Buying a new timepiece can be a daunting subject, as the world of horology is vast, with many brands and watch types to choose from. But fret not; today, I'll be sharing five main points to help you narrow down your first watch purchase.
Note: The tips below are not in a specific order.
1. Purpose & Lifestyle
This is the key reason for the type of watches you want to get. Be it a simple field watch or a complex chronograph. The watch should fit into your lifestyle and fashion preferences.
If you're looking for a daily driver timepiece, you should look for durability and versatility. Is it for work or professional use? Lean toward simple, elegant designs. Sports/fitness? A digital or smart watch with timers, GPS, and water resistance might be better.
Your lifestyle instantly narrows your options, especially when choosing your first timepiece. It should seamlessly fit into your daily routine without feeling awkward.
2. Movement Type (How the watch keeps time)
There are four main types of watch movements.
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Quartz – Battery-powered movement that is known for its accuracy. It's usually low-maintenance, as you only need to replace the batteries every couple of years (depending on the model), and it is affordable.
- Solar - This movement uses a small solar cell (often under the dial) to convert light (sunlight or artificial light) into electricity. That electricity charges a rechargeable battery (or capacitor), which then drives a standard quartz movement.
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Automatic (Mechanical) – Powered by your wrist movement; admired for craftsmanship. Needs occasional servicing to maintain its accuracy.
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Manual (Mechanical) – Needs winding by hand; more traditional and niche.
While movements might seem complicated, they aren't. All movements have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, quartz and solar are excellent choices for grab-and-go watches; however, you might need to replace the batteries every few years. Mechanical movements can generate their own power, but their complex construction makes repairs more difficult if the movement is damaged. You can't go wrong with either.
3. Case Size & Fit
How a watch sits on your wrist matters a lot. There are various wrist sizes, so cases are available in multiple sizes to suit one's preference. Standard case sizes range from 36–40mm for a more classic timepiece (e.g., field watches) to 40–44mm for sportier models, such as chronographs.
Your wrist circumference measurement is the best way to tell if the size fits you. Small wrists suit a smaller case size, vice versa. Often, if you wear a bigger case on a smaller wrist, it'll feel awkward and loose. This can also increase the likelihood that the timepiece will be knocked around.
Also, if you usually wear long sleeves and formal attire, check the case's thickness as well. Thicker cases can feel bulky under sleeves. While style is important, a watch stays on your wrist for a long time, so comfort is key.
We have a wrist sizing guide here to help you better understand wrist sizing and how it sits on your wrist.
4. Materials & Durability
There are several factors to consider when choosing the material. These elements will affect how you wear it and how it performs in different situations.
Watch cases are usually made of stainless steel (the best all-rounder), titanium (lighter and more durable), resin or plastic (sporty), or precious metals (for more expensive timepieces).
The protective crystal for the dial can be made of sapphire (most scratch-resistant), mineral (mid-tier), or acrylic (easily scratched but easy to polish).
If you're into water sports and regularly get wet, a water-resistance rating is essential. Here are some standard ratings for reference: 30m = splash-proof, 100m = suitable for swimming, 200m+ = good for diving.
5. Budget & Value
Set a realistic budget. Too often, I've seen people buy a high-priced watch for their first one and then stress out wearing it. The first watch should be an affordable piece you don't mind wearing daily. With so many good watches priced affordably, you don't need to overspend to get a quality one.
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Under $100: reliable quartz watches from Casio, Timex, and Seiko.
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$200–500: excellent entry-level automatics and well-built quartz watches.
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$500–1000+: enthusiasts’ starters from brands like Tissot, Hamilton, Seiko Prospex.
At RZE Watches, we also offer a good selection of watches priced around this range. Our watches are made with the GADA (go anywhere, do anything) mindset, featuring our proprietary UltrraHex™ coating on a titanium casing. It's lightweight, durable, and timeless in terms of style.
