wife is pushing" present.

[OmahaTacticalTrng]

We're squared away with Mom's present after baby comes...

I was really narrowing down the choices, until yesterday... I went to LGS and the guy started showing me some bare metal frames/slides/barrels that they sell and offer custom gunsmithing to make a finished product, one of a kind hand crafted type deal, or they also will offer their services/expertise to help me build my own... Talk about something to pass down, a 1911 custom built by Dad...

He was very upfront to warn me that his undertaking would be very large, and I'd probably ruin at least a part or two as tweaked them to fit.. BUT, if I had the patience and time to do it right, it would truly be a one of a kind piece and something with an awesome story to tell him.

SO... what say you guys? Who here has built a 1911? How hard was it?

[Greg Nichols]

could always inlay a Rolex into the grips

[Moooks]

could always inlay a Rolex into the grips
Damn... that's pimpin...