need help buying my first/ second watch

First question is what do you like?

Second, what’s your style?

Here’s a tip: buy what you like first, then after you develop a taste go for things suggested, as you might not be able to grasp and see all relevant brands.

My advice to you would be to pin point places you want to visit in Japan that sells second hand watches you want. I was there last month and I found my self getting a better deal on luxury watches like GS, Omega, Oris etc. Vs a Seiko store selling watches at MSRP that I can find cheaper online. Now the cool thing is tax free for foreigner so that's takes a decent portion. Are you going to Tokyo?

Those are great tips.

Okay, I hadent thought about secondhand, but I'll certainly look into that. Yes, ill be in Tokyo most of the time. As for style, I think I would like something like a GMT or dive watch 

Buy something that you like first, then sit with it for a while and buy your second watch. It took me over a year to go from watch #1 to #2, but that was more because I had other financial priorities and wasn't a watch geek at the time. The time between each subsequent purchase has reduced, because I found my style and niche. How long did it take? Three or four watches. Once you have your first, think about what you like and don't like about it, and after a bit of analysis and chatting with other enthusiasts, you'll find what "genre" works best for you. I went from big sports watches to dainty dress watches, so anything is possible. I wish you the best of luck!

Ok that's a nice area to work with. Also it sounds like you are wanting to go with a dive watch. I definitely don't want to stear you wrong here so I will just say a few things that may already be obvious to you. 1. You are going to be in Tokyo so there are some watches that aren't offered here that are in stores there. Seiko, Citizen, Casio, and Orient just off the top off my head. All very solid companies and you can just walk into the store and try them on! 2. Compare dive watches manufacturers and models on their sites and then look at both YouTube reviews and customer reviews. 3. What is it that is going to make you love it for a long time? So type of watch - sounds like diver. Do you want quartz or automatic? Also some really great solar options available at your price point. Quartz and solar are very low maintenance and much more accurate, durable and overall usually less expensive. Automatics are where most collectors live though and the movements get amazing. The amount of craftsmanship and time on some of these is incredible on the higher end especially. Workers are polish, placing, and creating all these tiny parts in hand assemblimg a wristwatch. It is fantastic. Ok don't forget to get a feel for what size watch you prefer on your wrist. I have a small wrist 6 1/2 so I usually like the 38 to 42mm but I have some exception. I didn't think about this at all on my early purchases and it would have been better had I just got that. Ok sorry to rattle on. Good luck on your selections and hope you have a safe and great time. I am excited to see what you end up with. I am adding you to follow so hopefully you will post and I will see. 😃