What is your “sage advice” for new watch enthusiasts? (besides “DON’T DO IT!)
I have a friend who is “getting into watches“. He came to me for advice and some ideas on a 3 piece collection. I started by explaining movements and the various brands. I’ll be taking him to various boutiques around Kuwait to show whats out there. What is some of the “sage advice“ you would give my young padawan? He was looking straight to Omega. My first bit was “high cost doesn’t always equal high value“
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Don't try to buy all the watches at once, pace yourself on new purchases.
To get one boring watch first, something ordinary that they can wear in a lot of situations, this in order to learn what they like and don't like and a) be inexpensive so they can chug it without taking a hit when they move on from it, or b) a more upmarket piece that will retain value in case they want to sell it.
I'm not an aged expert, but I'd tell myself this at the start:
Don't buy three watches just to have a three watch collection. Maybe it turns out he's a ten watch guy? Maybe he'll find that just two is perfect?
Just start with one that is thoroughly researched as best he can, and don't expect it to stay in the collection after the honeymoon. Let the first watch sit before getting another and learn what you do and don't like about it, and adapt the collection from there.
Sage advise:
Make sure he's aware of the slippery slope that the watch hobby can be. In the words of the Eagles "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave". 😀
Don't buy watches without being able to handle them in person and try them on, so you know that they will be suitable for you.
Understand your own needs and wants. If you like the look of dress watches, but never dress up, realize that you may find yourself with a watch that doesn't get as much wear as it should. Buy for your own lifestyle.
Make sure you buy what appeals to you, and don't get enticed by a watch simply because it's popular and other people like it.
Identify which traits in a watch are important to you, and then make sure that you focus on watches with those traits. For example, if accuracy is an important consideration, you probably won't be happy with a watch that gains or loses 30 seconds per day.
Never buy a watch that exceeds your financial comfort level, and never borrow to buy a watch. Watch purchases should be made with discretionary income that isn't required for other purposes.
Determine the price level that you are comfortable with, as a balance between what you can easily afford versus what you will be happy with. If you have Patek tastes with a Seiko budget, you probably won't find too much that you're truly happy with. Find that sweet spot that allows you to buy watches that you truly love, while keeping the financial hit as small as possible, keeping in mind the diminishing returns that additional $$ brings as you move up the price ladder.
When you are considering a certain watch, do as much research as you possibly can about the watch so that you find out all of the pertinent details. I was recently contemplating a Breguet Type XXI chrono, and almost made an offer on a pre-owned example listed on a local forum. After reading several reviews and watching multiple YouTube videos, I finally discovered that the watch didn't hack, which was a deal breaker for me. If I had given up my research sooner, I probably would have moved forward with the deal, and ending up regretting it.
Do your research to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
Don't be afraid to buy pre-owned, especially in situations where there are substantial savings to be had.
Make sure to buy from trusted sellers.
You mention that he was looking at Omega, which is one of my own favorite brands, and one which I personally feel offers great value in the pre-owned market. It's not unreasonable to find pre-owned examples with much of the warranty remaining for 30-40% or more off of MSRP prices. Although I don't own one myself, if anyone ever asked me to recommend a single watch for someone looking for a mechanical watch, I'd recommend a very gently used pre-owned Omega Aqua Terra.
Start your main man with something lower on the price bracket than an Omega. Get him to wear it and live with it. He may he a one and done guy, he may be a 3 watch guy, he may be a freaking hoarder in the closet. Who knows?
For his first watch, I recommend a GADA watch. If he wants to continue, then branch out. Hope that helps.
Make sure he's aware of the slippery slope that the watch hobby can be. In the words of the Eagles "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave". 😀
Don't buy watches without being able to handle them in person and try them on, so you know that they will be suitable for you.
Understand your own needs and wants. If you like the look of dress watches, but never dress up, realize that you may find yourself with a watch that doesn't get as much wear as it should. Buy for your own lifestyle.
Make sure you buy what appeals to you, and don't get enticed by a watch simply because it's popular and other people like it.
Identify which traits in a watch are important to you, and then make sure that you focus on watches with those traits. For example, if accuracy is an important consideration, you probably won't be happy with a watch that gains or loses 30 seconds per day.
Never buy a watch that exceeds your financial comfort level, and never borrow to buy a watch. Watch purchases should be made with discretionary income that isn't required for other purposes.
Determine the price level that you are comfortable with, as a balance between what you can easily afford versus what you will be happy with. If you have Patek tastes with a Seiko budget, you probably won't find too much that you're truly happy with. Find that sweet spot that allows you to buy watches that you truly love, while keeping the financial hit as small as possible, keeping in mind the diminishing returns that additional $$ brings as you move up the price ladder.
When you are considering a certain watch, do as much research as you possibly can about the watch so that you find out all of the pertinent details. I was recently contemplating a Breguet Type XXI chrono, and almost made an offer on a pre-owned example listed on a local forum. After reading several reviews and watching multiple YouTube videos, I finally discovered that the watch didn't hack, which was a deal breaker for me. If I had given up my research sooner, I probably would have moved forward with the deal, and ending up regretting it.
