One final piece of advice
Don’t rely on pictures to make your decision, they can be quite different from the real deal. Try as many watches on as possible to get a sense of what works on your wrist, what fits and feels comfortable. You won’t regret it.
On top of that, they all have quite robust case designs, with enough water-resistance to handle the occasional dip. Importantly, the designs aren’t so robust as to demand you dress like the extra in an action movie to pull it off - these examples dress up and down quite well, with a versatility that is as much aesthetic as it is functional.
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All these watches have distinct personalities. Versatility can go too far, ending up with a watch that you find, well, boring. And being bored with a watch is really a good thing. Ideally, you want to feel that thrill of excitement and satisfaction whenever you do up the buckle. So, at the end of the day, finding the perfect first watch is an exercise in moderation - not too specific as to be impractical for your life, but not so generic as to fade into obscurity. Look for something that can spark joy every time you wear it, and that’s likely a great contender for the perfect first watch.
Luckily, there are many excellent options out there that can do it all, so to speak. Enthusiasts and collectors often refer to this sort of watch as a ‘go anywhere do anything’, or GADA, watch. Some great options include pretty much anything in the Tudor Black Bay family, like the Black Bay 58.
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If your idea of an everyday watch is a little more aviation-inspired, the Altitude from Bremont is a strong contender, while the BR-05 from Bell & Ross provides a great option with an integrated bracelet and bold shape. While these options all have their own personalities, they also have some commonalities, which are good guidelines for what to look for. They’re all three-handed watches, powered by proven automatic movements.
Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, treat this timepiece like it’s going to be the only watch you ever wear. That might seem a little disingenuous given that the title of this article is about the ‘first watch’, which naturally implies more, but it’s very important to buy your first good watch under the assumption that it’s going to be the one and only - the only watch you will ever wear, suitable for all occasions. For example, if you live an active life of adventure, a more delicately styled, dressy watch from a maker like Frederique Constant might work for special occasions, but won’t be up to the standards of your daily life.
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On the other hand, if your days are largely spent in tailored attire and formal settings, a sophisticated timepiece that complements that environment may feel like the more natural choice. While Girard-Perregaux’s sportier offerings bring exceptional engineering, versatility, and character to the wrist, the ideal watch is ultimately one that aligns with how you live and dress. After all, a great watch isn’t just admired, it’s worn and enjoyed regularly.
Why the First Timepiece Matters
Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, looking for a great gift for someone else, or simply treating yourself to a timeless gift, getting your first fine mechanical timepiece is significant and should be done right. And while there are no wrong answers, we’ve got a few suggestions to make the most out of the experience.
Finding the Perfect First Watch
A few tips to getting it right, the first time.