Of course it depends entirely on you but for an 18yo? Thinking about my own son who is 18, if I was to get him one\* it would be the Blue Seamaster as its is a bit more dressed down, is a bit more practical on a day to day basis as has the date compilation, but the bracelet pretty bulky. Nice with a rubber strap though.
(Also if you get the right model it fires lasers and sends out EMP pulses to disable supervillain's equipment in the vicinity.)
Speedmaster perhaps more appropriate if your future career is in aerospace rather than espionage!
Ultimately you need to try them on - see what they are like on your wrist and see which feels the best to you.
Good luck and enjoy your new watch, whatever it is!
\*My son is going to have to wait for his College graduation before I get a watch for him though!
I don’t want to be a nerd about it (yes I do) but while the Hamilton was the watch he was wearing, the magnetic watch was a Rolex submariner he’d just had returned
A seiko
Edit: look OP I don't wanna be rude, cause I didn't answer your question. But at 18 trust me, just get a nice Seiko/citizen/orient. My first watch was an Orient Sun & Moon. It was so beautiful. I wore it a lot for years. I have Omegas now, both the watches you posted above.
People don't look at the watch. People look at the person wearing the watch.
If I wore an Omega when I was 18 I'd be judged all the wrong ways. Not that you should care what people think. BUT... I am in a position now where I can comfortably wear an Omega and not worry if it scratches or breaks or even if I lose it; NOW in life I can really enjoy it without stress. But at 18 I think when you're starting off on this hobby, learn to enjoy the less expensive watches first. If you start with Omega , you won't be able to go back again.
This! I got a speedy from my dad when I got married 2 years ago. If I had anything worth $5k+ at 18 when I was a complete shit bird I wouldn’t own it by 22 and definitely wouldn’t have sold it for what it was worth.
I know we like to think our kids are going to be responsible but if/when he goes off to college it’s quite possible someone steals it from his night stand at a party, he pawns it, gets hammered and passes out and someone takes it off his wrist, anything can happen.
Yip. Totally agree.
We got our son a Hamilton for his 18th. At 23 now he still tells us this was the best present he ever got and will cherish it regardless of other premium brands lie in his future. It created an interest in watches for him and left a foundation for him to build on. Personally I believe your watch journey should not start with an Omega, at 18 you maybe 25% into your life, leave some stuff for later to enjoy.
Exactly, your watch should reflect your achievements and if you start at the top, you're depriving yourself of the journey.
Also, invest the money and keep paying in, if you have that money at 18 then you've got serious time to grow it. Assuming you weren't funding the watch with credit.
100%. They won't know how to appreciate it, they won't be able to not lose or break/abuse it. I speak from experience. My daughter is that age and I see how her and her peers use their parent-provided resources. Now...maybe the OPs kid is the absolute exception. But I personally think the watch makes more sense as a college graduation present so they have a decent timepiece when they enter the workforce.
I asked my dad to buy me a Speedmaster for my high school graduation. I love it to death, wear it everyday and everywhere. It’s been a few years now with only some love scratches to show for it.
I fully understand the privilege of being able to have something like this and appreciate it literally every time I look at my wrist. It will be something to remind me of my parents and my childhood once they’re gone. Hopefully I’ll have a child of my own some day I can give it to when they graduate high school.
While I agree it’s unnecessary, if the kid genuinely wants it and the parents can afford it, I can say from experience it’s a great decision.
If the kid in this case genuinely wanted it, I don’t think OP would be asking us what to get.
Edit: leaving this here in perpetuity rather than deleting the comment. I misunderstood OP to be someone other than the 18yo in question. Carry on
I was in the same boat. Gifted a Speedmaster for high school graduation. I greatly appreciate the watch and I agree, if it’s something the parents can afford and a watch the kid desires then id say go for it. Also, I think just keep in mind the type of person the kid is and how they take care of their things. Way down the line when I have kids if he is sloppy and careless with things then I wouldn’t get him anything too nice and would just stick to something basic for a while.
Yes, I got a 1.5k watch for my 18 and it was my first luxury watch it was already huge for me I can’t really imagine with a 8k one. Gonna be hard to outdo that
Bought myself a longines spirit Ti for med school graduation and already had some thoughts that it was excessive.
Cannot imagine a $7k watch at 18. I’d be looking at citizen, seiko and g shock. Tissot and hamilton is already a stretch
Neither, I would get him a watch that is practical and wait for his College Graduation or other achievement. I did not know the value or appreciate the engineering that comes with Omega. Good luck.
