[WellWornWatch]

Hello, total newbies here, so patience appreciated. I've just stumbled into this interesting world of watch collecting and don't have a ton of money to play with, so just thought I'd introduce myself and ask for advice/ideas (or links to information or threads) that would help me as I try to narrow down to an affordable brand or watch theme to focus a collection on starting out.

I know affordable brands don't have the same appreciation potential as higher quality brands, but my hope would be, if possible over time, to slowly trade/buy/sell my way up from the "affordable" tier of watches. Even if nothing appreciates, though, that's ok, I am mostly looking to have fun with a collection of watch styles or brands that I can do a deep dive into, learn about, and grow a collection.

By way of background, I never paid much attention to watches (I had a few inexpensive ones), until my house was burglarized last month and one was stolen (an inexpensive Stauer Co-Pilot I had received as a gift). My insurance covered it and sent me a check (of around $150). That sent me down a rabbit hole of research to decide how I should spend that money to replace the stolen watch. Long story short, I stumbled into all the watch collecting resources and forums online and found it all very interesting. I ended up with a new Alpha Explorer (36mm) that I bought on eBay, and two nonworking Seikos I took a chance on that a coworker sold me for $20 each from his father's estate: a Seiko Solar Chronograph Diver SSC019, and a Seiko Flightmaster SNAD05 7T62-0JR0. In looking to evaluate whether they could be repaired, I met a trained watchmaker who lives in my neighborhood and who has been a great resource. He was able to get the Seikos working again for a very reasonable price. Now, I figure I can either keep the Seikos, or sell one or both and have a little money to play with (not sure, maybe $300-$500? . . . which I can probably add a few hundred dollars to). Had I known about the Seikos, I might have held off on buying the Alpha Explorer, but, oh well, it's already in hand and will get worn.

WIth that in mind, I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts (or links to discussions/resources) on approaches to affordably start collecting. I would like the best quality I can afford (at least a generally well regarded/respected brand). I think it may be more fun to be able to buy a couple of watches early on, rather than buying one higher priced watch and having to wait a while till I can afford the next one, but I'm open to either approach.

I have spent many hours online looking at watches, reading forums, and learning, to try and get a direction. So far, I mostly gravitate to watches, styles, and/or brands that have some history to them. I am drawn more to watches that are simple and well proportioned (like field watches, for example, and many of the vintage watches). I do like the iconic Explorer style watches (hence the Alpha Explorer purchase) and, generally, watches with more retro/classic styling. I've never had a dive watch, but, as I researched, they started to grow on me, so I plan to wear the Seiko SSC019 for a while to see how I like it.

I don't mind focusing on a lesser known brand or microbrand that might be fun to develop expertise on over time, but would prefer there be some history and/or respect for the brand. I'm not sure what approach might be better: focusing on a less prominent brand, a classic well-known brand, or maybe an up and coming micro brand . . . or whether something well known and widely available like Seiko might be easier to grow a collection.

I know it's up to me to figure out what I like and would have fun with, but, any thoughts on brands/styles/approaches/price points to consider as I get started from where I am at . . . or experiences to share about how you approached things?

Thanks!

 

[JLittle]

When looking at places to start on a smaller budget, I'd look to brands like Hamilton, Orient, Nodus, Laco.

Longines if you wanted to stretch a bit.

 

[Grasshopperglock]

Understand it's not an investment. However, the watch you buy will never be worth nothing. It might not retain the amount you paid for it but someone else on this planet will buy it. No matter the condition. There's always a market for it. Including quartz.

I'd buy the most you can afford on your first watch. The watch you'll never sell. The first. A sort of guild stick. A way to compare other watches. After that, it gets easier to understand the lower priced watches and what they offer based on price.

 

[WellWornWatch]

When looking at places to start on a smaller budget, I'd look to brands like Hamilton, Orient, Nodus, Laco.

Longines if you wanted to stretch a bit.

I will check those out. I had recently seen a Hamilton I liked, but haven't look into it yet (or any of the others you mentioned). Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[TheBearded]

Your interest in history/heritage and the like of the field/explorer style is going to make me suggest a watch suggested to many, newcomer and old timer alike. The Hamilton Khaki Field.

Hand wind, 38mm and under 10mm thick. Also readily available under $500.

Edit: also, make your way to the affordables forum here and check out the daily WRUW threads for more ideas than you'll know how to process.

 

[WellWornWatch]

Understand it's not an investment. However, the watch you buy will never be worth nothing. It might not retain the amount you paid for it but someone else on this planet will buy it. No matter the condition. There's always a market for it. Including quartz.

I'd buy the most you can afford on your first watch. The watch you'll never sell. The first. A sort of guild stick. A way to compare other watches. After that, it gets easier to understand the lower priced watches and what they offer based on price.

Good point . . . and good advice, thanks. I will definitely consider what I might be able to buy if I pool my resources into one purchase.

 

[Mediocre]

Check out the daily WRUW threads in the affordable section, F71. It is a great way to see examples of what's out there, from $20 to $1k+ and everywhere in between.

 

[Earthbound]

Research, research, buy, wait for months to see what you like or wish it had that it doesn’t, research, research, buy, wait for months, sell first watch, research, research and then buy. Repeat as often as desired!

 

[Yeardley]

Second the Hamilton Khaki Field. Very nicely made watch, display back, wide variety of dial and bracelet colors as well as case diameters. All that at a price that won't break the bank. It's a lot of bang for the buck for a classic style (field watch).

 

[ApostatePipe]

Your interest in history/heritage and the like of the field/explorer style is going to make me suggest a watch suggested to many, newcomer and old timer alike. The Hamilton Khaki Field.
View attachment 16074817

Hand wind, 38mm and under 10mm thick. Also readily available under $500.

