First Watch

[wrutg]

I have never owned a watch of any kind. I am looking for a little assistance choosing a first watch. Rolex Forums might not be the best place to ask this question since they are out of my budget, but I have been reading the forums in the background and you seem like you all have a lot of great advice. I am looking for the following:

1. Sports Watch - Drawn to the Submariner Date and Explorer II Polar, but only looking to spend 3-4k.
2. Drawn to a watch with date. Not really sure why. I do sign a fair amount of papers daily and reference the date on my phone, but maybe I just subconsciously prefer the look?
3. Also drawn to the Speedmaster Pro Hesalite. I know it doesn't have a date, but seems like a great iconic watch to have.
4. I don't think I will ever have a "collection" but would like to have 3-ish watches in the arsenal for various occasions. Dressed up date nights/events. Suit to the office. Business Casual. Weekend wear. At least one will need to be a diver. Not only do I prefer the look but I do a fair amount of diving, ocean surfing, and lake wakesurfing.

Watches that catch my eye:

1. Explorer II Polar
2. Speedy Pro Hesalite
3. Submariner Date
4. Tudor Pelagos
5. Tudor GMT
6. Tudor BB 58 (but wish it had a date)
7. I like the Omega Seamaster 300M watches but not so keen on the look of the helium escape valve.

First priority is to get a good every day watch. Fits in with business casual wear, weekend wear, most likely a diver. Thoughts?

[zjd168]

save more and get the one on top of your list

[Stew7]

If you have never owned a watch of any kind, I would start with something simple before spending thousands of dollars on one to make sure you actually likely wearing one.

[htrap2294]

Zjd's advice is on the money. You registered on TRF, your top choices are Rolexes. That is your brain telling you that you want the Rolex but are settling on other things. You've done without a watch for so long, you can go another year or two without it. Keep socking away money and buy the watch you truly want. You will eventually resell your watch if you decide to settle.

Trust me, I did the same thing - I've gone thru numerous watches like that and it's more costly rather than just buying the watch you wanted in the first place.

[Jfo122]

I love the Explorer and Tudor pelagos

[Roddypeepa]

Get the one you really want even if it means saving longer and waiting. But given the current climate I wonder if the prices will be coming done over the current months so I’d wait.


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[GradyPhilpott]

See if you can find a nice used DateJust in your price range.

That shouldn't be too hard and you can test out the idea of having a watch on your wrist and in time, you might actually realize why the DJ is the most widely sold Rolex in the world (or so it's said) and it might just be the only watch you'll ever need.

If it's not it should hold it's value well enough to trade in on something else.

[TurboTim14]

You cant go wrong with a Submariner Date! Bit more than your 3-4k budget, but it's worth spending the extra $ on.

[subprimero]

A Speedmaster Pro new or lightly used is in your price range. Check Chrono24 and WatchRecon. The Speedmaster is a bargain for what it is.

[SudiYunus]

Rolex Submariner No Date, cheaper, n even ADs here in Seattle work with finance institutions, so u can make payments instead of all cash.
Never settle for watch that u don't 100% like.

[Jackie Daytona]

Breitling Superocean line seems like it would check the boxes youre looking for overall in the price range you’re looking at.

Very similarly styled to your examples and still a very nice watch overall.

[garyk]

Submariner date, best watch ever!!

[-Ally-]

Of your list I would go for a Speedy Pro, obviously doesn’t check the diver box, though.

[Ihatecheese]

Before jumping in i'd consider a few things!

-Buy something *you* like. No one else will care or notice much of the time, so you will have to validate the purchase to yourself! Go and see it in the metal.

-Take notice of the depth of the cases as well as the general size, It can make a big difference to how easy or large a watch wears.

-Buy something new or covered by a warranty. Watch services, authenticity checking and worrying that your watch isn't running to spec are frustrating things to worry about!

-Finally, accept that mechanical watches aren't as accurate as non mechanical, but still very impressive. It'll still be fine if you give it a check every so often!

[Event Horizon]

Originally Posted by zjd168

save more and get the one on top of your list

Yup, This!!!

If you "settle", you'll always be seeking the watch on the top of your list.


I think the Omega Seamaster Pro is gonna be the best bang for the buck.
I have the silver/blue combo and it's an absolute joy to wear.
Also, I would steer clear of the BB GMT.
Never had a problem w/ mine but sold it b/c of the well known date wheel issue.
Even after multiple repairs, owners are reporting that they are still experiencing the issue.

[Nightscope817]

I have both the Speedy Pro hesalite and the Explorer II polar.....but the 40mm. Both are awesome watches but if you end up going the Explorer II route, I highly recommend the 40mm. Can’t beat that red GMT hand. Not a fan of the new orange hand and lettering on the new 42mm. But to each his own.

[Yachtbuoy]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

See if you can find a nice used DateJust in your price range.

That shouldn't be too hard and you can test out the idea of having a watch on your wrist and in time, you might actually realize why the DJ is the most widely sold Rolex in the world (or so it's said) and it might just be the only watch you'll ever need.

If it's not it should hold it's value well enough to trade in on something else.

I feel like I'm becoming part of the "Consider a Datejust" brigade, but this is a really good post. With your budget/specs for what you want, you might find that a used Datejust could actually be a fairly good fit seeing as you are after a steel watch that can be worn basically all the time. Datejusts I feel are the under appreciated option in the modern era due to the focus on the steel professional modes.

[abozz]

Tudor is a good option. A Black Bay second hand.