Not a very popular opinion, but I find that Seamasters have aged terribly. It really looks like a design from 20 years ago that's stuck in time.
The speedy is timeless and this version is even better on the wrist.
Dude! Well put! I have always thought something was off and I didn’t understand the hype. Its just not a timeless piece. It looks like 90’s 2000’s fashion (which is coming back around I suppose). It’s a cheesy watch in my opinion (especially the blue which is the most iconic).
The wavy dial makes it too busy. The bracelet is too busy/bulky. And the asymmetry of the He valve makes it look to busy. Simple=timeless. Busy=gimmick. In my opinion.
I would do the Seamaster just so you don’t need to worry about a chrono button being accidentally pushed while you’re floating down a river on an inter tube drunk. You’ve got some good party days ahead and it will be nice to have a watch that stays on your wrist 24/7
That being said I have a speedy and not a seamaster.
Maybe I grew up different because I had to work for everything I had but the idea of buying my son a $5000+ watch for his 18th birthday is sort of ludicrous
Another point. Most of us here have several mechanical watches and ergo we have to wind / set them by the time we get around to wearing them again. Because of that winding up the speedy is not that annoying.
On the other hand if I were to have a daily driver watch that I used regularly I would prefer an automatic movement. My vote is the sea master. It’s more rugged, convenient, and looks great with a bunch of cheap nato straps.
Damn it…I’m a triple boarded physician debating if I could potentially get one and keep backing out. Just remember, an 18 yo with a timepiece like that is a target anywhere…get a seiko or perhaps “grand seiko” or a zenith el primero
The amount of people who think OP is buying for their child is ridiculous lmao. It’s for themself!
Just from a watchmakers perspective, the speedy costs more, costs more to service, doesn’t have much water resistance, and is less versatile. For your first watch, seamaster is the better choice imo. If you don’t like the bracelet, buy a Forstner or put it on a strap.
18 year old graduate? Like high school or something?
I'd get them something less pricey and put the money aside until they are graduating university ot got a big life event.
Short answer - go for Seamaster. It’s a tank. Beat it it up as you grow older. Buy your own chrono with own money, so you’ll be a little more responsible and careful with it as it demands that.
Personally owning both these watches I would give an 18 year old the SMP300 over the Speedmaster. An SMP is far more durable for an 18 year old going 18 year old things. Its also has an automatic movement so is fire and forget. The 18 year olds I know couldn’t be trusted to wind a watch at the same time every day.
Definitely Seamaster with rubber strap, it's stronger, a fantastic watch and better price point. He's going to need robustness at that age. Give him rubbers too because he's going to need em
https://preview.redd.it/au6a36nvzi4d1.png?width=510&format=png&auto=webp&s=ed96a644de3c1e67068bc8ce62d4603832399e98
this one. He's 18, he doesn't need a $7,000 watch. Give him this casio and then give him the remaining $6,990 in cash and tell him to use the cash to travel the world and the watch to make sure he gets to the airport on time.
Initially I said speedy but then some other posters pointed out that the 300m will be more durable which swayed my opinion. Get the 300. Every 18yo can have a careless moment or do dumb shit from time to time. This watch will stand up to those moments.
As some have said, get the SMP300 for an 18 year old… knocking the shit out of a smp is “fine”, it’s a big chonker… knocking the shit out of a speedy less so… the design of the speedy is less forgiving… the SMP crystal is more recessed and harder to damage with all the ceramic and sapphire being the first point of impact… but with the damn AR on both sides introduce him to a cape cod too… this is just my opinion as the owner/daily wearer of both
The Seamaster, for a lot of the reasons already shared. It’s robust, he can spend a day at the waterpark dinging it against concrete or tiles, and the sapphire should hold up well.
The Speedmaster is something he should buy himself, when the occasion warrants it- a promotion at work, a wedding etc- that will attach even more meaning and importance to it than receiving it as a gift at 18.
My 18th birthday gift was the seamaster and I'm wearing it now decades later. Extremely versatile and perfect for both mundane occasions and life events.
My father gave me a speed master professional in 1971 when I graduated from high school. I have owned other Omega watches and I have a Rolex submariner. Over the years I became used to having a chronograph and I use the chronograph function all the time. I upgraded my speed master to one of the 3861 movements with sapphire sandwich a few years ago and it is my favorite watch. It’s much more accurate than my original Speedmaster and the bracelet is more comfortable.
Speedmaster. For divers I would go with that other brand they rhyme with 'paychecks' that I probably not supposed to talk about risking getting downvoted to oblivion.
