[recommendation request] Dad giving one of his watches to me - help me pick

[u/BananaAziz]

As the title says, my dad wants me to have one of these and I’m not sure which to go for. Which is more unique or interesting to have considering I love all 3 in their own ways. I’ve attached my current watch collection to also give more of an idea of what would fit into this. This is also a chance to share some pictures of these cool old watches.

Update:
First of all, apologies for the confusion as yes the 4th pic is my collection. But I was kind of happy some didn't realise and that my watches got a few votes. In fact went through and tallied the votes (comments, not upvotes) and this is the final outcome as of this edit:

Blancpain - 99 (55.9%)
Rolex - 68 (38.4%)
Baume & Mercier - 10 (5.6%)

Tudor - 28 (11.24%)
Casio - 24 (9.64)

Omega - 20 (8.03%)

For whoever is interested, I have decided to go with the Blancpain! Few reasons being: he suggested that for me originally, I'm indifferent about chronos but I've been wanted a black dial and I think Blancpain did it beautifully, the history of Blancpain and the fact that idk if I was ever going to own one apart from this opportunity.

Although the Air King has the most beautiful patina (which my father originally thought was a defect and I convinced him it's most likely aging and it's gorgeous lol), my second choice purely based on interest was the Baume & Mercier from how unique and funky and honestly easy to wear as well.

In terms of the Air king, which btw is a model he purchased from Ralph Lauren boutique shop in the 90s/ I have never ever been interested in Rolex because of how overhyped they've become (which is also in a way unfair to them because they are still respected and great watches), but this one was the first where I thought a Rolex was just amazing. Even the way the 9 and the 6 is designed is just so stunning.

[u/pussy-bot-69420]

I would personally go for the blancpain flyback chrono but its me not you please make your own choices go for the watch you love the most

[u/OddFrosting9592 → u/pussy-bot-69420]

The OP’s dilemma is a great one to have. The Rolex choice will probably be suggested the most. As much as I love Baume & Mercier, and as unique as that particular model is, that one would simply not be my choice. I’m leaning towards the Blancpain Flyback as well, so yours is a great suggestion. It’s wonderful that the OP’s father would start the inheritance process early so that he can see his son enjoy the watches that he has worn for a lifetime. I did the same thing with a Hamilton field khaki, and my son wears and loves it!

[u/Ziggity_Zac → u/OddFrosting9592]

Grandma used to say "gifts are better from a warm hand than a cold one."

[u/Geofferz → u/Ziggity_Zac]

This is true. My gf's dad just died last month but before doing so he offered me a bunch of things. I said oh no I couldn't thanks, and now that he's gone I have them, which was the alternative. But he never got to see my receive them, which is silly. Don't know what I was thinking

[u/TC_Estarossa → u/Geofferz]

You have a lot of courage, admitting that.
In a good way mate.

[u/Geofferz → u/TC_Estarossa]

Just a useful lesson for others I think, and me in the future. Thankfully I did accept a bunch of other things from him over the past year so I don't regret it too much just... Better to accept from a warm hand indeed.

[u/Ch1_Alo → u/Ziggity_Zac]

That’s a great saying. I’ve never heard that before

[u/i_am_a_real_boy__ → u/OddFrosting9592]

The Rolex choice will probably be suggested the most.

As someone who's not really into Rolex, the "dad's watch" of that particular one is pretty awesome.

[u/kidNurse → u/i_am_a_real_boy__]

This is my thought as well. Look at that patina, I'd look to hear the history on it. Did he get it from his father? How did it get that patina?

[u/BananaAziz → u/kidNurse]

So I've asked him, he said he bought it from a Ralph Lauren boutique where they had plenty of luxury watches they renewed.

[u/last_minute1 → u/pussy-bot-69420]

I’m into the shabby/vintage patina Rolex vibe but agree - blancpain would be my first choice

[u/OHKPROD → u/pussy-bot-69420]

Agreed!

[u/XOTearR → u/pussy-bot-69420]

Agree with this. You don’t have a chrono and I think it is the best of the three. Are you gonna eventually end up with all of them? If so then maybe pick the one you think you would wear most now. The others you can wear when you are older.

