The No-BS Beginner’s Guide to Watches

In a world where everything needs a charger, a mechanical watch doesn’t. It exists outside the grid. No push notifications. No GPS. Just time, measured by gears and springs instead of algorithms.

Wearing a watch today isn’t about keeping time, it’s about owning it. You’re saying your attention doesn’t belong to your phone. It belongs to you.

There are three main types of watches. Here’s what you need to know:

If you want something reliable and affordable, start with quartz. If you want something with mechanical charm, go automatic.

Dive Watches: Originally built for underwater use. Durable, readable, and often water resistant to 200m+. Works well with casual or rugged outfits.

Field Watches: Inspired by military use. Simple dials, usually smaller sizes, legible numbers. Perfect for everyday wear.

Dress Watches: Minimal design, slim case. Looks good with formalwear or office attire.

Chronographs: Includes stopwatch functions. Great for timing things, but mostly a style choice now.

GMT Watches: Can track multiple time zones. Useful if you travel or work across time zones.

Don’t overthink this. Pick one that fits your lifestyle and how you dress most days.

Here are the core components and what to pay attention to:

Ignore marketing buzzwords. Focus on comfort, legibility, and durability.

(Read this for more information)

These are safe, respected options that balance price, quality, and style:

Each of these brands has models in different styles; dive, field, dress, so you can find one that fits without overspending.

Changing the strap can completely change the look of a watch.

Most watches come with one strap, but swapping is easy. Invest in a spring bar tool and experiment.

Stick to sellers with good reputations, clear photos, and return policies.

(I have personally used The Laughter Collection and Chrono24)

Start small. Pick one or two sources and follow your curiosity.

A few questions to guide you:

If you’re unsure, a Seiko diver or Hamilton field watch is a great place to start. They’re durable, easy to wear, and hold up well over time.

Not everyone shops by spec sheets. Sometimes you just want to know: “What kind of watch fits a guy like me?”
Here’s a cheat sheet that pairs common types with watches that match their energy.

Always calculating, forecasting, or optimizing. Doesn’t mind flexing a little.

Knows how to start a fire, build a shelter, and sync a watch with sunrise.

Doesn’t wear logos. Buys things once and keeps them forever.

Just getting started. Wants one good watch that works for everything.

Knows the difference between a Sub and a Speedy but hasn’t pulled the trigger… yet.

Always catching flights or dreaming of their next country.

How much should I spend on my first watch?
Spend what feels right for your budget. There are great options between $100 and $300 that you won’t regret. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking more expensive means better—for a first watch, it doesn’t.

What size watch should I get?
Wrist size matters more than people think. Most wrists look balanced with 36mm to 40mm watches. If your wrist is under 7", avoid oversized (>40mm) cases.

Are mechanical watches better than quartz?
Not better—just different. Quartz is more accurate, cheaper, and lower maintenance. Mechanical watches (manual or automatic) are traditional and more about the experience than precision.

Is it safe to buy a used watch?
Yes—if you do your homework. Stick to trusted sellers on Chrono24, Watchuseek, Reddit’s r/Watchexchange, or eBay sellers with strong reviews and clear photos.

Do I need more than one watch?
No. Start with one versatile piece you enjoy wearing. A dive or field watch can cover most occasions. You can build a collection later if the obsession kicks in.

Should I worry about resale value?
Only if you’re flipping watches. Otherwise, buy what you like, wear it, and don’t worry too much about resale unless you're spending thousands.

What if I change my mind about the style?
Totally normal. Tastes evolve. Start with something versatile and learn what you actually like by wearing it. Swapping straps is also an easy way to refresh the look.

What kind of watch should I wear every day?
Look for something durable, comfortable, and versatile. A field watch or dive watch on a NATO or bracelet is perfect for daily wear. You want something that can handle bumps, weather, and still look good.

What watch works best with jeans and a t-shirt?
A field watch, simple quartz, or minimalist automatic is perfect. Seiko 5s, Timex Weekenders, or anything on a casual strap will feel right at home.

What if I want something dressier for work or events?
Go slim. A dress watch with a white or black dial, on leather, fits well under a shirt cuff and doesn’t scream for attention. Look for minimal designs—no big bezels, no chronograph dials.

Can one watch cover both casual and formal wear?
Yes. Something like the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto or Seiko Presage on a leather strap works in both settings. Swap the strap depending on the event and you’re set.

Should I wear a different watch to the gym or for outdoor stuff?
If you’re active, use a beater watch—a G-Shock, Casio, or resin-strap Seiko. Something you won’t cry over if it gets scratched or banged around.

Is it okay to wear a mechanical watch to a wedding or formal event?
Absolutely. A thin, simple mechanical watch shows taste without being loud. Just don’t wear a chunky dive watch with a tux unless your name is Bond.

What watch should I wear for interviews or business meetings?
Go conservative. Clean lines, neutral dial, and no digital displays. A watch that tells time without telling your whole life story.