Graduation present: watch or bag?

[boston_bred]

So my college years are almost up, and it's time to try and pick out a graduation present. I want something that (obviously) will last me a lifetime, and so I've narrowed it down to a bag/briefcase (probably saddleback leather) or a watch in the same price range ($400-500). What are your thoughts/opinions?

If I decide to get the bag, I will probably get a thin saddleback briefcase. But if I choose a watch I'm totally lost. I have a couple clunker watches, but don't know the first thing about nicer watches (I know $400 isn't much for a watch to some, but, you know.) So any recommendations for a nice watch (if you think it would be a better bet than the bag) in that range would also be much appreciated, I prefer quieter, more classic watches (leather band, uncluttered face etc.)

just for reference my professional arena is in graphic design/architecture, that kind of stuff.

 

[ter1413]

you are buying it fot yourself?

 

[boston_bred]

no, my parents will be paying for at least half of it (possibly all, depending on the final decision)

 

[ter1413]

get a nice watch

 

[boston_bred]

do you have any recommendations? I'm not very familar with brands in that price range. Ideally I would want something that isn't too outlandish or big.

 

[ctp120]

For watches in that range, maybe try going vintage. Hamilton comes to mind also.

 

[LukeM]

Get a messenger bag it will actually be usefull. If I had a choice I would go with this: (click pic)

 

[boston_bred]

Originally Posted by ctp120

For watches in that range, maybe try going vintage. Hamilton comes to mind also.
is there a popular website/forum for quality vintage watches? I'm assuming Ebay isn't the premier venue for that....

 

[rsuhandy]

Ehhh...I'm going with bag.
If it were me a watch in that price range wouldn't
be something that I would like to keep for more than
a few years. A bag on the other hand is a different story
since I like the vintage look of leather. If you want a watch for a lifetime
I would at least spend 1K+ IMHO. Personally I would get a bag now,
and get a nice watch when I can afford something that I'll keep forever.

 

[HEPennypacker]

Originally Posted by rsuhandy

Ehhh...I'm going with bag.
If it were me a watch in that price range wouldn't
be something that I would like to keep for more than
a few years. A bag on the other hand is a different story
since I like the vintage look of leather. If you want a watch for a lifetime
I would at least spend 1K+ IMHO. Personally I would get a bag now,
and get a nice watch when I can afford something that I'll keep forever.

+1. Even if you decide to get a more expensive bag later, you'll still probably find a good use for the Saddleback. A $400-500 watch, on the other hand, will either become your beater or simply not get worn.

 

[Klobber]

Originally Posted by ter1413

get a nice watch

+ 1, and a nice watch will last a long time. I have a vintage watch from the 40's, and she is still ticking along nicely.

 

[Ike]

JW Hulme American Heritage leather. http://www.jwhulmeco.com/gently-dist...bags-s/127.htm

The portfolio's $490 and beautiful.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

I think a bag will give you more bang for the buck.

 

[boston_bred]

For what it's worth I can't really see myself spending $1k or more on a watch even if I could afford it, but I do appreciate everyone's help and opinions.

As for the suggestion of a vintage watch that keeps popping up, are there specefic brands that most people gravitate towards when buying vintage pieces? I'm sure there are watches that stand the test of time much better than others (such as Klobbers watch, that is still going after 70+ years)

 

[Doc4]

If it were me, a watch. Your pricerange buys a very nice Seiko or Orient.

Originally Posted by boston_bred

If I decide to get the bag, I will probably get a thin saddleback briefcase. But if I choose a watch I'm totally lost.

You know which briefcase you lust after, but don't have a clue about what you'd value in a watch. You want to pick out something that you will still love twenty years down the road. Forty years down the road. Sixty years down the road.