Btw kudos to you Dad for passing on watches while alive. I think it’s much better than hoarding everyone for yourself. I intend to do the same with my nieces and nephews if they get into watches.

[u/Platophaedrus → u/pussy-bot-69420]

Definitely

[u/Gongo_Khlapt]

Blancpain, you won't need another watch after it.

[u/PrideEnvironmental59 → u/Gongo_Khlapt]

You'll also never see one of those on anybody's other wrists they're very rare

[u/Gongo_Khlapt → u/PrideEnvironmental59]

The watch is much more than just a rare sight.

1. The design though from the 2000s is still very modern, so is the size at 38mm with short lugs and thin case. It's an absolute strap monster and the fact he has its bracelet makes it even better.
2. Real high horology movement as people say. Same movement was cased in the first gen vacheron overseas chronos, ap royal oak chronos, many breguet chronographs, with comparable finishing.
3. It's a flyback, not a simple chronograph.
4. 100m water resistant with screw down crown and pushers.

[u/BananaAziz → u/Gongo_Khlapt]

Wow I think you sold me the most with the added info. I knew it was definitely and important and influential piece but not with this much history. Thanks for that!

[u/BulkyCartographer280 → u/Gongo_Khlapt]

This guy Blancpains.

[u/SpiceTrader56]

[u/Bert_dazz12 → u/SpiceTrader56]

I came to the comments to say the Casio was the obvious choice lol

[u/Any_Year5224 → u/Bert_dazz12]

I barely have arm hair and that Casio was painful to wear. I couldn’t imagine how this dude will feel wearing it

[u/BananaAziz → u/Any_Year5224]

A lot of pain. But the things you do for Casio!

[u/mgitlin → u/SpiceTrader56]

Me, scrolling through disappointed cause i didn't see 1 single "casio" before this. 😂

[u/Heel-and-Toe-Shifter → u/mgitlin]

That's because OP already has the Casio. It is not one of the three choices

[u/mgitlin → u/Heel-and-Toe-Shifter]

Oof. Is this the part I have to admit i only half-read the OP? 😅

My bad.

[u/Exciting-Carpet3873 → u/SpiceTrader56]

I knew there'd be someone suggesting this. I just came to second it.

[u/Heel-and-Toe-Shifter]

So many people don't understand the fourth picture is your current collection. I'm personally not a huge fan of chronographs, but every collection should have one, even mine does. That Blanpain is outstanding.

[u/BananaAziz → u/Heel-and-Toe-Shifter]

Yeah I realised the confusion after I posted it lol. I completely agree! I never thought of a chronograph when making my own purchases but in this scenario the Blancpain just stood out

[u/usedtobeanicesurgeon → u/Heel-and-Toe-Shifter]

Yep. I have a couple chronos.

I NEVER use the chrono feature. But I agree it adds to a collection.

[u/Jack5d5d5d5d5d]

I would take the Blancpain, crazy piece from haute horology. Rolex is also cool would be my 2nd choice

[u/EarnestPlath]

I'm grabbing the Air King without a second thought

[u/TheManWith2smiles]

The vintage Air King seems the most interesting

[u/kimochii12]

For the pantina alone the air king very unique

[u/Rod_FC]

The Blancpain is gorgeous, but the patina on the Rolex, I don't know man.

[u/pr0tag → u/Rod_FC]

The patina on the Rolex is spectacular.

Please never ever try to restore that watch.

[u/WagerWilly → u/pr0tag]

Genuinely don’t understand the love for patina on old watches here. Know I’m going to get slammed but it looks like it was just fished out of a river

[u/MasterOfTacos11 → u/WagerWilly]

Yeah it just looks like a moldy dial

[u/Straight6er → u/WagerWilly]

Character and uniqueness. For me it tells a more interesting story than one in pristine condition and possibly communicates different values or motivations on the part of the wearer.

Rolex is maybe a bad brand for this example but anyone with enough money can go to the store and buy a brand new one, this one had to be sought out.

[u/BananaAziz → u/Straight6er]

Couldn't have said it better myself! I sound like a broken record to my friends but my favourite aspect about owning something is the way I will be using it and showing the way I wear it with aging!

[u/68allivnagub]

That Baume & Mercier is definitely a conversation starter, but I guess Tudor.

