From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: our picks for the best starter watches.
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Whether it’s sky-high prices, or the sheer number of styles available,
the world of watches can certainly overwhelm first-time buyers or burgeoning collectors.
While fine watchmaking houses indeed have hundreds of models available,
each one of these brands also have an entry-point watch.
That is, an offering that encapsulates the brand’s heritage and craftsmanship,
at a more affordable price. For budding watch collectors,
here are our favorite entry-level watches from Rolex, Omega, and more.
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The Oyster Perpetual features everything that makes a Rolex a Rolex, with everything
extraneous stripped away – just the legendary Oyster case, self-winding perpetual movement,
Oyster bracelet, and three hands to tell the time.
It comes in a total of six sizes, starting at 26 millimeters for the ladies – followed by the 31,
34 and 36 millimeters ; and the relatively recent additions in 39 and 41 millimeters.
These days, Oyster Perpetual watches are all forged from stainless steel, underlining its long
held standing as the entry level choice. Colorful dials offer lots of choices to suit every taste.
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The Omega Seamaster 300 Meter Diver has been around since 1993,
and has been made in countless iterations.
The most recognizable version of the Seamaster 300M is the emblematic blue wave dial,
famously worn by Pierce Brosnan in the 1995 James Bond movie, GoldenEye.
In 2012, the Seamaster line has featured lacquered dials and ceramic bezels in blue or black,
giving a sleek and polished look to the classic styling of the watch.
With a depth rating of 300m, and a helium escape valve which not all dive watches have,
this affordable Omega is not at all a bare-bones product, but instead a highly-functional one.
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Panerai has become known as the watch of choice when it comes to large and robust timepieces,
with watches measuring at least 42 millimeters.
The most basic model one can get is the Base Logo. A sports watch with a striking, minimalist design,
this model’s only decorative element is the Officine Panerai logo on the dial above 6 o’clock.
All the other details are purely functional – from the clean and minimal lines of the case,
to the painted on Arabic numerals and baton hour markers.
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IWC is world renowned for its aviator watches, and its Pilot’s Watch line up
is its best-selling line. The Mark 18 is the most affordable model from this collection.
Inspired by IWC’s observation watches from the 1940s, the design is reduced to the
essentials : a stark white-on-black color scheme, large Arabic numerals, a triangle at 12 o’clock,
and bold sword shaped hands -- all create a very legible dial on a stainless steel case.
At 40 millimeters, and with elegant proportions, the Mark 18 is sized just right.
With its build and classic look, it’s a watch suitable for both men and women.
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Introduced in 2012, the Tudor Black Bay is a relatively new design,
and was largely responsible for the resurgence of the brand.
Our vote goes to the original dive watches that started the
collection – the burgundy and black bezel versions with gold accents.
Inspired by the Tudor Submariners of the 1950s, these watches feature the iconic
Tudor snowflake hands and faux-tina or cream colored luminescent coating.
The retro look epitomizes Tudor’s greatest strength as a brand – the
ability to draw inspiration from past models and add modern sensibility.
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Whether you’re starting or seasoned, these watches are worthy watchbox staples.
Which watch was your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
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