Ok, so as the title states I am currently in search of my first watch. I am looking at spending about 500$ tops as I don't want to blow all of my money on a watch. I know it is not a huge amount but from what I've been seeing there are some nice time pieces to be had in the 3-500$ range. I know there are a lot of connaisseurs here and would like to hear some suggestions from you guys. I am still debating whether I want to order online or not (some nice discounts at certain places) as I would rather try the watch to know how it feels on my wrist before purchase. Have any of you ever bought from gemnation.com?

(A few notes: I am not a particular fan of Lüm-Tec styling and I'd rather not buy something gold, and I don't like huge watches)

Ok enough talking here let's get to the watches I have my eyes on:

Stuhrling Regatta Meridian Chronograph; on sale at 279.99 (worth 975.00)



Stuhrling Metro Axis 257R.33X66; on sale at $229.99 (worth 895.00)



Azzaro Legend Chronograph; $525.00 (worth 750.00)



Welder 1709 K23; $529.97 (worth 800.00)



with white dials:



Justex Adanos; $399.00 (worth 750.00)



Breil Milano Manta 1970; $499.97 (worth 925.00)



Torgoen T26102 T26; $450.00



Looking forward to your suggestions/advice.

 

Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon: EUR 1.6 Mio availible from stock Zug, Switzerland - JamesList.com don't wast your time with other crap

 

IMO, don't buy any of those for a first watch. Get yourself a nice Lum-Tec automatic, a Seiko SKX007 automatic, or something along those lines. It is much better to spend the same amount of $$ on the Seiko I mentioned, than to waste it on one of the above watches. And if you have more $$ available, get a Lum-Tec. Just my $0.02.

 

^I concur...you get way more with a Seiko than any of those watches you posted.

 

okay from what i see the majority have blue accents so that is a good start

the second is to decide whether you want a strap or bracelet. i would ask how old you are and/or what is your wardrobe like?
my vote goes to bracelet

then you should decide on the "shape", be it bezel or case or both. i see u have round and square, clean edges or rugged?
my vote goes for round

you seem to know you want a chrono; so go with it

gluck with the decision half the fun

 

edit: on the phone
definitely Seiko is the right choice. huge range that fits my suggestions above too

 

Ok, I am a noob to watches so this purchase is a big learning experience for me... what are the major differences in the watches I posted above and a seiko/lüm-tec? How do you judge that a certain mechanical movement is better? The watches I posted were mainly chosen on looks as I don't know much about those watchmakers. And what about the Welder I posted, I remember reading good comments about them on here, besides the case that comes with it is very nice. I have to admit in hindsight that the lüm-tec A9 does look good, I love the square case with the round bezel (or is it the other way around?). Boursachi I am 21, still a student and rarely do I need to dress fancy but I like a classy watch. I usually wear jeans + a clean simple t-shirt with black porsche design shoes. I have to say I'm not sold on the looks of the Seiko.

* I would like to shell out more money and buy something higher-end but that will be later when I'm done with my studies. I could afford to spend 1k on a watch this summer but I want to keep money for other stuff.

 

The Bulova Precisionist line is pretty neat and in your price range. I looked at a couple and they are some good looking watches. Don't know much mechanically about them though.

 

Hamilton Hamilton Hamilton Hamilton Hamilton

 

I agree with the Seiko comments as well; here's the one i just picked up (Orange Monster)...



I might also suggest Orient watches. Here's mine (Blue Mako)....