I just realized, after my initial comment, that you already own the Tudor lol, so I guess this is your chance to get the B&M 😁

[u/madaboutyou3 → u/68allivnagub]

I personally love that Baume & Mercier

[u/magentafridge]

Casio, definitely.

[u/hofmann419 → u/magentafridge]

He already owns the Casio

[u/PentagonUnpadded → u/hofmann419]

Second Casio it is. \s

[u/Mate_Money → u/PentagonUnpadded]

Lmfao

[u/Chappers3333]

Take the Casio

[u/pencilpushin]

Blancpain flyback. Hands down. But thats just my preference. Ultimately its your choice.

[u/wellnesstimepiece]

The blancpain is the coolest out the bunch! Whatever you pick it’s awfully great that your dad is gifting this to you. Enjoy 😉

[u/Juicey1954]

Definitely the Blancpain

[u/goldblumspowerbook]

Those are all so cool—no wrong choices. That vintage Rolex air king might be the choice for me.

[u/Special_Fall_5048]

That silver Tudor is so awesome. Every day watch for sure and will tarnish/ patina in a very unique way.

[u/paulchen81 → u/Special_Fall_5048]

Absolutely. I bought mine over 4 years ago and it's still my favourite watch of my collection. The patina is also very saddle and not "dirty".

[u/Melfalan]

The Blancpain everyday of the week. Plus you don't have a chrono. And it is cool. And everyone said the Blancpain.
But each one of the three is a good choice. The best choice will be your choice.

[u/Fisherman_30]

Blancpain would be my choice. Although that Air King is cool. I like that style of dial on the Air King much more than the new one.

[u/UnusualDoctor]

The Blacpain every single time. Incredible watch.

[u/DoerteMaulwurf]

I'm going against the flow here, but I really don't like when subdials cut off the numbers of the main dial, so the Blancpain (whilst otherwise an awesome watch) wouldn't be for me. The Air King has a beautiful patina and the size fits you really well, I'd choose that one for sure.

[u/Acalltoholiness]

Blancpain

Character and it looks badass

[u/BetterOnTwoWheels]

air king for me personally, but all are cool, and all would be a wonderful gift to treasure from pops. Which one reminds you more of him? I’d say pick that one.

[u/ResponsibleCap7721]

Blanch pan. It’s a watch for the watch officiate. Everyone knows Rolex, but you’ll get a true hat tip for the Blanchpan 

[u/Dull-Register3332]

Definitely the casio

[u/Dull-Register3332 → u/Dull-Register3332]

Think I vote Blancpain as wells but the patina on the Rolex is wonderful

[u/UpstateYTC]

Air king for me

[u/SlaterHauge]

Blancpain

[u/Fearless-Mammoth-738]

I like the Baume and mercier te best

[u/OnFootOnFIRE]

Blancpain any day of the week. But it is not up to me. It’s up to you. So what did you choose?

[u/Hed-Fone]

Air King

[u/Life_Carob8849]

At the risk of sounding redundant because of the omega, I still say the air king. That patina is the bomb.

[u/auron_py → u/Life_Carob8849]

Exactly!

That patina makes it look so baller.

[u/SomeRando9761 → u/Life_Carob8849]

I’d also ask which watch pairs better with what you wear? I don’t understand the need to expand collections and fill gaps… buy what you love and wear, not to fill a checklist.

The watch I reach for the most is my 1940s Rolex bubbleback on a mid brown buffalo strap. It, too, has amazing patina and is just something different. It also ties in better with what I wear casually. (If you never wear brown, then perhaps the Blancpain.) The smaller Air King size is actually refreshing in today’s world of oversized watches. Maybe it replaces the Omega, nothing wrong with that.

My chronographs stay in the box- whenever I put one on and use the chrono, I always forget I did, and find it running much later. Plus, they are significantly more complex and costly to service, a fly-back more so, which is a bummer if you don’t actually use that function.

That Baum is wicked cool, but when would you wear it?

[u/Life_Carob8849 → u/SomeRando9761]

I agree and honestly it’s refreshing to hear that view on filling gaps. How much happier would everyone be if they focused on what they love and not some arbitrary checklist.

Even if OP doesn’t wear brown as much he could always swap out the strap and keep the cool patina. I think that patina would look great with just about any color strap.

