What should be my first "real" watch?

Seiko, way more versatile (straps) higher wr and more robust.

The PRX bracelet feels really cheap and you're stuck with it. Plus plastic parts in the movement (if that matters) . Says a lot that there's always lots available used...

Thanks for your input! I had the same thoughts regarding the versatility of the Seiko, especially the option of changing the strap for a nice Nato or rubber one.

For yea first one I would probably steer you to the seiko honestly.

I recently left my house with the dead certain intention of buying a PRX and came home with a Seiko. I say go for the Seiko 👍🏻

Of those two, I’d opt for the Seiko.

That said, assuming from your listed options that your budget is somewhere around €700-1000 and that you want a well known brand. Out of curiosity, how did you narrow the field to these two references? What do you like about them in particular?

I would say neither. Both watches have a very particular look that can be somewhat tricky. I would recommend that a potential buyer take a look at a full-length mirror with the type of watch before buying one.

I have a PRX (quartz) and a mod in a Steelmaster case. Both are "specialty watches" for me that I wear with particular outfits.

I love the look of the bracelet on the PRX, but what puts me off a bit is how common it is (if that makes sense). The „Steelmaster“ just kind of spoke to me since I saw it for the first time. I don’t really love the classic dive watch look (with coloured bezel), but the steel bezel insert and case finishing à la MM300 completely caught my eye

Interesting take, definitely something to consider. Some other watches on my list would be the Tissot Gentleman and Sinn 556i (though slightly more expensive). Would you say these are more versatile in terms of pairing with outfits ?

I would say yes, they are. You also seem to consider very different types of watches. I don't know if you have seen the watches at a Jeweler yet, but the in-person impressions can vary. I would still suggest wearing what you typically wear, and try on these watches.

You also mentioned that you are looking for your first "proper" watch. What are the "improper" watches that you like?

Out of these watches I only got to try on both of the Tissots at a jeweller. With the Sinn I‘m a little worried it might be too small (for me) because the 40 mm Gentleman was already on the smaller side for my taste. I wouldn’t get the Sinn without trying it on first though.

So far I only own some „sins“ from my teens (a gigantic Diesel chronograph that I never wear now and a cheap skeletonized automatic from Amazon that I have outgrown a little) and an Apple Watch (maybe I should keep that to myself around here haha). Anyway thanks a lot for your input!

While it is certainly a preference, at 40mm the Gentleman is on the larger side of a non-diver. I would have a look at a full-length mirror, or at least a bathroom mirror, with the watch and your typical clothing style to make that determination.

In the end, only you are the judge of this. I have to wear business-casual or business attire at work. The Gentleman would still work, but it would be at the upper limit. I wear smaller watches with a suit.

Casual clothing styles are however all over the place. I would however get a "test watch", something inexpensive and similar to a Sinn before buying a relatively expensive watch online. I freely admit that I have used AliExpress to figure out what types of watches work for me. I'm a big fan of buying what you'll actually wear.

I‘ll definitely try to implement your tip to get an impression of the watch within my appearance as a whole.

I can’t wear a watch at work (soon finished with dental school and wearing a watch during treatments isn’t really hygienic) and my style is generally business-casual at most (formal attire only for rare special occasions). So I suppose a more casual watch wouldn’t be out of place for me.

Right, that indeed does open you up to more casual watches. Have fun trying to narrow down the selection.

I would go for the seiko but it depends on what you do really. If you spend a lot of time in a shirt then I would go for the prx. Something like a Hamilton might suit you better like the murph or khaki king.

Thanks for the suggestions! The Murph was on my radar as well, but I‘d like to check it out at an AD. I don’t think I saw the Khaki King before, but I definitely like it 👍🏼

In my day-to-day I rarely wear shirts, only an Oxford button down occasionally. That’s also why I‘m leaning more towards sportier watches rather than dress pieces in my selection

Try a vintage/skin diver as they can be dressed up quite easily. Christopher ward do a nice military line of vintage style watches or a gilt/two tone like a glycine.

Jeebus. Not the PRX.

Depending on your personal style

I think the PRX is more versatile, its can go with jeans and even a suit. I just think it’s more of a looker 👌🏻

The bracelet it great, best in that price tier in the eyes of many. A lot of criticism around the powermaric 80’s part… but the proce I think it’s appropriate

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

In the meantime I’ve decided for myself to save up a little more and get a Sinn 556i when I can comfortably afford it