Buying first watch, have a question

have a question after speaking with a friend 

the premise is that I have settled on this watch to purchase but have a question 

 I’m not somebody that wears watches daily so this would be a watch that I wear maybe once a month or once every two months to a special event

 a few friends of mine are saying that this is not a good beginner watch, but my counter argument is that I don’t wear watches at all, so I wouldn’t be buying anything for day-to-day so I might as well buy something that I will enjoy


Money not an issue


 can anyone advise if they know anything about this watch/should I be thinking more about a beginner watch?

29 Comments
 

moneymaker03

Gonna go ahead and assume you are a woman based of the style

Fuck, is it really a woman’s watch? I know nothing about watches man, I just like this 

 

johnwestonbrook

moneymaker03

Gonna go ahead and assume you are a woman based of the style

Fuck, is it really a woman’s watch? I know nothing about watches man, I just like this 

It has cute little diamonds on both sides...

If you want a Cartier, get a Tank or a Santos, but I wouldn't be bothering with a Cartier as a first watch anyhow. The internal mechanisms aren't up to snuff. 

Rolex & Omega are classic first "real" watches for a reason. 

 

Wear what you like. Unless you care about signalling or you a enthusiast then it doesn't really matter.

I personally wouldn't drop 6-7k on a cartier watch as my first as I would prefer something more versatile, btu if you like it why not.

Also why would not wear a watch everyday? 

 

anonf0fty

Wear what you like. Unless you care about signalling or you a enthusiast then it doesn't really matter.

I personally wouldn't drop 6-7k on a cartier watch as my first as I would prefer something more versatile, btu if you like it why not.

Also why would not wear a watch everyday? 

What kind of “versatile” watch would you drop 6-7k? Would love to look at some options 

Re: your question, I just hate the feeling of anything on my body. Might be OCD.

 

For me personally, Omega Aqua terra or Rolex OP. Watches that you can wear with basically anything and can never go wrong. Unless its super formal like black tie.

To be fair maybe I exaggerated, the cartier is pretty versatile. And if you are wearing it 1-2 times a month for dressier occasions then a leather strap watch would be perfect.

 
Most Helpful

About this watch:
* Not a Cartier expert but do like watches - this might traditionally be considered a more feminine watch but who’s wearing it makes all the difference and at the end of the day wear what you like.
* Cartier tanks in general are beautiful, so not a bad call, but I might suggest one of the more classic looking tanks with the squarer cases and no diamonds

About broader guidance:
* I think starting with gems in the watch is tempting but probably inadvisable, makes pairing the watch more difficult and it’s a hassle you might just not want
* As for beginner watches in general this doesn’t necessarily have to mean cheap, given the forum we’re on and your description I know money isn’t an issue, but it’s still always a deep pain realising you regret your $XXXX investment.
* Regarding recommendations let us know what you like about this watch / watches in general and might be able to advise further. I’d normally say to start with something clean which could be an Omega/similar tier as per other comment or something simpler like a Tudor or some of the Longines watches

Overall: You’ll probably just get used to wearing a watch but if you don’t like having them on it’s worth asking why you’re even thinking of buying. To minimise discomfort yes it’s probably a good idea to go lighter case and simple leather strap (or equally some of the sportier Omega/Hamilton canvas/similar straps are supposed to be very comfortable, but not my style).

To get a bit meta, everyone always obsessed over their first watch and 9 times out of 10 only realises the things they like/don’t after actually giving it some wear, so like many things generally a good idea to just find a good starting piece and find your perfect fit after you’ve gained some ‘experience’

 

Another Cartier: Cartier Santos or Cartier Santos Dumont. Can find used in the 5-7k range

Omega Speedmaster Professional

Jaeger Le Coultre Reverse: looks similar ish to the one you like

Rolex Explorer One

Vintage Datejust in great condition

 

I started with a longines master collection then recently got a Rolex datejust

 

You should get something you’re excited to wear, but also comfortable wearing regularly. I have a ton of watches, some expensive and some super cheap. It wouldn’t kill me financially to lose or break any of them, though. You will know for yourself what level that is. The $4-7K range has a lot of solid options that are often better value than the $1-3K zone. If you want a dress watch like this, there are many alternatives. Simply search rectangular on Chrono24 for some comps on the grey market. I will flag that diamond bezels are often feminine designs and are the easiest markup without getting much more on the design, material, movement, complication (stuff the watch does and how it feels). 

Might be worth getting a $500 watch first to see if you even like wearing one. I wear a grand seiko spring drive basically every day, and a g shock when I ski.

 

If you want it then sure. Although you should get a few pieces to start to see what you like. Also as others have noted the watch is a bit more feminine. The diamonds are used more for women's watches.

 

OP have you considered just getting a good classic Tank? Without the gemstone setting. Catier Tank is an excellent first watch (office, events, dates, tennis, etc.), it's very versatile. I have two (one passed from my grandpa and the second one I bought a green dial for special ocassions. 

 

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