Anonymous wrote:I would just give her money or a gift card. watches are really personal.

This. I remember being in high school and wanting a swatch watch so much. And having a relative I was close to give me one for Christmas, and it was so wrong. I hated it, but would never tell her. Either ask her to send you some links to actual watches she likes and choose one to buy, or give her a gift certificate to buy the perfect watch-- in her opinion.

Smart watches kids love to be high tech

My daughter has a Michael Kors - it is a little more expensive but she does love it.

If she has an iPhone I'd get her an Apple Watch. The first model is still being sold and is just over $100. My 2 daughters love their Apple Watches. She can also buy different matching watch bands for it.

Anonymous wrote:I agree with Swatch. Also, Fossil.

That's what I wore at that age.

Fitbit

Anonymous wrote:Swatch? I am surprised she wants a watch. They all walk around clutching their phones as if they'll die without the physical connection.

I have a 16 year old. Watches are very popular - not necessarily for the clock function, but as a fashion statement. My DD loves hers. It's a Kate Spade...a little out of your price range tho.

No swatches.

Maybe see if you can get a since from her or her parents as to when she would wear it. Everyday to school? Just when dressing up? Does she want it for a special purpose, i.e. timing while running? Does she have a preference on band type -- leather or metal? Does she generally like gold or silver jewelry? Obviously in your price range you are not getting real gold or silver, but people often have a preference.

Watches are certainly becoming a fashion statement again for high school and college kids. I think you can do fine in your price range. You do first really have to figure out if she is looking for a sports watch, i.e. one that she would wear while running - generally plastic. generally big. generally with timing functions. That is a whole unique subcagatory and a very different look.

I will say that watches in generally are larger than in the 1980s and before, and girls are wearing watches that are about the size that a man would have worn in the 60s-70s. I would be willing to bet that she will NOT want a ladies sized watch (unless you are talking Cartier, Rolex, etc - all out of your price range).

If she has no real preference I would first suggest checking out a used watch from a good pawn shop in your general area. I picked up a very nice classic Movado museum watch for $125 as a gift for my son. New it would be around $500. My daughter is graduating college in a couple of months and I bought her a new in the box men's Shinola for $190.00. Again -- that is about a $600 watch. For your $100 you could probably find a nice older men's watch that was waterproof and likely to last her through college because they made those watches to last. Maybe a Seiko or Citizens Eco-Drive. The pawn shops around my area will return for store credit so if she did not like it she could almost certainly find one she did like.

If you must have new -- I would look at Costco. They do not have a big selection of lower priced watches but they have some, and they will be the latest styles. And, they are easy to return if she does not like it or if there is a problem.

I will finish by saying I think the kids are looking for a classic watch look rather than colorful or "fun". A 16 year old is likely going to prefer a grown up watch -- particularly coming from you. I have an expensive watch that periodically has to be reconditioned to keep good time. It drives me crazy because it always costs about $300 to do that. So -- over the years I have often purchased watches at pawn shops or Costco for $150-$200 and worn them until I feel like I can justify spending the money on my "good" watch. My kids have all taken over those watches. My 15 year old loves a Citizens that I bought at Costco for $90 that has a 40s deco look, and my high school senior just put a new band on a Citizens Eco-Drive that I got for $100 at a pawn shop. They are not showoff watches by any means, but they are grown up watches.

Swatch? Absolutely not. Cluse La Roche Marble Watches are super hot right now. Check them out, OP! You can find them on Amazon, Nordstrom, ASOS, etc. so shop around for the best price. My fav is the rose gold right now...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cluse-la-roche-marble-leather-strap-watch-38mm/4581354?origin=coordinating-4581354-0-3-PDP_1-recbot-fbt_similar_items&recs_placement=PDP_1&recs_strategy=fbt_similar_items&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product

I would just give her money or a gift card. watches are really personal.

Michael Kors or an Apple watch.

Man, swatches are still in?!

I agree with Swatch. Also, Fossil.

Swatch? I am surprised she wants a watch. They all walk around clutching their phones as if they'll die without the physical connection.

i usually spend ~100 on a birthday gift for my goddaughter. She is turning 16 in April. She asked for a watch. I asked her what kind and she said "any is fine!" (straightforwardness is not her strong suit, LOL)... she definitely wants a fashion watch but not sure what brands? Suggestions?