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6 Watches Every Beginner Collector Should Start With
Ian Roth
February 24, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Time to wind up your watch game! Whether you're looking to impress your horologically-inclined friends or just want to avoid wearing a smartwatch to your next job interview, this list has got you covered.
And hey, if you end up loving watches as much as we do, you might want to check out my book, Watch Collecting 101, for more insider tips and tricks.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD55
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Why It's on the List: It's the Honda Civic of watches - reliable, good-looking, and won't break the bank.
Specs & Features: Automatic movement, 100m water resistance, day-date display, and a price tag that won't make you cry.
Pro Tip: Swap out the bracelet for a NATO strap and suddenly you've got a whole new watch.
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Timex Weekender
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Why It's on the List: Because sometimes, simple is better. And cheaper.
Specs & Features: Quartz movement, 30m water resistance, and an INDIGLO night-light that's brighter than your future.
Pro Tip: The ticking might drive you nuts, but hey, at least you'll always know it's working.
Casio F-91W
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Why It's on the List: It's so cheap, you can buy one for every day of the week and still have money left for ramen.
Specs & Features: Digital display, stopwatch, alarm, and a battery life longer than most relationships.
Pro Tip: Embrace the nerdy charm. It's basically a vintage piece at this point.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
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Why It's on the List: It's the watch equivalent of a flannel shirt - rugged, classic, and always in style.
Specs & Features: Hand-wound movement, 50m water resistance, and a military-inspired design that screams "I could survive in the wilderness if I had to".
Pro Tip: Wind it every morning while you contemplate your life choices. It's therapeutic.
Orient Bambino
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Why It's on the List: Because every collection needs a dress watch, and this one won't require a second mortgage.
Specs & Features: Automatic movement, domed crystal, and a design that says "I have my life together" (even if you don't).
Pro Tip: Pair it with a suit and suddenly you're James Bond on a budget.
Tissot PRX
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Why It's on the List: It's the closest you'll get to a Royal Oak without selling a kidney.
Specs & Features: Quartz or automatic options, integrated bracelet, and a '70s vibe that's cooler than your dad's vinyl collection.
Pro Tip: Practice saying "It's not a Rolex, it's better" with a straight face.
There you have it, folks - six watches that'll kickstart your collection faster than you can say "chronograph."
Remember, collecting watches is like eating potato chips - you can't stop at just one. Before you know it, you'll be explaining the difference between a tourbillon and a chronometer to anyone who'll listen.
And hey, if you're itching to dive deeper into the rabbit hole of watch collecting, why not check out my book, Watch Collecting 101? It's got everything you need to know about watches, minus the snobbery and plus a few dad jokes.
Happy collecting!
~Ian
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