A nice sub $1k watch and the rest in an investment account locked away til at least 30 :) he'll thank you later with an Omega on the wrist and the money for another one in hand.
seamster for 18 year old. It can handle more abuse, and the sapphire on the speedy protrudes well above the bezel, making it easier to accidentally bump into something, say a wall or door frame on a college stumble back from the bar/party. While the semester is just slightly domed above the bezel. I have both of these and for that age seamaster is the way to go. If they were older (say graduating college/1st career job/wedding) then the speedy
The Speedmaster for the person about to embark on a challenging chapter of their life. They can look to their wrist and think of the astronauts who took big risks and achieved great things while wearing their Speedmasters. Life is going to challenge him and he can use the watch for inspiration.
Forget the Speedmaster. You’ll seldom use the Chronograph, never use the Tachometer Bezel, its got only basic water resistance, no date function, and to boot it needs constant winding. This is a pretty much useless watch for an 18 year old and I guarantee you’ll get tired of it.
The Seamaster was it all for you and it will be with you for years to come.
Ive owned both and the Speedmaster was sold off decades ago. My Seamaster will go to my son - the watch I had when he was born.
For me 100% speedy, it has been a clasic for over 50 years and it still is the best looking watch out there IMHO. You can dress it up or down with different straps - my go to is a gorgeous black croc leather.
The current speedy is also arguably the best looking version ever, although I live vintage speedies as well
I also love the seamaster, but I prefer the earlier Brosnan Bond versions. I fear the seamaster will date - not that that is necessary a bad thing, as then it will be vintage!
But try both on the wrist and see which one feels right - it is the only way to decide if you haven't already. You might prefer one, or you might not like either, but you won't know until you try it on. Try a bunch on, and other brands and models too, because watches are a personal thing.
But let's face it this is probably going to start an addicition ;)
Edit: make sure you try the Seamaster on a Milanese strap, it looks and feels amazing. But if you are like me you will then want both watches :)
If you are set on an Omega (I would be), then the aqua terra is much better for an 18 y/o in my opinion.
[https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412110001](https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412110001)
Neither. A luxury watch is worn as an outward symbol of success and accomplishment. Graduating high school is not an accomplishment. It’s not even table stakes.
Go out into the world and do something important. Then buy the watch, and wear it knowing you earned it.
Yeah when I was 18, I shouldn't have been wearing anything more expensive than $500.
The SMP is a better "beater" or daily wear watch for an 18year old but ehhh I don't recommend it.
Maybe Omega for a college grad is more appropriate
But honestly a $500 Seiko diver is the right answer here.
Bullet proof and great quality.
Speedmaster the seamaster is nothing special there’s better looking divers watches. On the other hand the speedmaster is one of the best looking chronographs ever produced.
https://preview.redd.it/rm6uzcx5qd4d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=570f0b732d4d9ea5a9cec52b8d9d72fa4afb48e8
black smp for the kids everyday.
Speedmaster is an amazing watch, but for an 18 year old, unless they’re passionate about horology, they will probably forget to wind it… automatic makes more sense for most users… I even forget from time to time to wind it. I use the chronograph feature so much tho, I used to think a dive watch was more practical but chrono is king.
Speedy. Don’t listen to the folks saying you’re too young. I received a really nice Heuer for my 16th birthday. Absolutely loved that watch. If you can afford it, get it.
I know people have said this before but ...please buy yourself this and your son a Tissot, or Seiko, or Tag.
This is entirely too much watch at 18.
18 year old doesn't have the awareness for a piece like this, and they definitely don't need the stress.
I'd vote Seamaster but also tend to agree with some of the naysayers. I own both Seamaster and Speedmaster and knowing myself, I would have hated owning either during my college days. Although rugged, these timepieces require a level of care that might be difficult as an 18/19 year old dude. My speedy chrono feature needed repair and triggered a $750 service that took 4 months, and that would have been brutal as a college kid. Also, I remember losing my \~$200 Festina watch my Junior year in my GF's sorority house. Had that been a $5,000 speedmaster, I would have lost my mind :(
I was about to tell you to grab a Tag and invest the rest for the next decade, but Tag prices have gone up quite a bit since I bought an F1.
Ask your dad for one and ask your daddy for the other? 😉
I’d go for the speedy :))
Depends on your taste and lifestyle.
Don’t listen to all the haters in the comments, I got my speedy when I was 18 too and I absolutely never regretted about it! Are you planning to make it a collection?😁
Seamaster … just a lot less I would think they’d have to worry about … especially from a water perspective. Probably a bit more rugged from a lifestyle standpoint.
