I’ve been trying to get into watches recently, but have no idea where to start. I just scroll through commonly known brands’ websites and go “ooh” and “ahh” at the ones I like. Does anybody have any recommendations for good brands for someone just starting out FT that is a reasonable price, stylish/recognizable, but not too flashy so as to make you appear like a douche. Thanks in advance.
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Omega (seamaster, speedmaster) is a good place to start a collection. Breitling superocean heritage are also nice if that’s your style. Nomos offers understated pieces that are of superb quality. Oris offers huge bang for buck. Grand Seiko offers finishing that is second to none and their hi beta movements are solid, as are their spring drives for something more their specialty. IWC pilot watches are quite fun and recognizable. All depends on your budget and above covers from ~2-8k for a first watch and getting into collecting.
This is extremely helpful- thank you!
Lastly, I recommend Hodinkee to stay up to date on what’s new and get an opinion on potential purchases. It’s a rabbit hole of a hobby and I absolutely love it. Cheers!
What’s your price range?
Under $1,000, check out brands like Seiko, Hamilton, or Tissot.
$1,000-$4,500, Sinn, Nomos, some Breitlings, Tudor, Oris, TAG, Longines
$5,000-$10,000, Omega, Grand Seiko, JLC, Zenith, IWC, Panerai
These are just some of the bigger brands off the top of my head without getting too flashy. Rolex OP and Explorer 1 are great, more subtle options if you can find them at retail.
Thank you, Mr. Nontarget. Yeah I plan to buy it as a self-present after I hit a year on the job. So we’ll see what my price range is then. Does 3-5k seem nuts given those parameters?
There are tons of great options in that price range. Whether or not it’s nuts depends on your income/net worth/bonus/whether or not you think it’s worth it.
Most likely, whatever you buy will depreciate some, but that won’t matter if you decide to keep it forever. Whatever you do, buy it for you and only you, and screw what others think. Unless you’re married.
Cartier Ronde Solo XL
Teddy Baldassare has a great youtube channel about watches. So does Theo & Harris, Hodinkee, Watchfinder & Co, Crown & Caliber, and a lot more. I would watch and read a lot of content about watches to discover what styles you like and what brands you like
These are great recommendations.
Would also add Cartier Ronde Solo. Recognized and respected name. Subtle and classy so as to not raise too many eyebrows. Reasonably priced.
I personally have a 39mm Longines Hydroconquest Automatic which was around $1300
That looks sick. Super helpful
If you have the money, I would suggest checking out lange and sohne.
I have a grande lange Moonphase and love it.
You pay retail for that? Isn't that like $40k?
If you want a similar look as an ALS but at a more affordable price you can look at Glashutte Original. Both German brands with similar design choices (at least in their dress watches, the Odysseus is pretty different than what Glashutte offers), and Glashutte has more options in stainless steel (with beautiful movements, etc).
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