I recently started learning about wrist watches. Their history, craft, uses, etc.
I'm looking to buy my first watch. Below $400-$500, let's say.
I'm looking for good quality, unique and interesting watch.
As a developer I know that when we get into something, we go deeeeep. So, if anyone here is into watches or knows a thing or two, it would be awesome if you could share some of your favorite picks.
Thanks a ton on advance.
$400-500 won't get you anywhere near a "unique" or "interesting" watch, for that money you will get a "common" watch, that however can be "good quality" and last for many years or decades.
Your first choice should be with the type of mechanism:
1) manual charge
2) automatic
3) battery driven
4) solar
#1 and #2 are mechanical and will need some periodical maintenance/repairs.
#3 will have batteries dying exactly when you least expect it (and in most cases you will need to have them replaced by a service/shop if the watch is waterproof)
#4 is today the only "logical" choice if you want something that "just works".
There are many makes of these, and countless models, with many price ranges.
Check the material it is made of (actually its weight) there are people that like "heavy" watches, and people that like "light" ones (please read as stainless steel vs. titanium or plastic/other light material).
Same goes for the wristband, there are people that want it metal, people that want it leather, people that like it rubber or other material.
You want a 100m waterproof unit (which means you can use it in any normal situation, including swimming or snorkeling).
1 https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/bulgari-octo-finissimo-10...
2 https://www.geraldgenta-heritage.com/iconic-models
3 https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/4o86qy/rwatches_bu...
It's small and light and doesn't get in the way when I'm working at my desk; I usually want to remove watches when I type. I generally don't feel like it is jutting out like my larger G-Shock, which I'm usually more aware of at any given time. It's a bit nerdy looking whilst also tidy, meaning you can wear it with nice clothes, and it's solar, so you don't need to worry about batteries. It's also not so expensive that if you destroy it you'll feel bad.