Do your research to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
Don't be afraid to buy pre-owned, especially in situations where there are substantial savings to be had.
Make sure to buy from trusted sellers.
You mention that he was looking at Omega, which is one of my own favorite brands, and one which I personally feel offers great value in the pre-owned market. It's not unreasonable to find pre-owned examples with much of the warranty remaining for 30-40% or more off of MSRP prices. Although I don't own one myself, if anyone ever asked me to recommend a single watch for someone looking for a mechanical watch, I'd recommend a very gently used pre-owned Omega Aqua Terra.
I do enjoy my gently used speedmaster triple date
Start your main man with something lower on the price bracket than an Omega. Get him to wear it and live with it. He may he a one and done guy, he may be a 3 watch guy, he may be a freaking hoarder in the closet. Who knows?
For his first watch, I recommend a GADA watch. If he wants to continue, then branch out. Hope that helps.
I was thinking the same thing.
I've been in a similar situation twice over the past year (advising friends on their first luxury watch). I recommended both friends go watch some of the popular watch topic channels on YouTube before they even think about picking up a watch. If the person can't explain the difference between automatic vs mechanical vs quartz... and can't name the key models of the major brands then that person is not ready to yet. Lastly, ask that person to build a 2-4 piece collection and see them go through that exercise and think about tradeoffs and budget.
I've been in a similar situation twice over the past year (advising friends on their first luxury watch). I recommended both friends go watch some of the popular watch topic channels on YouTube before they even think about picking up a watch. If the person can't explain the difference between automatic vs mechanical vs quartz... and can't name the key models of the major brands then that person is not ready to yet. Lastly, ask that person to build a 2-4 piece collection and see them go through that exercise and think about tradeoffs and budget.
Absolutely! I sent all the usual YouTube links. I’m going to let him see my collection and talk about my mistakes. Cause I lost my mind when I started 😩
Start your main man with something lower on the price bracket than an Omega. Get him to wear it and live with it. He may he a one and done guy, he may be a 3 watch guy, he may be a freaking hoarder in the closet. Who knows?
For his first watch, I recommend a GADA watch. If he wants to continue, then branch out. Hope that helps.
There are a lot of good GADA watches for good value and relatively inexpensive.
Make sure he's aware of the slippery slope that the watch hobby can be. In the words of the Eagles "you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave". 😀
Don't buy watches without being able to handle them in person and try them on, so you know that they will be suitable for you.
Understand your own needs and wants. If you like the look of dress watches, but never dress up, realize that you may find yourself with a watch that doesn't get as much wear as it should. Buy for your own lifestyle.
Make sure you buy what appeals to you, and don't get enticed by a watch simply because it's popular and other people like it.
Identify which traits in a watch are important to you, and then make sure that you focus on watches with those traits. For example, if accuracy is an important consideration, you probably won't be happy with a watch that gains or loses 30 seconds per day.
Never buy a watch that exceeds your financial comfort level, and never borrow to buy a watch. Watch purchases should be made with discretionary income that isn't required for other purposes.
Determine the price level that you are comfortable with, as a balance between what you can easily afford versus what you will be happy with. If you have Patek tastes with a Seiko budget, you probably won't find too much that you're truly happy with. Find that sweet spot that allows you to buy watches that you truly love, while keeping the financial hit as small as possible, keeping in mind the diminishing returns that additional $$ brings as you move up the price ladder.
When you are considering a certain watch, do as much research as you possibly can about the watch so that you find out all of the pertinent details. I was recently contemplating a Breguet Type XXI chrono, and almost made an offer on a pre-owned example listed on a local forum. After reading several reviews and watching multiple YouTube videos, I finally discovered that the watch didn't hack, which was a deal breaker for me. If I had given up my research sooner, I probably would have moved forward with the deal, and ending up regretting it.
Do your research to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
Don't be afraid to buy pre-owned, especially in situations where there are substantial savings to be had.
Make sure to buy from trusted sellers.
You mention that he was looking at Omega, which is one of my own favorite brands, and one which I personally feel offers great value in the pre-owned market. It's not unreasonable to find pre-owned examples with much of the warranty remaining for 30-40% or more off of MSRP prices. Although I don't own one myself, if anyone ever asked me to recommend a single watch for someone looking for a mechanical watch, I'd recommend a very gently used pre-owned Omega Aqua Terra.
I wish you were there when I started. I’d be on a much more even keel. 🤔😀
To get one boring watch first, something ordinary that they can wear in a lot of situations, this in order to learn what they like and don't like and a) be inexpensive so they can chug it without taking a hit when they move on from it, or b) a more upmarket piece that will retain value in case they want to sell it.
Get that quality daily driver.
Do the right thing, Get him a G-Shock and tell him to run far away from you and to never speak of collecting watches again. It might not be too late for him!
