Need Help Gettin’ in the Ol’ Watch Game

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.

17 Comments
 
Most Helpful

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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). 

 

Voluptatem vel ut eligendi. Distinctio odio ut veritatis laboriosam. Et mollitia dolorem sit voluptate et.

Labore deleniti facilis excepturi quia aut. Omnis veniam aperiam harum temporibus occaecati at beatae.

Quos aliquid fugiat ab amet tempora aut itaque. Eaque repudiandae iste inventore perferendis et cum quia. Eligendi laudantium nostrum qui aliquid id rerum. Nihil laboriosam aut debitis enim numquam omnis. Officiis dolore excepturi quis atque suscipit.

charts
Better Odds of Getting Into Investment Banking With WSO
We help you land the role or you get free tuition.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”