First watch

Start with a cheap casio and compare everything else to that. Maybe a Seiko 5 if you want an automatic. But first try a bunch on to see what style and size you like. G-shock for really adventurous etc.

I'd recommend the seiko SPB241J1 "Alpinist"

It's a little under your budget, it's versatile both as a sporty watch and you can dress it up a little bit. I always recommend people to get something not too out there as their first watch, since tastes change as you learn more about watches, also something you can sell if you decide you don't like it anymore and get back some of your money.

Exciting times! I'd second @OldSnafu and pick up a "beater" like a G-shock for ~$100 and maybe budget the rest to explore some mechanical options from the likes of Lorier or Baltic where I feel like you get a lot of great unique design for the money.

Hi and welcome! I'd get a good looking Seiko 5 for $100ish and wear it. Something SNKxxx, SNXxxx - look around for threads on here.

With your watch on the wrist you'll learn what you like and what you don't. You'll read about other watches. You can find out if you want to dive deeper into the watch world.

Maybe after a while you realize that you aren't a watch guy. Or that you want a diver. Or that you hate automatics and want a quartz watch...

Then you'll still have $700 to spend and you can still keep your good old Seiko 5, your first watch.

That being said, I wouldn't trust any advice on here. We're all weird watch nerds 🙂

I concur on all the above. BUT.....If you're looking to go big with the $800 I'd head over to NTH watches. You won't be disappointed. Welcome to the crunch🤝

Hamilton if you like field watches. Seiko if you like dive watches. Welcome!

Without much context, I´d definitetly recommend Seiko. IMO they offer a lot for the buck. If this is going to be your first watch, I´d look for Sapphire and Mechanical (with the exception below):

Find my top Seiko pics for the budget.

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/seiko--sbsc001-mens--5--skx-sports-style--id24073312.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/seiko-sbdy047--id14285332.htm (crazy value for the money, it comes with sapphire, ceramic bezel insert. And although it sounds "big", it wears pretty cool given that lugs are very short)

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/seiko-seiko-prospex-sbdy095-srpg21k1-mechanical-20-bar-watch--id19520270.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/seiko-seiko-prospex-sbdc087-spb117j1-mechanical-self-winding-stainless-steel-watch--id14285188.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/seiko-seiko-prospex-sbdc159-spb249j1-automatic6r35-watch--id21911554.htm

https://www.chrono24.com/seiko/seiko-prospex-sbdl085-ssc813p1-solar-drive-v192-10-bar-watch--id20988291.htm Although it is not automatic (Solar caliber still pretty cool, the watch is super handsome)

This seller I am sending you options from is located in japan, given the current "strong dollar", watches priced in JPY tend to be a good option. Import process is quite easy, if you are located in the US at least.

Last, I´d recommend you give a look to Baltic Watches, it is a well known "microbrand" that offers a lot for the money too, and they have some cool options fitting your budget. My favorite for the budget:

https://baltic-watches.com/en/products/aquascaphe-titanium-blue in either color, blue or black, looks great in photos, and it is Titanium so, it should wear very nice, very light at least. This watch is still on pre-order.

Good luck and happy to further taklk if needed...

The biggest question is: Why do you want a watch? Almost anything else in deciding on a watch is based on the answer to that question.

I think there are lots of great thoughts here. I just want to add on that if you are going to start well under your budget to experience a watch or two first, get a feeling for how you like the sizing of a watch on your wrist. The numbers don’t always tell the story, but it’s good to know whether you want your dive (or other type) watch in 36, 40, or 44mm.

Hamilton! 

I'd recommend Hamilton. Khaki Field Automatic or Khaki Navy Scuba (pic).

Or the Baby Alpinist?

Or the Khaki Pilot? Or CWC Mellor?

Tissot

Both are good examples, it really comes down to OP's personal preference. 

A second hand spb143 

www.seiyajapan.com

Seiko or Citizen- the best selection of JDM models are available at the above shop.  Seiya is a true geek and will happily answer your questions.  When I order from him the watch arrives from Japan to my home on the west coast in about 5 days.

Tissot PRX powermatic80, the blue waffle dial is just eye candy

Agreed!  The Seiko Alpinist 1959 reinterpretation is an excellent choice in any of the dial colors.  

May I suggest the Orient Kamasu. 💪

Its a diver with decent/good specs. Affordable and will not break your budget. You can buy a another one and a watch box for future expansion. 😎

Citizen or Christopher Ward. Don't pay MSRP for either. 

Tissot prx, Hamilton khaki small seconds, Hamilton khaki, squale 50atmos, Seiko spj143, Seiko alpinist. 

I suggest having a look at Christopher Ward