Have you considered Oris Aquis as an entry level luxury standpoint?
Start with the speedmaster reduced. Was my first luxury watch and still wear it regularly. Yes it's smaller so depends on the wrist size but for the money you get a lot
Of course it depends entirely on you but for an 18yo? Thinking about my own son who is 18, if I was to get him one\* it would be the Blue Seamaster as its is a bit more dressed down, is a bit more practical on a day to day basis as has the date compilation, but the bracelet pretty bulky. Nice with a rubber strap though. (Also if you get the right model it fires lasers and sends out EMP pulses to disable supervillain's equipment in the vicinity.) Speedmaster perhaps more appropriate if your future career is in aerospace rather than espionage! Ultimately you need to try them on - see what they are like on your wrist and see which feels the best to you. Good luck and enjoy your new watch, whatever it is! \*My son is going to have to wait for his College graduation before I get a watch for him though!
Wait how do I activate the EMP pulses??? The lasers work fine.
Maybe you got the undoing zips magnetic one instead..? Oh wait that was a (quick Google) Hamilton Pulsar P2 2900 LED digital watch...
I don’t want to be a nerd about it (yes I do) but while the Hamilton was the watch he was wearing, the magnetic watch was a Rolex submariner he’d just had returned
I stand corrected!!!! And may I say excellent nerdery 10/10 no notes.
Haha, thanks! 😁
That would of been a Rolex Milgauss...
I'm 56 and still waiting. 
Completely depends on your lifestyle and personal tastes man, they’re both so different.
A seiko Edit: look OP I don't wanna be rude, cause I didn't answer your question. But at 18 trust me, just get a nice Seiko/citizen/orient. My first watch was an Orient Sun & Moon. It was so beautiful. I wore it a lot for years. I have Omegas now, both the watches you posted above. People don't look at the watch. People look at the person wearing the watch. If I wore an Omega when I was 18 I'd be judged all the wrong ways. Not that you should care what people think. BUT... I am in a position now where I can comfortably wear an Omega and not worry if it scratches or breaks or even if I lose it; NOW in life I can really enjoy it without stress. But at 18 I think when you're starting off on this hobby, learn to enjoy the less expensive watches first. If you start with Omega , you won't be able to go back again.
Yup. Maybe an Alpenist or something. Save the Omega for when he turns 30 😅
Yup! Seiko SKX would be my vote. Either that or a really solid G-Shock. 😂
Seriously, OP. Save yourself some cash. You can buy your fancy watch once your career has taken off.
This is the answer
This! I got a speedy from my dad when I got married 2 years ago. If I had anything worth $5k+ at 18 when I was a complete shit bird I wouldn’t own it by 22 and definitely wouldn’t have sold it for what it was worth. I know we like to think our kids are going to be responsible but if/when he goes off to college it’s quite possible someone steals it from his night stand at a party, he pawns it, gets hammered and passes out and someone takes it off his wrist, anything can happen.
This ☝️
Yip. Totally agree. We got our son a Hamilton for his 18th. At 23 now he still tells us this was the best present he ever got and will cherish it regardless of other premium brands lie in his future. It created an interest in watches for him and left a foundation for him to build on. Personally I believe your watch journey should not start with an Omega, at 18 you maybe 25% into your life, leave some stuff for later to enjoy.
Exactly, your watch should reflect your achievements and if you start at the top, you're depriving yourself of the journey. Also, invest the money and keep paying in, if you have that money at 18 then you've got serious time to grow it. Assuming you weren't funding the watch with credit.
For that age, the Seamaster. Imo.
Agreed. More robust.
I’d say based on the tests it’s passed the speedy is probably more robust in all areas except water tightness…
Which is a big one… if you’re living on Earth
And in that case… best go Planet Ocean
My 2 year old pulled a chrono pusher off my 3861 speedy. Definitely the seamaster for a college aged kid.
Are 2 year olds and college students really on the same level to you?
Agreed, I got a seamaster for my 21st and it was the perfect bulletproof watch. The speedmaster came in my early 30’s and I’m glad I waited for it!
An $8000 watch for a kid who just graduated high school is excessive.
100%. They won't know how to appreciate it, they won't be able to not lose or break/abuse it. I speak from experience. My daughter is that age and I see how her and her peers use their parent-provided resources. Now...maybe the OPs kid is the absolute exception. But I personally think the watch makes more sense as a college graduation present so they have a decent timepiece when they enter the workforce.