Seriously, I think you should let people make “mistakes” because that’s how we all learn. If he doesn’t think they are mistakes later on, then… well, there’s no problem. At the end of the day, this is not brain surgery, it’s buying a luxurious gadget or a mechanical piece of jewellery. There is no “wrong.” It’s all for interest/fashion/ fun! I’m saying this as a watch enthusiast. Having too many rules takes the fun out of it.
Do I regret ever spending money on a brand new MVMT dress watch? Most definitely. Could I tell the difference between it from a nicer watch at the time? Not really. Did I learn and move on from it? Yes, because I experienced it for myself, not just taking the opinions of others as fact.
Don't buy watches that make you think "I like everything about it except _____". There are many, many watches out there and with enough searching there will be one that will hit just right at almost every price point. And if that watch is slightly out of budget, just wait for a couple more paychecks and buy it when you have the money.
I didn't follow this rule with a couple of watches, and those are the only ones in my collection that I'm currently looking to offload (with a large amount of sunk cost on my end).
beginners need to make mistakes, otherwise they never learn. So I'd keep it simple and say : buy a blue dial Tissot Gentleman 80 Powermatic and see if you like it
I would try to suggest them to start with an affordable piece first.
It is best for them to really know what they would love to wear before pulling a trigger for something they just see or heard from others.
Or even better, lend them a watch or two - once they get the feeling and buy themselves a collection, I could borrow them sometime too 😉😉
Don't buy watches that make you think "I like everything about it except _____". There are many, many watches out there and with enough searching there will be one that will hit just right at almost every price point. And if that watch is slightly out of budget, just wait for a couple more paychecks and buy it when you have the money.
I didn't follow this rule with a couple of watches, and those are the only ones in my collection that I'm currently looking to offload (with a large amount of sunk cost on my end).
There were many “itches” I wished I hadn’t scratched 😑
I would try to suggest them to start with an affordable piece first.
It is best for them to really know what they would love to wear before pulling a trigger for something they just see or heard from others.
Or even better, lend them a watch or two - once they get the feeling and buy themselves a collection, I could borrow them sometime too 😉😉
I will say, I have lendable pieces and………non-lendable pieces😜
Don't try to buy all the watches at once, pace yourself on new purchases.
There are only so many watches and so little time 😜
beginners need to make mistakes, otherwise they never learn. So I'd keep it simple and say : buy a blue dial Tissot Gentleman 80 Powermatic and see if you like it
One of my favorites!!
Seriously, I think you should let people make “mistakes” because that’s how we all learn. If he doesn’t think they are mistakes later on, then… well, there’s no problem. At the end of the day, this is not brain surgery, it’s buying a luxurious gadget or a mechanical piece of jewellery. There is no “wrong.” It’s all for interest/fashion/ fun! I’m saying this as a watch enthusiast. Having too many rules takes the fun out of it.
Do I regret ever spending money on a brand new MVMT dress watch? Most definitely. Could I tell the difference between it from a nicer watch at the time? Not really. Did I learn and move on from it? Yes, because I experienced it for myself, not just taking the opinions of others as fact.
calls the two big, hulking slabs of muscles to hold you securely
Have you re-consecrated your wrists after wearing that MVMT, my man? 😛
I want to start a series of posts to find the best 1 watch collection under 400$ for people, who is not a watch nerd and just wants something on the wrist that shows time, fits most styles and doesn't require charging every 2 days. Any ideas for a best boring watch in this price segment?
Always recommend the seiko dresskx, there's many more, aside from a simple design it has to have 100m of water resistance.
There is not a single watch you must have. There are always watches just as good, even if in different ways.
And a watch doesn't have to be expensive to make you happy.
Always recommend the seiko dresskx, there's many more, aside from a simple design it has to have 100m of water resistance.
It's certainly on the list. First in the line 😅
Something that is often forgotten is “buy whats gonna work with your stature and your wardrobe.”
If he’s a monochrome guy with lots of white t-shirts / black jeans then clearly black dials and understated case shapes are gonna be the way forward (eg Longines Spirit, Grand Seiko, IWC MK XX).
If he wears a ton of gem tone colours (blues, greens, reds - like me), then blue or white dials will likely compliment more and could probably look at more flashy case styles (eg. Aqua Terra).
If he’s small / skinny then would steer him away from looking at anything over 40mm as a first piece. If he’s a brute then getting a 43mm Breitling as a daily wouldn’t be the worst choice!
Rather than a three watch, I’d concentrate on “something dressy, something casual”. Add the third later.
Finally, Budget wise, whatever he has the resources to spend, let him spend it. If you’re Kuwait based then am guessing a few K might not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I’ve known guys jump straight into Omega and Rolex without climbing up the Tissots and Seikos. Power to them. 👊🏼
Never buy a watch sold on a shopping network or advertised in Reader's Digest.
Buy everything you like.
Buy for yourself, not others.