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Horological Meandering

A few things to consider

 

Hi JimmyV. I also think Omega is a good choice. Here are a few additional few things you may want to consider.

 

Will this be your one watch for some time? If so a versatile choice will be a good bet. Something you can wear with a suit or jeans. Getting something on a bracelet will allow you to pair the watch with either black or brown belt/shoes. Will you be very physical while wearing it, swimming etc.? If yes you will want to look for something that is water resistant to at least 100 meters.

 

Are there any complications that you are interested in or would find useful? A chronograph function for example, or a second time zone for travel?

 

Are tradition and classic design important to you?

 

Lastly be sure to try a bunch on. It can be difficult to gauge a watch through pictures alone. I have on many occasions liked/disliked something in pictures and then changed my mind once I saw it in person.

 

That said here are a few that I think meet most of the criteria above.

 

Omega Speedmaster – you can purchase one with a clear back if you’d like to stare at the movement.

 

Omega Seamaster

 

For a little more there are a number of Rolexes that are popular

 

Rolex Submariner

 

Rolex GMT Master II

 

Rolex Explorer II

 

In a littler deeper end of the pool an IWC Aquatimer or Mark XVI may fit the bill.

 

Good luck with your purchase.

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25 Comments view entire thread 

Good "starter" watch???

 
By: JimmyV : June 16th, 2009-09:15
After reading several articles and finding the absolute beauty and perfection of horology, I'm hooked. So what would you recommend to someone as their first watch purchase? Personally I have yet to purchase my first watch and am curious as to what the Pur... 

Omega would be first on my list . . .

 
By: Dr No : June 16th, 2009-09:23
. . . and a Speedmaster Professional would be at the very top: brilliant time-tested design, universally admired, iconic, historically relevant, reliable, likely to be serviced anywhere and anytime necessary, plentiful parts supply, adaptable to all wrist... 

Get what the common people get

 
By: cen@jkt : June 16th, 2009-09:43
Omega, Rolex, and Seiko. They're produced in big quantity, hence the consistency and the quality is there. And do NOT, repeat do NOT, follow my foot steps cen@jkt

but Cen, your footsteps lead to such an interesting destination :)

 
By: G99 : June 16th, 2009-10:42
i agree with Dr No, Vernon and Cen. go for one of the 3 named brands, Omega Speedmaster being my first choice (although you can buy a very nice looking and perfectly running brand new Seiko for $300). the MIH is a fabulous watch, but you really need to un... 

A few things to consider

 
By: Patrick  : June 16th, 2009-10:53
Hi JimmyV. I also think Omega is a good choice. Here are a few additional few things you may want to consider. Will this be your one watch for some time? If so a versatile choice will be a good bet. Something you can wear with a suit or jeans. Getting som... 

Omega, JLC, Rolex, the possibilities are very wide.

 
By: amanico : June 16th, 2009-10:55
Some Vintage IWC, too, are very tempting. I'd say JLC or Omega ( in the Vintage ). If you want to pay a bit more, so Rolex, or Glashutte Original may be also some excellent choices. Best, Nicolas

Great Advice!

 
By: JimmyV : June 16th, 2009-11:23
Great advice all! Much appreciated! The first watch I can remember wearing was when I was about 15 or 16. It was a gift from my father when I moved in with him. It was a Ralph Lauren watch with a deep navy blue dial, gold markers and hands, the obligatory... 

What about the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Phase?

 
By: anaesdoc : June 16th, 2009-13:44
Hi JimmyV, if you are really thrilled by the moon phase indication - think about this watch. Moon watch with moon phase - a perfect match in many ways! Good luck with your choice, anaesdoc

The only thing I have to add is the criteria which is most important

 
By: AnthonyTsai : June 16th, 2009-11:55
Only buy what you like. If you don't like how the watch looks, then don't buy it because once you get your 2nd watch, you'll never wear your 1st one anymore. Cheers, Anthony

An Omega with a newer Co-axial escapement with the Silicon wheel or the MIH

 
By: jasny : June 16th, 2009-14:54
are IMHO the best beginning suggestions. Very cool Technology for a very cool price. Actually something a seasoned collector would be proud of.

There are quite a few to look at..

 
By: W72 : June 16th, 2009-18:02
As many had mentioned, Omega is a good choice. You can also look at Oris, Longine and Zenith. But since it will be your first purchase why not look at something that you will remember and use for the rest of your collecting "career". I am sure if you enjo... 

Budget does play a part

 
By: mrsnak : June 16th, 2009-18:22
True that Pateks can be starter watches for some of the more affluent new enthusiasts, but more important to discover a watch for all the right reasons. Better to start at a price point where you have some room to play, learn and discover. If this is AP a... 

What is your limit?

 
By: MiniCooper : June 16th, 2009-20:27
If you want to stay around $3000 than the Omega speedmaster would be an excellent choice. If you can go a bit higher you should consider a JLC or a GO, maybe a senator sixties. On the other hand you could go to the second hand market and you will have a m... 

I think that the most versatile time keeper...

 
By: matrix : June 16th, 2009-20:45
besides all the ones that our fellow purists have mentioned would be a PAM! Your thousand choices of straps and its easy mechanism along with its history would make it an awesome first watch in your collection... Let us know what you decide plz and happy ... 

I think this is a challenging question because...

 
By: dxboon : June 17th, 2009-01:34
...there are so many different factors that affect our watch buying choices, including budgetary constraints and issues of personal aesthetics. My first watch was an entry-level Seiko, which I continue to wear often and enjoy very much, as the watch is ro... 

Amazing watches

 
By: JimmyV : June 17th, 2009-09:28
I am so amazed at some of the watches that have been mentioned. To brands Im not familiar with to the brands Ive read everything about, thank you so much for all of the advice. I feel somewhat out of place here to be honest especially after reading some o... 

Jimmy,   there's 2 ways...

 
By: G99 : June 17th, 2009-09:44
Jimmy, there's 2 ways of answering this. or perhaps more. the first would be, they are pretty low rent so dont bother. the second would be, if you like them thats the important thing, the most important thing of all. no point paying a fortune if you dont ... 

Very Good Question - It all Comes Down to Your Initial Budget

 
By: NJ_Mark : June 17th, 2009-14:31
The other posters all made good suggestions. On the one hand I can tell you to buy a Timex and not get hooked on this path which is a slippery slope with no end However, since you asked. Sinn - any of their chronographs or time only watches. Very good val... 

Lots of good advice

 
By: anaesdoc : June 17th, 2009-17:26
has been accumulated following your question for a good "starter watch". Several posts have pointed out, that you should know where you want to go. Before you travel you should know your travel budget. Of course you should not go for destinations you do n... 

Hi,JimmyV,

 
By: masterspiece : June 18th, 2009-23:58
As you've stated, everyone's suggestions brings brands that you know and don't know, to light. As there are enough great suggestions as far as a brand is concerned, I would just like to add that you also do your homework and search out the brands you are ...