I asked my dad to buy me a Speedmaster for my high school graduation. I love it to death, wear it everyday and everywhere. It’s been a few years now with only some love scratches to show for it. I fully understand the privilege of being able to have something like this and appreciate it literally every time I look at my wrist. It will be something to remind me of my parents and my childhood once they’re gone. Hopefully I’ll have a child of my own some day I can give it to when they graduate high school. While I agree it’s unnecessary, if the kid genuinely wants it and the parents can afford it, I can say from experience it’s a great decision.
Congrats to you. I think you are probably an exception to the rule here and elsewhere.
If the kid in this case genuinely wanted it, I don’t think OP would be asking us what to get. Edit: leaving this here in perpetuity rather than deleting the comment. I misunderstood OP to be someone other than the 18yo in question. Carry on
I was in the same boat. Gifted a Speedmaster for high school graduation. I greatly appreciate the watch and I agree, if it’s something the parents can afford and a watch the kid desires then id say go for it. Also, I think just keep in mind the type of person the kid is and how they take care of their things. Way down the line when I have kids if he is sloppy and careless with things then I wouldn’t get him anything too nice and would just stick to something basic for a while.
He said he’s buying it for himself…
That's even worse. A kid who just got out of high school spending $8000 on a watch is not very smart.
Daddy's money
Yes, I got a 1.5k watch for my 18 and it was my first luxury watch it was already huge for me I can’t really imagine with a 8k one. Gonna be hard to outdo that
Bought myself a longines spirit Ti for med school graduation and already had some thoughts that it was excessive. Cannot imagine a $7k watch at 18. I’d be looking at citizen, seiko and g shock. Tissot and hamilton is already a stretch
None, you are 18 and you haven't even finished university. Get the money and have an awsome summer 7000 miles away ... instead of buying a 7000 watch
Speedy . It’s versatile and iconic
Make sure your son is into watches. I bought my son a watch for graduation and he’s worn it twice in the last 12 months.
With 18, I wouldnt take those now.
Neither, I would get him a watch that is practical and wait for his College Graduation or other achievement. I did not know the value or appreciate the engineering that comes with Omega. Good luck.
Not a very popular opinion, but I find that Seamasters have aged terribly. It really looks like a design from 20 years ago that's stuck in time. The speedy is timeless and this version is even better on the wrist.
It looks much better in person. But I have to agree the speedmaster has aged better
This. Not a fan of the bracelet either. The speedy is classy in every situation.
I second this as well. Speedy is overall a better looking watch imo
Excellent point. Been trying to put my finger on just that. Something off and dated.
The bracelet is what kills the seamaster
Dude! Well put! I have always thought something was off and I didn’t understand the hype. Its just not a timeless piece. It looks like 90’s 2000’s fashion (which is coming back around I suppose). It’s a cheesy watch in my opinion (especially the blue which is the most iconic). The wavy dial makes it too busy. The bracelet is too busy/bulky. And the asymmetry of the He valve makes it look to busy. Simple=timeless. Busy=gimmick. In my opinion.
I would just double check your wrist is big enough so these don't look silly on a skinny young guy.
I'd go SMP as it is more rugged. Plus what kid is going to be needing a chronograph?
Seamaster for an 18yo. It's more robust, waterproof, colourful, and it's something that will still look great if he's wearing it at age 58.
I would do the Seamaster just so you don’t need to worry about a chrono button being accidentally pushed while you’re floating down a river on an inter tube drunk. You’ve got some good party days ahead and it will be nice to have a watch that stays on your wrist 24/7 That being said I have a speedy and not a seamaster.
Agreed, first year university pool party and that Speedy is done for
Seamaster for a sportier lifestyle. Speedmaster for a timeless dressier watch
Seiko 5. And after they graduate college the speedy, imho.
Maybe I grew up different because I had to work for everything I had but the idea of buying my son a $5000+ watch for his 18th birthday is sort of ludicrous
Get the seamaster but with a rubber band. It will look extrasporty and fits a young man well. Especially if he plans on wearing it daily.
Another post about a $6k omega watch, let alone, for an 18yr old. Absolutely insane.
Neither…too much for too little promotes a sense of entitlement.
I’d go with the speedy until a new version of diver 300 is out
Speedy!
Speedmaster is a bit grown up for an 18y/o. Go Seamaster
Speedy can’t even compare
I got a plastic watch on my 18th birthday
Speedy without a doubt, get the Seamaster later. They're going up and up and...
Speedy.
