Everything You Need to Know to Buy Your First Watch
Hey, everyone. This is GQ Recommends. And today we’re gonna be talking about everything you need to know to buy your first watch.
Introduction
A watch is not just a timekeeping device anymore. It has become a fashion accessory and a status symbol for many people. If you are planning to buy your first watch, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to buy your first watch.
Dress Watches vs. Sport Watches
Today, we are going to be splitting watches up into two big categories which really divide the purposes of these watches. So we’re gonna start with dress watches and then move into sport watches, which has a much larger field of subcategories because these things are so purpose-built for the job that they’re supposed to be doing.
Dress Watches
A dress watch is a traditional idea of a watch that is worn for formal occasions. It is usually worn with a leather strap and is made of fine and fancy metals like gold. Dress watches come in a lot of different price points, from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
Timex Marlin
If you only want to spend a couple of hundred dollars, the Timex Marlin is a great option. It is a cool watch and has fine craftsmanship.
Cartier Tank
When you talk about dress watches, you can’t ignore the Cartier Tank. Many famous celebrities, including Muhammad Ali and Princess Diana, have worn this watch. The founder of Cartier was inspired to create the watch’s rectangular, boxy shape after seeing tanks in World War I. A watch that looks beautiful, a Cartier Tank is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
Vacheron
Another expensive watch that defines the dress watch category is Vacheron. The watch has a plain dial made of gold and is a time-only watch that defines traditional luxury.
Sport Watches
A sport watch is designed for active individuals and is more durable and sturdy than a dress watch. It is made of steel, has a steel bracelet or a rubber strap, and is designed to take a beating. Sports watches are the most popular watches on earth, and there are many different types of sport watches.
Rolex Submariner
When you talk about dive watches, the Rolex Submariner is the first watch that comes to mind. It is the archetypal, defining dive watch. The watch has a triangle at the top, batons at three, six, and nine, and the rest of the numbers are circles, making it easy to read underwater.
Seiko Prospex Dive Watches
If you are looking for an affordable dive watch, Seiko is the brand to go for. The Seiko Prospex dive watches are a great option. They come in a nice, not too big size and have a bezel to track how long you have been underwater.
Tudor’s Black Bay
If you want to go a little fancier in the dive watch category, Tudor’s Black Bay is a great choice. It is a sturdy stainless steel dive watch that is a signature watch for Tudor. David Beckham is often seen wearing this watch.
What to Consider When Buying Your First Watch
When buying your first watch, there are a few things that you should consider.
Your Budget
Your budget is one of the main things that you should consider when buying your first watch. Watches come in a wide range of prices, from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars. Determine your budget before you start shopping.
Your Style
Your style is another factor to consider. Are you looking for a dress watch or a sport watch? Do you prefer a leather strap or a metal bracelet? Do you like large or small watches? Consider your personal style when choosing a watch.
The Brand
The brand is also an important factor to consider. Some people prefer luxury brands like Rolex, while others prefer brands like Seiko that offer affordable options. Choose a brand that suits your taste and budget.
The Movement
The movement is the mechanism that powers the watch. There are two main types of movements: quartz and mechanical. Quartz watches are more accurate and require less maintenance, while mechanical watches are more traditional and require periodic servicing.
The Features
Finally, consider the features of the watch. Do you need a watch with a stopwatch, timer, or alarm? Do you need a watch with a date display or a second time zone? Think about the features that you need in a watch.
Conclusion
Buying your first watch can be a daunting task, but if you keep these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision. Choose a watch that you love and that fits your budget and personal style. Whether you choose a dress watch or a sport watch, a good watch is never going to go out of style.