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[AF_Rob]

Since you’ve never owned a watch of any kind, I would encourage you to try several on to see what size you prefer. You have pieces in mind, try them on, if you can. Or, try on pieces of similar size.

Since you use your phone to reference the date, having that on your watch will be useful.

You want a good “all arounder”, so, ask yourself, what do you want in a daily? I would want water resistance, so virtually any chrono is out, along with anything without a threaded crown. I find a dive timing bezel very useful, much more than a GMT function.

I’m pretty much telling you to save up for a Sub. However, if you want a white dial at half the price (I think), the white Seamaster is a stunner and my current lust. On paper, the Omega is a better watch, IMO.


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[joeychitwood]

I purchased a Daytona years ago. I realized after a while that I rarely wore it because it did not have a date feature. I sold it and have never missed it. To me, a date feature is essential.

[campfire]

Good luck with the search. All good choices.

My personal choice would be the Sub Date. Then maybe the Tudor Pelagos next.

But you have to try them on (if you can as some aren't typically on display) and give yourself time to let the options sink in.

Either way, have fun.

[RJRJRJ]

Out of those options, Sub Date, easy. No need to get cute. As always, the advice above is correct and you should save for the one you really want.

[GST15]

Originally Posted by rjrjrj

out of those options, sub date, easy. No need to get cute. As always, the advice above is correct and you should save for the one you really want.

+1

[Yess]

The Pelagos has grown on me and is a good option as a second or third watch. But it may be the case you want just the one watch?

In which case, go for an Explorer II. The Sub is a great watch, great history, a tank, but it is so copied and ubiquitous now that it's a little "meh". The Explorer offers you something that fewer people will have on their wrist and is a little more interesting for the long term.

[PhilLynott]

I wear one of my SMP300s most days and don't think I've ever even noticed the helium escape valve is there. Until I got to that part of your post I was all set and ready to emphatically recommend it. I get that if it bothers you it will be all you see but to me it's a total non-issue. I would still try one on since I think for your budget it would be a great option.

[sp006]

I would seriously consider the older Omega Aqua Terra (co-axial) with brushed bracelet. It would be a perfect first watch that looks great. Blue or black dial.


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[White Collar Boy]

From one newcomer to another, welcome to the forum.

Here’s some perhaps overly obvious advice: because you are discovering what you like, take your time and try many different watches on, beyond Rolex, Tudor and Omega, even if you’re only faintly curious; you’ll soon get a good sense of what you really like, based on what looks and feels best on your wrist. Many times, I thought I would love a watch, only to try it on and suddenly know it wasn’t for me. I am a shameless tyre-kicker I guess, but it has spared me from buying and on-selling.

Some additional obvious advice: if, after hands-on experience, you are contemplating buying second-hand, post some photos on a relevant forum, instead of just pulling the trigger, and ask what the users think of a particular example’s condition.

Meanwhile, perhaps a much cheaper (but enjoyable) manual-winding automatic, like the Seiko SRP779K or SRP777K, might tide you over.

[nighthawk77]

With your budget you’re unlikely going to be able to get the Rolex models.

The Tudors for me are more casual with their vintage styled aesthetic. There’s nothing wrong with this, but probably less versatile to be worn everyday, especially if you’re in a suit for work. I own a Tudor and as much as I love it I think they work better as part of a larger collection.

Speedy for me is a fantastic watch and one on my radar for some point in the future. But it’s limited and not suited for the water sports you have identified.

However from your list, my choice is the Omega Seamaster. I’d go used, get the last gen and add the adjustable clasp. You won’t take the hit on depreciation and these can be picked up relatively low cost. The clasp adds improved comfort. It has the date, it’s a sport & dive watch and it’s suitable for all the occasions you have listed. Yes it has the helium escape valve, but this disappears once you’ve had the watch on wrist for a while. This was my daily wearer for almost 2 years and didn’t miss a beat. It remains in the collection, though is enjoying a well deserved break whilst some of my more recent acquisitions take up the wrist time:

[japanWatchLover]

With your budget you’re unlikely going to be able to get the Rolex models.

The Tudors for me are more casual with their vintage styled aesthetic. There’s nothing wrong with this, but probably less versatile to be worn everyday, especially if you’re in a suit for work. I own a Tudor and as much as I love it I think they work better as part of a larger collection.

Speedy for me is a fantastic watch and one on my radar for some point in the future. But it’s limited and not suited for the water sports you have identified.

However from your list, my choice is the Omega Seamaster. I’d go used, get the last gen and add the adjustable clasp. You won’t take the hit on depreciation and these can be picked up relatively low cost. The clasp adds improved comfort. It has the date, it’s a sport & dive watch and it’s suitable for all the occasions you have listed. Yes it has the helium escape valve, but this disappears once you’ve had the watch on wrist for a while. This was my daily wearer for almost 2 years and didn’t miss a beat. It remains in the collection, though is enjoying a well deserved break whilst some of my more recent acquisitions take up the wrist time:

———
Can’t quite BC new account; apologies:

I have the same seamaster. Where’d you buy the adjustable clasp? And how’d you put it on? Want to do that for mine too. Cheers


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[wrutg]

I have 6.5" wrist, but a wider flat top. My skin is pretty fair. Any issues with a white dial and fair skin and the size of the explorer II? I have tried on a sub and it was smaller than I expected. I have also tried on the 42mm seamaster which felt right size-wise, but not sure if it wears the same as the ExpII.