Watch Noob, Need Some Advice!!

[Pabby]

Hey guys I just joined this forum I need some advice on a watch I want to buy. First off, I'm 20 years old and will be in college for two more years so I want to get a leather band watch that I can wear every day without looking ridiculous, but can wear when I dress up with khakis and a button down and it still looks classy enough. I don't want a metal band watch til I start working full time and have to dress up, so I'm putting that off for now. I've got a little bit of money to play around with, but I want to get a watch I can wear around everyday with shorts and a polo so I don't want anything too flashy.

With all of that said I've had my eye on a few Victorinox Swiss Armys that look like what I would like.


Victorinox Chrono Classic


Victorinox Infantry Vintage Chrono



Victorinox Airboss Mach 3


So now that you know what style watch I'm looking for, are there any other watch brands that have a similar, better product even if it may be a little more pricey? I'm looking for something that I will be able to wear for a while to come so I want to get a quality watch if I can.

Sorry for the long post but I'd appreciate any help you guys can supply. Thanks!!

[Eric L.]

Check out offerings from Hamilton for similar styles. If you are willing to spend more, Damasko has some nice chronos. Also check out Prometheus if you like the internal bezel design.

[Raza]

I've got to second the Hamilton suggestion. I have three, ranging from quartz to automatic, affordable to somewhat extravagant, rugged to dressy. Love the quality and feel of a Hamilton, love the value as well.

Seiko also offers some choices; the ones that appeal most are divers, like the Monster, but they should be able to take an aftermarket leather strap if you're not looking to wear rubber or steel.

It's funny that you mention stainless as being a watch to wear on dressier occasions; it might just be me, but I've always considered leather dressier and steel more of an everyday or beater material. Rubber, of course, is preferable to stainless for me, but that's a style thing. I love my rubber strap Hamilton.

One thing to also consider is case size. The circumference of your wrist is going to determine what kind of case size is going to fit for you and what will look silly. For example, I have a nearly 8" wrist. Anything smaller than 44mm can look small depending on case design. I have a 42mm that looks okay, but if I wear it after my Hamilton Sunset, it looks puny, because the Sunset wears larger than its official 44mm size suggests. Depending on mindset, I could see erring on the small size just because it won't stand out so much. Get a watch that's way too big, and it'll get noticed, but not in a good way.

I'd also look at the Tag Heuer F1, again, only if you're okay with quartz and you're okay with steel or rubber. Good looking watch that's just a hair too small for me, otherwise I'd likely have one. You can find ones for around $600 or sometimes less, which is right in the area where I might order one when drunk. Orange dial chrono....

The Tissot V8 is a good choice as well. Dirt cheap on Amazon (under $300) and quite fetching; I've never shown one to someone who didn't like it. I haven't seen it in leather in person, but I know an owner through another forum, and he's smitten, even though he tends only to wear square watches.

Accutron may have some watches in your price range too. Again, mostly quartz, but there are some autos I do believe.

I lean to Hamilton, but that's personal preference.

Best of luck!

[ctzn]

It's funny that you mention stainless as being a watch to wear on dressier occasions; it might just be me, but I've always considered leather dressier and steel more of an everyday or beater material. Rubber, of course, is preferable to stainless for me, but that's a style thing. I love my rubber strap Hamilton.

You're not the only one. Leather looks way more appropriate (always in my eyes) for dressier get ups.

OP, check out this thread for some good ideas on quality brands for affordable prices.