Your first watch will always be a special piece. It's a symbol of your perseverance, success, patience and discipline. It's also a representation of who you are, your likes and interests, as well as a reflection of what is important to you. Your first watch should cover all bases, it should be a solid daily wearer, something you can dress up and pair with a formal outfit, something you can wear casually down to your local cafe and everything in between.
The first watch you buy should come on a bracelet, or at the very least have an interchangeable strap option, it should come from one of the more established watchmakers, it really should be mechanical and somewhat uncomplicated and it should be inconspicuous enough to fly under the radar but also be prominent enough for people in the know to recognise what it is. Here are 12 watches that really fit the bill as being the perfect first watch.
IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX
The IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX is a lovely little entry piece that combines a beautiful simplicity with great versatility and wonderful heritage.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 44
Breitling's Superocean Automatic 44 is a perfect entry level watch that really does well to follow the maison's ethos in making tool watches that embody quality craftsmanship and an eye for details.
Breitling Chronomat GMT 40
A symbol of functionality and wearability, the Breitling Chronomat GMT 40 is a travel-friendly watch for the watch collector who wants the best of both worlds.
Tudor Black Bay 58
Perhaps the ultimate first watch for anyone with even a vague interest in horology, the Tudor Black Bay 58 serves its purpose above and beyond what even Tudor even had planned for it.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Omega presents some of the very best entry-level watchmaking that money can buy, and the Seamaster Aqua Terra is easily one of its best offerings.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300
Like the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300 offers so much bang for your buck and sits nice and confidently as one of the best first watch options you can buy.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
But if you can stretch your budget a bit, then you should definitely go for the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional. An icon of modern horology and a watch that will definitely become a family heirloom.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41
After the Submariner, the Oyster Perpetual 41 is Rolex's best entry level watch, combining a beautifully balanced aesthetic with an ergonomic and highly wearable case and bracelet design.
Rolex Submariner
The ultimate first watch money can buy, if you can dig deep enough then the Rolex Submariner is maybe even the only watch you ever need to buy.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic
Looking outside the box when searching for your first watch and you're bound to come across the delightful Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic. Entry level meets serious watchmaking here.
Hublot Big Bang Integral
Completely out of left field, the Hublot Big Bang Integral in titanium in its time-only guise is the most expensive watch here, but it's also one of the most compelling and against-the-grain. Something you need to see and handle in the metal to appreciate.
Panerai Submersible Blu Notte PAM02068
Last but not least is the Panerai Submersible Blu Notte PAM02068. Very different, something you wouldn't normally see but still something you should consider if you're looking for your first watch. Looks good on a bracelet and a rubber strap, too.
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