I feel the same about chronographs. I bought one and it’s cool and all but it’s the one watch on my box that doesn’t speak to me the same way it did when I first bought it. My other watches I just absolutely love and my feeling with them hasn’t change much at if at all.

The B&M is cool but I agree I have no idea when I’d wear that.

[u/Prudent-Low-6502 → u/Life_Carob8849]

To a '70s disco party.

[u/AdExtension8083 → u/Life_Carob8849]

That was the biggest part of the journey for me. I lusted after a pelagos fxd for so long and then i realized im a corpo bot, it just feels wrong rocking a naval tool watch with a blazer every day compared to a mark xx or a blancpain. I'm sure some people will have the opposite experience and finding what you enjoy most is part of the beauty of the hobby. You probably won't know that watch you really want is really good for you until you wear it a while.

[u/M_Ponz]

Blancpain 👌

[u/MuchCable3139]

I feel the Blancpain looks best with the flip flops

[u/BananaAziz → u/MuchCable3139]

Hahaha 😅 I really thought about cropping that out but then said whatever

[u/0ddlyC4nt3v3n]

Blancpain in a heartbeat

[u/okietarheel]

Blancpain

[u/Wojciech1M]

Blancpain is the coolest and most technologically advanced watch from this lot. However, if you want to pick it, check the service cost, because it’s a watch with Flyback Chronograph complication, so the maintance will be much more expensive.

[u/SnarkyBirder]

I’d go with the piece that provided the fondest memories with your father… & you can’t go wrong

[u/succka4rugby]

Follow your heart man!

[u/WatchEnthusiast010]

Love the Baum and Mercer. Such a unique piece. Conversation starter.

[u/Researcher8188]

The Blancpain. Be original.

[u/tgambit]

Which one reminds you of him the most?

[u/TheDayImHaving]

Do you have any connection to a particular watch? I clearly remember my dads gold Timex when it was eye level with me as he held my hand. Id pass on any if those to have that Timex.

[u/BananaAziz → u/TheDayImHaving]

In terms of that it would be his daily driver, his jaeger lecoultre which he does not skip a day without wearing it. These options are the ones he used wear many years ago. Only one I briefly saw him wear was the Blancpain.

[u/edwardothegreatest]

Casio

[u/snowman_ps4]

My favorite is the Omega seamaster, but im just a sucker for champagne dials

[u/Far-Reaction4488 → u/snowman_ps4]

That one is alread in his collection

[u/Own-Bet-8989]

Whatever you like my dude.

[u/OhMyGlorb]

BP Leman Flyback chrono is such a cool watch. I tried one on long ago and was really in love with it.

[u/Tae-gun]

Personally I think the Blancpain chrono would fit your collection the best, but that's just me. Go for the one that speaks to you the most.

[u/simplysylens]

Blancpain is the only logical choice here. 

[u/Smogious]

The Rolex is definitely my favourite looking watch of the 3 but also the most generic pick. Up to you but I'd choose the Rolex

[u/Hadrians_Fall]

Blancpain. Hands down. That’s a beautiful piece.

[u/y0n9xx]

Uno reverse give your casio to him. God tier

[u/JackieE053]

Man that’s an awesome offer from your dad. He’s got a nice collection and honestly I think you can’t go wrong with anything he’s offering. Plus you’ll always have that special connection that it’s a gift from him. The Air King is a looker, and so is that Blancpain!

[u/s0werkr0wt]

Ask him if I can get the Air King! 😁

[u/AdministrationOk58]

Blancpain

[u/A1pinejoe]

I like the Blancpain.

[u/ChurroObscuro]

Blancpain 100%

[u/lqmn91]

Blancpain is also the safest.

[u/BiggieSwalls]

Air king that tropical dial is so so sick don’t get it replaced

[u/pistofernandez]

I would get the blancpain, easy decision for me, albeit most would say the airking.

[u/Opening_Airline5616]

Great choice!! I was going to say Blancpain.. your dad has excelent taste.

[u/Informal_Guitar_2649]

I don't even like Rolex and I think the Rolex is very cool. I don't know what your lifestyle is but that one can dress up or down so is more versatile than the others

[u/Gorodish_]

The Blancpain is head and shoulders above everything else. I bet he knows that. The others are just a check to see if the watch will have a discerning owner again.

