Beginner's Guide: How to Choose Your First Watch

I am often asked, "What is the best first watch I can get?" The answer, unfortunately, is, "It depends." Sort of…  

The truth is that your best first watch depends on several factors that only you can answer. At a high level, these factors, in my preferred order, are budget, utilization, and style. We'll explore these more below.

What is Your Budget?

The first and most important question you must ask yourself is what budget is reasonable for your new piece. This decision will directly influence the styles, brands, and movements available to you. As a general rule, I always advise a manual (automatic or mechanical) watch as they have the most longevity, hold the most value, and are beautiful and fun pieces to own. 

However, the complexity of these pieces means that they tend to be more expensive and that you should be wary of abnormally cheap pieces. If your budget is $500 or below, there is nothing wrong with a quality quartz piece. 

My first watch was quartz, a Victorinox Swiss Army Diver, I loved and cherished for years. Unfortunately, quartz watches are not made to be generational, and after much use, my bracelet broke and the bezel cracked. I recommend a Swiss automatic if your budget is >$500. The quality of these timepieces is materially better, and there are plenty of options once you break the $500 barrier, such as the Tissot PRX collection.

How Do You Want to Use Your Watch?

The next question must be, "What do I want this watch for?" Is it a daily driver, something to wear at work (office or otherwise), or intended for weekend wear? Watches have been purpose-built for almost every occasion, so make sure you choose one that aligns with how you will wear it!

For daily wear, something simple, easy to set, and with a standard size may be best suited. Look for a piece with a relatively normal case size (~40mm for men, ~28mm for women), a long run time, and a classic and clean look that will go comfortably with most of your wardrobe.  

For those looking for something for the office, take the daily wear advice and add a layer of refinement to the dial. Classic number markers, including Roman numerals and the like, will add a touch of sophistication. 

Complications like a moon phase or day date add something unique without being over the top.  

Consider rugged, sport-aligned, and visually striking pieces for those a little more adventurous. A watch for weekend wear should be built to stand up to a beating and provide specific value to your hobbies. Like aquatic sports? Seek out a diver that will provide unparalleled water resistance and peace of mind. Pilots should seek out a GMT, known for its ability to simultaneously keep time in three time zones. Likewise, my speed enthusiasts are perfectly aligned with a Chronograph, purpose-built for racing with its stopwatch functionality. Whatever your adventure, there is a watch for you!

What is Your Preferred Style?

Finally, style. No matter if the watch is in the proper budget or has the right features, it is a poor use of your money if it doesn't reflect you. Style comes in many forms: dial color, case size, and bracelet or strap color. For a first watch, I suggest you stick with a neutral palette, but if a specific color holds a special attachment for you, get that color! 

Case size is similar; your first watch should function in various circumstances. An over- or undersized case will be a limiting agent in its use as part of your wardrobe. However, if you try on a 43mm Chronograph and it feels right, don't let me stand in your way! 

A watch must reflect its wearer, or it will rarely see the outside of its case box. Lastly, you must consider whether you are looking for a watch with a bracelet or one on a strap. Bracelets and neutral-colored leather straps provide tremendous versatility, but only the bracelet will provide exceptional longevity. 

For the best outcomes, look for bracelets made of high-grade Stainless Steel or straps made of 100% leather.  

Choosing Your First Watch 

To recap, your first watch is the beginning of a journey. Be intentional in your choice and choose a piece that reflects you and works across various situations and wardrobes. It's an exciting world to plunge into, and as long as you let your heart lead you, you can't go wrong!