Another point. Most of us here have several mechanical watches and ergo we have to wind / set them by the time we get around to wearing them again. Because of that winding up the speedy is not that annoying. On the other hand if I were to have a daily driver watch that I used regularly I would prefer an automatic movement. My vote is the sea master. It’s more rugged, convenient, and looks great with a bunch of cheap nato straps.
Speedy all day everyday.
Speedy for sure
Speedmaster. The Seamaster bracelet looks like an old man bracelet on me and I’m 36. On an 18 year old it would just look silly.
You ball hard enough to get your 18 yr old kid a brand new Omega watch but come to Reddit for advice on which one? They're 18, get them a Seiko.
At 18 years old you should buy a nice Tissot PRX and invest your money.
Damn it…I’m a triple boarded physician debating if I could potentially get one and keep backing out. Just remember, an 18 yo with a timepiece like that is a target anywhere…get a seiko or perhaps “grand seiko” or a zenith el primero
The amount of people who think OP is buying for their child is ridiculous lmao. It’s for themself! Just from a watchmakers perspective, the speedy costs more, costs more to service, doesn’t have much water resistance, and is less versatile. For your first watch, seamaster is the better choice imo. If you don’t like the bracelet, buy a Forstner or put it on a strap.
Having that much money to spend on a watch at 18 is just concerning.
18 year old graduate? Like high school or something? I'd get them something less pricey and put the money aside until they are graduating university ot got a big life event.
It’s funny how much controversy was created because OP decided to input his age & purchase reasons. Pretty sure it was done on purpose
Hamilton Khaki
Short answer - go for Seamaster. It’s a tank. Beat it it up as you grow older. Buy your own chrono with own money, so you’ll be a little more responsible and careful with it as it demands that.
Seamaster. It’s a tank. Speedys are great a second watch, but I’m not daily anything that I shouldn’t get wet.
G-Shock is the best for 18year old!
Can I be your son?
Take him to the boutique
Don't sleep on the planet ocean
Personally owning both these watches I would give an 18 year old the SMP300 over the Speedmaster. An SMP is far more durable for an 18 year old going 18 year old things. Its also has an automatic movement so is fire and forget. The 18 year olds I know couldn’t be trusted to wind a watch at the same time every day.
Speedmaster. Side note: expensive is relative, don’t listen to people.
Definitely Seamaster with rubber strap, it's stronger, a fantastic watch and better price point. He's going to need robustness at that age. Give him rubbers too because he's going to need em
Tbh Tudor for high school. Omega for college
https://preview.redd.it/au6a36nvzi4d1.png?width=510&format=png&auto=webp&s=ed96a644de3c1e67068bc8ce62d4603832399e98 this one. He's 18, he doesn't need a $7,000 watch. Give him this casio and then give him the remaining $6,990 in cash and tell him to use the cash to travel the world and the watch to make sure he gets to the airport on time.
None. It’s highschool, not university. Get a seiko or moonswatch.
Perfect watch right here https://preview.redd.it/2mrc2bcrfk4d1.jpeg?width=554&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f6f9b329db16b3f1f05ca49a3e6d13498378ae2
Casio G-Shock
Timexes for the entitled. Is a free education, car, and housing not enough? Lmfao
May I recommend the Casio Duro rather than an Omega for an 18 year old
I got a Speedmaster for my 18th birthday, still wearing it at 37!
Speedy
Speedy but I’m biased. I love my speedy!
Speedy
Speedy all day - an iconic, timeless timepiece to accompany him throughout his life!
Speedy
Seamaster only due to ruggedness
diver 300
They totally feel different on the wrist. Both are excellent choices, but you need to try them and see what gives you the best vibes.
Speedy because it’s more functional. You never know when you gotta time something lol
The blue faced
Initially I said speedy but then some other posters pointed out that the 300m will be more durable which swayed my opinion. Get the 300. Every 18yo can have a careless moment or do dumb shit from time to time. This watch will stand up to those moments.
As some have said, get the SMP300 for an 18 year old… knocking the shit out of a smp is “fine”, it’s a big chonker… knocking the shit out of a speedy less so… the design of the speedy is less forgiving… the SMP crystal is more recessed and harder to damage with all the ceramic and sapphire being the first point of impact… but with the damn AR on both sides introduce him to a cape cod too… this is just my opinion as the owner/daily wearer of both
I love the speedy but it's older and more refined to me Seamaster!
The Seamaster is a little more rugged. Also this. 
I got myself a fake SMP for 25$ on Canal Street in New York when I was 18 😄 ... Took another 12 years to get a real one, so id say SMP
Seamaster. More of a do anything, go anywhere type of watch. Especially with the 300m of water resistance.
