How to Choose Your First Watch
5 Things You Should Think About
So you’ve found yourself scrolling Hodinkee and watching YouTube videos reviewing every watch ever made. The thing that you thought had died with the introduction of the iPhone 3 has suddenly captured your heart.
Welcome to the world of watches!
The watch world is huge and the community even more so. There is a place for you in it and there is a watch for you, too. Whether you think you might start posting on forum threads every day after work or you just want one watch to wear daily, it all starts with the same question: How do I choose my first watch?
Here are 5 questions to get you pointed in the right direction:
1. Is this me?
You might feel uncomfortable saying this question out loud, so you can keep it to yourself, but this is the absolute most important question to resolve for yourself during this process. You can go over budget or under budget, choose a watch that is too practical or not practical enough, but do whatever you possibly can to get this first one right.
The ideal result of choosing your watch is getting something that you are excited to put on every morning but that you can forget you are even wearing during the day. It should feel like a natural part of you and an extension of your style that feels just right.
There are two good ways to help you figure out the answer to this first question, “Is this me?”
First, try on the watch (yes, you might actually have to go to a store in person - how antiquated). Now, imagine you walk up to your spouse/partner/best friend and show them your new watch. Are you starting to feel self-conscious because they can see right through you and know that this really isn’t you? Or, do you feel comfortable and confident in your decision and the person that knows you the best can agree that the watch you’re wearing looks like your watch?
Okay, now for the second approach to answer this question. Instead of imagining the person you are closest to, imagine walking up to a complete stranger and meeting them for the first time. They are going to notice your watch and it is going to influence their initial impression of you - does it say what you want it to say about you?
If you can feel comfortable and confident around the person that knows you best as well as knowing that it is going to create the first impression you want with a perfect stranger - then this might be the watch for you.
2. The Movement Debate
If you are new to the world of watches, the decision about how your watch tells time might not seem like a big deal. Trust me, it is the big deal. Which type of movement you choose is going to put you into a category within the community.
Its’s sort of like choosing your political party, only more divisive.
You’re either a mechanical guy - a quartz guy - or a digital guy.
Mechanical:
This is you if you connect with the artistry of watches. If you would even consider using the words artisan, craftsmanship, or intricate in relation to a watch, you’re probably a mechanical guy.
Quartz:
This is you if you like the aesthetic of an analog watch but you want the convenience of a battery. If you don’t have the desire to open up the case back of your watch and see gears moving inside of it, this is what you’re looking for. It’s stylistically and functionally the same as a mechanically wound watch, but it is easier to maintain and use on a daily basis.
Digital:
This is you if you would be fine using your iPhone to tell time if it could handle the brutal conditions you are going to put your watch through. A digital watch is the modern tool watch. It’s the best option if you know that you are going to absolutely abuse your watch. Yes, there are plenty of durable watch options from the best watchmakers in the world, but unless you’re part of the crowd that has a $50,000 yearly watch budget, wear a G-Shock when you’re camping and save your Rolex Explorer for your more leisurely pursuits around town.
3. Ballin’ on a Budget or Just Budget?
No one likes budgets, but this is something that is going to help you use your watch, which is the whole point of buying one in the first place. (If you are looking to buy a watch and keep it in a vault for the next 50 years as an investment, you probably won’t want to read any further)
There was a study that found that the happiest people were the ones who lived at a level well below their available resources. I guess the people who don’t live at the limit of what they can afford feel more at ease and can fully enjoy whatever they’re doing without the stress of wondering if they can actually afford whatever they’re doing.
The same goes for the watch you choose.
Pick a number for what you can comfortably spend on this watch and then take 10% off of that. There’s your budget. If you stay within that range, you won’t have the stress of not being able to afford it and you won’t worry about actually using your watch in your daily life.
This is the best recipe for a successful relationship with your new watch.
4. Style
Whether you want all gold everything or a utilitarian workhorse depends on your personal style. There are way too many options when it comes to watch styles, which means you can find one that fits your style, but it might take a minute.
Start by choosing a general style category: Dress or Sport?
A dress watch has clean, minimal lines and a leather strap. You can wear it with a suit or it can elevate your button down and jeans. (Think, Cartier Tank for reference)
A sporty watch is larger, more imposing in its design, and usually has a metal bracelet. (Think, Rolex Submariner for reference)
Once you’ve made that initial style decision and you’ve found yourself either in the dress or sport category, decide your material. Do you like the look of yellow gold, stainless steel, two-tone, ceramic, or silicone?
If you wear a ring on the same hand that you wear your watch, it can be a good starting point to incorporate that same material into your watch. For instance, a white gold wedding band will be complimented by the symmetry that a white gold, platinum, or stainless steel watch provides.
Finally, think about your daily style of clothing. Take all of the watches you have narrowed your search down to at this point and imagine them interacting with your wardrobe. If one of the watches feels like the more natural fit, follow your gut and choose that one.
5. Function
One final consideration to take into account is the function you need this watch to serve. How are you going to use it? Will it be the one watch that you wear every single day? Is it more of a special occasion piece? Do you need something with a lot of “tool” aspects for your outdoor pursuits?
Most of us don’t need a watch to tell time or date or altitude - but they are interesting and useful nonetheless. If you do need a watch that serves a practical and utilitarian purpose, a digital or smartwatch is going to offer you the most functionality in the best package.
If you are going to use your phone to tell you everything you need to know, and your watch is a style decision, then make your decision primarily based on its style.
Conclusion:
This isn’t absolutely everything to think about when searching for a new watch for yourself, but it covers a lot of the considerations. It’s a big world of watches out there and it can get overwhelming very quickly. But, if you choose your priorities for what you want out of this watch and never settle for ‘good enough’, your new watch can be worth every penny.
Last thing: If you only do one thing right during your search, make sure you choose a watch that feels like you.