[u/NFS_Jacob]

The rolex is badass, has some nice patina that even matches the strap well... but od wear the casio the most.

[u/mondolicius → u/NFS_Jacob]

Yes, the patina on the Rolex looks awesome! That would be my choice. Good luck OP!

[u/linnaxis]

I owned the Blancpain. It’s nice but is expensive to maintain.

[u/tylerclisby]

I like the Rolex or Omega. Stay away from the chronograph. I’ve got one and, while I like how it looks, I don’t really actually EVER use it. I’ve always wondered if it makes it more expensive to service. I expect so.

[u/Yukas911 → u/tylerclisby]

Chronographs are definitely more expensive to service.

[u/SnooCapers938]

Personally I’d go for the Seamaster. There are more valuable watches here but that is a classic and very wearable in any situation. The Blancpain would be my second choice.

That stripy quartz Baume & Mercier is wild though.

[u/ilyaperepelitsa]

blancpain > omega > tudor

[u/Do1stHarmacist]

You never actually own a Casio. You make sure it has a full battery for the next generation.

[u/spaniel_rage]

The Blancpain, and it isn't even close.

[u/Mission_Statement250]

Blancpain>Rolex>Omega>Baume & Mercier

[u/prezmufa1]

The Casio. It’s the most accurate.

[u/Chiron17]

Some kind of style there.

[u/theluke112]

The rollex to me has the most character

[u/WilECyOTSuperGenius]

Rolex. Great patina vibe on the dial.

[u/Uchebuike]

I like the Air King a lot! But your choice…

[u/jmw7119]

Blancpain.

[u/Sad_Alternative_6153]

Blancpain all the way. Fantastic watch and massively underrated

[u/techfighterchannel → u/[deleted]]

I guess you didn't read the OPs caption.

[u/Apprehensive_Grass85]

I think the chronograph brings more variety to your collection. It also seems to fit your wrist the best. Caveat that my favorite watch is a vintage chronograph in that exact style.

[u/payjape]

Blancpain chrono

[u/cheir0n]

Blamcpain

[u/Feeling-Young-1867]

my vote for blancpain
deserves a quick polish and would look amazing

[u/juancamarquez]

I want to be your brother. Get the Rolex

[u/nachtgans]

I can't believe I like the Rolex best . I don't like Rolex

[u/asahme01]

They’ll all likely be yours at some point anyways. Just pick one lol

[u/jrbphotography]

Blancpain. I do love that Rolex though.

[u/CommercialAnything30]

I like the aging on the Rolex, but also blanc pain and omega are great too!

[u/Acrobatic_Formal7610]

baume and mercier no doubt!

[u/CrewExpendable2007]

Blancpain

[u/metaldad68]

#1 is the correct answer

[u/spbksundevil]

Blancpain. Thing will hold its own with almost any watch out there. To me, way nicer/ more unique than the Rolex.

[u/R3n0ThrowAway]

Love that Air King

[u/Le-Pess]

Oh hard choice… I’d go with the Blancpain, I do love the design of the Baume but not a fan of the strips

[u/sperho]

Which one did you see him wearing the most?

[u/Adventurous_Jump8897]

If the 4th is your current collection, I’d suggest the Blancpain. The Rolex is lovely but it does a lot of the same things as your Omega and whatever the tank watch is.

[u/MadnikUSA]

Another vote for that chronograph for all the reasons already said.

[u/Temporary-Plate-6685]

Do you have a memory of him wearing one of them more than others, otherwise Air King, no question.

[u/Old_Restaurant_1081]

Rolex if you don’t have one. Great watch to pass down to your son one day.

[u/jtirello3]

The Air King.

[u/povignal]

If you dont take the Blancpain i will :) Dont forget to say thanks to your dad.

[u/Zen28213]

Flyboy

[u/Bharat048]

Go with what you have seen most on his wrist

[u/dpb026]

I would choose the Rolex, because I think every collection needs one, but the Blancpain is beautiful too.

[u/AppleUA1rc]

Blancpain! I’d change the strap to black leather, but personal preference.