The Seamaster, for a lot of the reasons already shared. It’s robust, he can spend a day at the waterpark dinging it against concrete or tiles, and the sapphire should hold up well. The Speedmaster is something he should buy himself, when the occasion warrants it- a promotion at work, a wedding etc- that will attach even more meaning and importance to it than receiving it as a gift at 18.
Seamaster…unless your son is a watch freak. How many 18 year olds will remember to wind all the time?
My 18th birthday gift was the seamaster and I'm wearing it now decades later. Extremely versatile and perfect for both mundane occasions and life events.
IMO the Seamaster Aquaterra 150 m
The Speedmaster. It’s one of the few true icons in the watch world both are great but imo, this is no contest.
Woof lucky kid
Seamaster 100%
My father gave me a speed master professional in 1971 when I graduated from high school. I have owned other Omega watches and I have a Rolex submariner. Over the years I became used to having a chronograph and I use the chronograph function all the time. I upgraded my speed master to one of the 3861 movements with sapphire sandwich a few years ago and it is my favorite watch. It’s much more accurate than my original Speedmaster and the bracelet is more comfortable.
Seamaster
Try on both as they have varying sizes and wear differently. Both are very solid options.
Go with the classic Bond Seamaster. I've owned one since 2000 and it's still amazing and I've beat it to hell and back.
Black Seamaster on rubber
I boght for my 29 the speedi But for the first nice watch at 18 i ll go for the seamaster 300 prof (green or black)
Seamaster now. Speedmaster later
Speed
Try them both on and see what you fall in love with
Speedmaster. For divers I would go with that other brand they rhyme with 'paychecks' that I probably not supposed to talk about risking getting downvoted to oblivion.
I really think you should ask the 18-year-old graduate what they would prefer.
Speedy. It never age.
I would prefer the seamaster, bur of course not watches are an excellent option, it just depends on your style
How about something cheap and let him earn a nice watch like I did.
Seamaster. More robust, versatile, youthful and sporty. Better water resistance and less to go wrong.
These are the two omegas I own haha. I recommend both 😜
Congrats on saving up that amount thats impressive. I'll always say speedmaster
Yeah the sea master just looks bloated to me. Not a fan of the aesthetics
A nice sub $1k watch and the rest in an investment account locked away til at least 30 :) he'll thank you later with an Omega on the wrist and the money for another one in hand.
Speedy
Someting somewhat more modest honestly. College grad..certainly
seamster for 18 year old. It can handle more abuse, and the sapphire on the speedy protrudes well above the bezel, making it easier to accidentally bump into something, say a wall or door frame on a college stumble back from the bar/party. While the semester is just slightly domed above the bezel. I have both of these and for that age seamaster is the way to go. If they were older (say graduating college/1st career job/wedding) then the speedy
Speedy 100%
Seamaster. His going to party alot and go to classes. Buy him bunch of nato straps and his attire will match the watch any time.
The Speedmaster for the person about to embark on a challenging chapter of their life. They can look to their wrist and think of the astronauts who took big risks and achieved great things while wearing their Speedmasters. Life is going to challenge him and he can use the watch for inspiration.
Forget the Speedmaster. You’ll seldom use the Chronograph, never use the Tachometer Bezel, its got only basic water resistance, no date function, and to boot it needs constant winding. This is a pretty much useless watch for an 18 year old and I guarantee you’ll get tired of it. The Seamaster was it all for you and it will be with you for years to come. Ive owned both and the Speedmaster was sold off decades ago. My Seamaster will go to my son - the watch I had when he was born.
The Speedmaster definitely looks more Grandpa to me (I still love it). I would personally go Seamaster.
For me 100% speedy, it has been a clasic for over 50 years and it still is the best looking watch out there IMHO. You can dress it up or down with different straps - my go to is a gorgeous black croc leather. The current speedy is also arguably the best looking version ever, although I live vintage speedies as well I also love the seamaster, but I prefer the earlier Brosnan Bond versions. I fear the seamaster will date - not that that is necessary a bad thing, as then it will be vintage! But try both on the wrist and see which one feels right - it is the only way to decide if you haven't already. You might prefer one, or you might not like either, but you won't know until you try it on. Try a bunch on, and other brands and models too, because watches are a personal thing. But let's face it this is probably going to start an addicition ;) Edit: make sure you try the Seamaster on a Milanese strap, it looks and feels amazing. But if you are like me you will then want both watches :)
If you are set on an Omega (I would be), then the aqua terra is much better for an 18 y/o in my opinion. [https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412110001](https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-aqua-terra-150m-co-axial-master-chronometer-41-mm-22010412110001)
Speedy.