Edit: also, make your way to the affordables forum here and check out the daily WRUW threads for more ideas than you'll know how to process.

And if that's stretching the budget too much, the Islander Field watch is a great alternative. Though it lacks the storied history that Hamilton has, its specs are quite competitive and match the Hamilton.

 

[longtimelurker]

If you want to have fun, buy well below your means and don't listen to anyone's advice. Look at pictures, do your own research, and gather facts (not opinions).
The fastest way to kill a good time in collecting is to start listening too much to people.

 

[Stelwick]

Welcome! Definitely check out the Affordable s sub-forum; great group of people there. As you like the "vintage" styling and size, I'd suggest checking out the old Seiko SARB series (017/033/035). They're discontinued, but you might get lucky finding a used one at a good price.

Some microbrands do really good work at the 36-38mm range. Traska has an Explorer homage, and Lorier leans into the vintage feel of a lot of different watches.

 

[thewatchidiot]

Welcome and congratulations on your start.
There are many good suggestions here. I think seeing a thousand watches helps a person recognize what they like vs what they don’t. If you go on chrono24, enter your parameters you’ll see nearly everything under the sun. There is no rush and a collection begins with the one you love. I made an early mistake thinking a collection needed variety. Variety comes over time and works best with a knowledge of your own tastes and likes.

 

[WellWornWatch]

If you want to have fun, buy well below your means and don't listen to anyone's advice. Look at pictures, do your own research, and gather facts (not opinions).
The fastest way to kill a good time in collecting is to start listening too much to people.

Yes, good advice, I'm with you on that. I am, for sure, starting with the premise that I will buy a watch because it resonates with me, is a good value, and I would enjoy wearing it (that's a given). Being new to the hobby, though, I do appreciate the ideas and advice of more experienced folks on what brands or styles I might want to check out (to find what resonates with me). I also find it interesting and helpful to hear about the experiences of others and what they found rewarding or satisfying.

 

[rdoder]

I stumbled into WUS and watch hobby sometime ago too, while researching for a watch to replace my Casio digital watch with broken lug.

I know it's up to me to figure out what I like and would have fun with, but, any thoughts on brands/styles/approaches/price points to consider as I get started from where I am at . . . or experiences to share about how you approached things?

I tried to buy each watch that gave me something I never experienced before with owned watches. e.g. Different color, style/look, movement type, price point, etc. So in the end, hopefully I end up with a group with watches with variety of features that I could enjoy.

Another approach/advice I took was from Watch Snob, a fictional (I think?) writer that gives watch advice (online). I think his advice was, don't buy in mid-range ($1-4k?), buy in affordable (<$1k?) and luxury range ($5k+?). In my experience, that maybe worked out well for me, because I didn't spend too much time/money (correction: I probably spent a lot of time with just affordables 😅 ) working my way up the "luxury" ladder (I never bought and sold my way up, so never took depreciation hits?)... I kind of found out what I liked with affordables, then jumped for a few expensive watches that I really wanted, that gave/gives me the luxury watch experience that I wanted/want, and I see them as helping me to stave off buying in mid-range, if that makes sense. YMMV

All the best, have fun!

 

[Nokie]

Hamilton, Certina, Mido, Seiko, etc.

The "Affordables" subform of this site would be a good place to gain lots on knowledge on entry level watches.

Good luck.

 

[WellWornWatch]

Welcome and congratulations on your start.
There are many good suggestions here. I think seeing a thousand watches helps a person recognize what they like vs what they don't. If you go on chrono24, enter your parameters you'll see nearly everything under the sun. There is no rush and a collection begins with the one you love. I made an early mistake thinking a collection needed variety. Variety comes over time and works best with a knowledge of your own tastes and likes.

Thanks, I wasn't aware of Chrono24, sounds like a great resource, I'll check it out. Good advice too on not rushing. Since I stumbled into owning two watches that are not necessarily what I was looking for and can be sold to fund another purchase, it does give me an opportunity to put some careful thought into what I buy next.

Processing people's comments so far, my view has already changed a bit and I am leaning more towards really putting effort into finding and buying a watch that resonates and I will be excited to own. That does sound more fun and rewarding than just trying to acquire a quantity of watches quickly.

 

[bigclive2011]

My best advice to anyone starting out is

1) Less is more…they are not football cards you don’t need to buy five a month.
2) Only buy a watch that you really like….not what other people suggest you should like.
3) Make sure the watch fits you.
4) Make sure it’s in your budget.
5) Watches are not investments…so if you constantly flip you will constantly lose money.
The only exception being PP Nautilus and Rolex steel sports at MRSP….none of which you will be able to buy.

So pick your watch carefully, make sure you try it on…they often look better in photos or on other peoples wrists, and keep your collection small… as you can only wear one at a time, and there are usually only Seven days in a week.

 

[ChuckW]

My best advice to anyone starting out is

1) Less is more&#8230;they are not football cards you don't need to buy five a month.
2) Only buy a watch that you really like&#8230;.not what other people suggest you should like.
3) Make sure the watch fits you.
4) Make sure it's in your budget.
5) Watches are not investments&#8230;so if you constantly flip you will constantly lose money.
The only exception being PP Nautilus and Rolex steel sports at MRSP&#8230;.none of which you will be able to buy.

So pick your watch carefully, make sure you try it on&#8230;they often look better in photos or on other peoples wrists, and keep your collection small&#8230; as you can only wear one at a time, and there are usually only Seven days in a week.

This is solid advice, to which I would add, don't buy watches as a collector. Buy watches you will wear.

 

[NC_Hager626]

Welcome to WUS. From your introduction, I would say you are off to a good start to knowing what watches may interest you or not. Take your time exploring the various sub-forums on WUS, and you may find some smaller brands/ microbrands that may interest you. Enjoy your journey here at WUS.