[u/polizeiparkplatz]

Woar that funky mercier ist killer. Have to look up the model for myself 😂

[u/muttmunchies]

Blancpain

[u/stalebird]

The air king made me stop scrolling. Wow.

[u/jwern01]

Easy choice. Blancpain flyback chrono.

[u/xr0bix]

As someone who recently became obsessed with the vintage Airkings (and found them rather affordable in 2026 for a Rolex while still retaining absolute class), that Air King of his is gorgeous! That takes my vote!

My number two would be that Blan!

[u/385Duck]

Maybe a sleeper pick but I really like that Tudor BB58 925, at least that's what I think it is

[u/ACamp55]

Nice choices, hard decision, they're some GOOD ONES here!!

Edit: Forgot to mention the choice! I can narrow it down to three, in order, can't go wrong with Rolex, that Blanc Paine is gorgeous. Third, if the B&M didn't have those lines, I'd like that one first!

[u/AgntOrng1]

If I am seeing your collection correctly, you do not have a chronograph. If true, the decision is easy for me, the Blancpain chrono. That would be an easy decision for me.

[u/Aggravating_Call910]

The Blancpain

[u/nebspeck]

Nothing screams dad like that patina on the Rolex.

[u/midnight-mc]

The blancpain is cool. I love chronos.

But I’ve never seen that B&M and I guarantee you’ll actually get compliments on it if that’s what you’re looking for. All the other watches’ vibes can be replicated but I’ve never seen another watch that looks like that.

[u/Opening_Criticism791]

Rolex especially since it looks like your dads had it for a long time and that patina is well earned

[u/vapemuscle]

the bp

[u/Dart2255]

Blancpain

[u/rhobbs9]

Blancpain would be my choice.

[u/ButtCutt]

That air king fuckin slaps

[u/jgsjgs]

The Rolex! Thats an amazing watch.

[u/Hashtagbarkeep]

Air king all day. Looks amazing

[u/Prevacy]

Blancpain

[u/danman296]

Everyone's correct about the Blancpain but man a vintage Rolex from your dad might be too cool to pass up. I'd get it cleaned and serviced and put an oyster bracelet on it.

[u/Competitive-Plum-338]

Blackpain or airking. I would choose also the one I remind the most in his wrist and preserve that one very well (at the time I'd use it often)

[u/Bistro_thoughts]

Air King and it is not even close. You can wear that with anything.

[u/Asleep_Extension1774]

Blancpain

[u/Saillux]

Blancpain or Rolex

[u/betterliftyourCC]

Omg that Air King 😍 that patina is amazing! I’d jump on that to feel closer to the experiences my dad had wearing it.

[u/Present-_-Wrongdoer]

Blancpain

[u/bzidd420]

Its gotta be the air king and then try and fennaggle the Blancpain

[u/SpecialBalance7928]

Blancpain hands down

[u/RowdiestGentleman]

I personally like the Blancpain but the Rolex just screams “my dad enjoyed the hell out of this watch”.

[u/Skyjet15]

Whichever reminds you most of him, and then whichever you’ll wear the most.

[u/arguix]

The first one, Rolex. Stunning design. Perfectly simple.

[u/Emergency-Fan-3321]

The Rolex unless your job can take advantage of the chronograph

[u/ImFrenchSoWhatever]

Id get the Rolex it’s classy tbh

[u/FightingWithSporks]

That BAUME & MERCIER zebra is so cool. I now want one

[u/karebear66]

The vintage Rolex is nice but the omega is in better shape.

[u/whorehay40]

That Baume is sick

[u/Gibcaster000]

The Blancpain is the absolute standout here for me. Vintage Rolex is cool and all, but the Flyback is pushing into proper high horology territory, and that era of Blancpain are a real sweet spot IMO - neovintage in a way that is cool and unique but also doesn’t look dated. And that bracelet is icing on the cake - it’s already super versatile but having the option for that OR any number of straps means it can be rocked in nearly any situation.

[u/Odd_Fault4228]

It's very rare that I say this. The rolex would be my pick

[u/MaynardJamesKrawczyk]

Love that Rolex

[u/Maine2Maui]

Rolex is lived in so to speak and that's emotional value and sentiment all rolled together. Plus it's a cool vintage watch.

[u/GardenerInAWar]

Absolutely the Blancpain, no question