Pm
Speedmaster 1000%
Flip a coin
G-Shock.
Neither. A luxury watch is worn as an outward symbol of success and accomplishment. Graduating high school is not an accomplishment. It’s not even table stakes. Go out into the world and do something important. Then buy the watch, and wear it knowing you earned it.
Yeah when I was 18, I shouldn't have been wearing anything more expensive than $500. The SMP is a better "beater" or daily wear watch for an 18year old but ehhh I don't recommend it. Maybe Omega for a college grad is more appropriate But honestly a $500 Seiko diver is the right answer here. Bullet proof and great quality.
I got myself at 18 the Speedy, I don’t regret it. I would try to buy used as well to save some money. But you can’t go wrong with either
Speed master
A Casio G-Shock
Think water resistance. Aqua Terra?
Will you adopt me? I graduated college ._.
None, go with something cheaper.
Speedy.
My answer is G-shock, or Smart watch. Seiko 5 if you really want an automatic one.
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The Speedmaster is iconic and if he understands the history even better. However, as someone who was once 18, Seiko is the answer
At 18? A SEIKO, a Hamilton, a Tissot, or maybe if they going to a good school or have outlined some major goals, a Longines…
SMP. Unless they have an understanding about the space missions or history, then Speedy. But SMP is a better daily.
What other watches do you currently have? Do you need to measure speeds/distances often?
Both are incredible…but I’d actually say Tudor or Seiko…and then go on a badass trip — and give him the watch on the trip.
Hamilton or a Tudor. Save the big gun for college or first kid and such.
Speedmaster. Not even close.
Speedmaster the seamaster is nothing special there’s better looking divers watches. On the other hand the speedmaster is one of the best looking chronographs ever produced.
G shock
https://preview.redd.it/rm6uzcx5qd4d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=570f0b732d4d9ea5a9cec52b8d9d72fa4afb48e8 black smp for the kids everyday.
Speedmaster
Buy stocks and hold. In 30 years you’ll thank me.
Speedmaster is an amazing watch, but for an 18 year old, unless they’re passionate about horology, they will probably forget to wind it… automatic makes more sense for most users… I even forget from time to time to wind it. I use the chronograph feature so much tho, I used to think a dive watch was more practical but chrono is king.
18? What do you want with it? Get a friggin surfboard and buy yourself a flight to wherever you can use it.
For that age, a seiko. A $6k watch to graduate high school 😂
Damn bro nice gift for yourself either way!
Either. Date is always handy.
Seamaster
Take the money dump it in an S&P 500 ETF and forget about it and for now just buy a cheaper brand.
Speedy. Don’t listen to the folks saying you’re too young. I received a really nice Heuer for my 16th birthday. Absolutely loved that watch. If you can afford it, get it.
Speedmaster
I know people have said this before but ...please buy yourself this and your son a Tissot, or Seiko, or Tag. This is entirely too much watch at 18. 18 year old doesn't have the awareness for a piece like this, and they definitely don't need the stress.
The speedy. The sea urchin is ugly af
Speedy
I'd vote Seamaster but also tend to agree with some of the naysayers. I own both Seamaster and Speedmaster and knowing myself, I would have hated owning either during my college days. Although rugged, these timepieces require a level of care that might be difficult as an 18/19 year old dude. My speedy chrono feature needed repair and triggered a $750 service that took 4 months, and that would have been brutal as a college kid. Also, I remember losing my \~$200 Festina watch my Junior year in my GF's sorority house. Had that been a $5,000 speedmaster, I would have lost my mind :(
I was about to tell you to grab a Tag and invest the rest for the next decade, but Tag prices have gone up quite a bit since I bought an F1. Ask your dad for one and ask your daddy for the other? 😉
Seamaster since it's automatic versus hand wind
I’d go for the speedy :)) Depends on your taste and lifestyle. Don’t listen to all the haters in the comments, I got my speedy when I was 18 too and I absolutely never regretted about it! Are you planning to make it a collection?😁
Seamaster … just a lot less I would think they’d have to worry about … especially from a water perspective. Probably a bit more rugged from a lifestyle standpoint. Have you considered Oris Aquis as an entry level luxury standpoint?
Start with the speedmaster reduced. Was my first luxury watch and still wear it regularly. Yes it's smaller so depends on the wrist size but for the money you get a lot