Advice for a new watch collector
I have an old friend who I have influenced into starting collecting watches. He’s ready for his first “big boy watch” meaning he’s ok spending lore than a few hundred dollars on his first real luxury mechanical watch. He’s an active guy wants something robiust that Has some shock resistance and antimagnetic and can go anywhere and do anything. I’m sort of torn between these two options to suggest for him and I’m curious what choice you would make and why.
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Matt Morgenstern
My watch collecting journey started at seven years old when my grandfather, let me take apart a mechanical watch he had that didn’t work anymore. I started off with a Hamilton and Khaki field in my la...
Charleston Sc
Member since
Last active: 10 hrs ago
7.25” / 18.42 cm
I think the North Flag is a more "advanced" suggestion. Which is to say, for a beginner I would recommend the Explorer (if money is not an issue.) A little more of a crowd pleaser while he's sorting out his tastes.
The Explorer. Then he’ll already have a Rolex and can then search for other watches without feeling that he “needs” to get a Rolex.
As someone who exists entirely below these price tiers, I can't help but wonder if there isn't a useful middle ground between "more than a few hundred dollars" and watches like these. I feel like he should probably try a few more watches to learn more about his preferences, rather than jumping up to watches like these when he still seems to need suggestions. Either of these would be a lot of money to spend without much confidence that he will truly like it.
Something besides these two I'd never suggest someone go from a few hundred to several thousand. Plenty of good watches in between that make a better place to start and that are less forgiving should they decide to sell.
Personally I'd go for the NF of these two as the regular Explorer hasn't ever interested me much. Can't go wrong between the two though.
The Explorer. Then he’ll already have a Rolex and can then search for other watches without feeling that he “needs” to get a Rolex.
That’s a good point for sure! I just thought maybe the north flag would be good to get incase it got more expensive over the years but getting the Rolex off his list first is a good idea.
As someone who exists entirely below these price tiers, I can't help but wonder if there isn't a useful middle ground between "more than a few hundred dollars" and watches like these. I feel like he should probably try a few more watches to learn more about his preferences, rather than jumping up to watches like these when he still seems to need suggestions. Either of these would be a lot of money to spend without much confidence that he will truly like it.
Eh. He makes good money. Is single. He can afford a patek if he really wanted.
I vote Rolex, if he has not developed his preferences yet the Rolex would be easier to on from if it turns out not to be right for him.
I would recommend you and your friend visit some local AD’s and have him try some stuff on and get a taste of as many brands as possible. Let him figure out what he likes if he’s spending that kind of money.