Looking for your first mechanical watch? We know this can be intimidating to say the least, with so many questions like: Where do I start? What do I look for? How much do I spend? Fear not as you’ve come to the right place. Below we have our picks for 5 of the best first mechanical watches for anyone thinking about getting into this wonderful hobby.
First the rules...
- Price – As this is your first watch, we are strictly looking at watches under $500. This price point will allow you to see if the world of watches is for you!
- Brand – We are looking at established brand names only. While there are countless options from smaller manufacturers, an established brand with an established time tested warranty is a must for your first watch!
- Movement – Watches listed below will not have a battery and will be powered by you! We are looking at automatic watches powered by being on your wrist and mechanical hand wound movements that are brought to life by twisting the crown.
- Fun – Yes this is a hobby, so fun is a must!
Now let’s get into it!
Swatch Sistem 51
What’s the brand?
Yeah you read that correctly…Swatch, as in the company that makes those mass manufactured funky plastic watches! Swatch is actually the largest watch manufacturer in the world holding brands such as Omega, Tissot, Hamilton, Breguet and many more under their umbrella. Rest assured this company has a huge amount of watchmaking chops at their disposal and are not afraid to use it.
Why is it cool?
The Sistem 51 is truly unique as the watch is completely manufactured and assembled by machines with minimal human interference. The watches movement is comprised of 51 parts, hence the 51 in its name with everything held together by a single screw in its center. These mass produced watches offer the most affordable mechanical Swiss watches on the market with endless colorways to choose from. Rest assured you will be able to find one in your style…
Orient Kamasu
What’s the brand?
Orient was founded in 1950 and has a rich history in manufacturing high quality watches at affordable price points similar to its Japanese counterparts. Interestingly enough, today Orient is owned by the same holding company as Seiko, however, the two brands are very much operated separately. Orient has an expansive catalogue of offerings all of which provide immense value for the price.
Why is it cool?
The Kamasu offers a tremendous value at its price point. When you factor in its case proportions, sapphire crystal, 120 click rotating bezel, in-house movement and exceptional lume, the Kamasu can easily demand a $500+ price tag. For under $250 the Kamasu is an absolute steal!
Seiko 5 SRPE "DressKX"
What’s the brand?
Founded in 1880 as a retail store, the company transformed into a clock maker, then to a pocket watch maker before beginning to manufacture wrist watches at the start of WWI. Seiko is now the second largest watch manufacturer in the world and remains committed to continued innovation in watchmaking. They are a brand that is hard to miss with a massive fan base worldwide – and rightfully so!
Why is it cool?
The Seiko 5 line has been around since the 1960’s with the 5 in its name standing for the 5 unique features in each watch, they include; (1) automatic winding, (2) day display, (3) date display, (4) water resistance (5) shock resistance. The SRPE was released in 2020 and has been a huge success due to its feature rich and versatile design. The SRPE has coined the nickname the “DressKX” based on its dial resembling one of the brands most famous dive watches in the SKX007.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
What’s the brand?
Founded in 1882 in Lancaster, PA, Hamilton was once at the heart of American watchmaking. However, in 1969 the company seized operations in the USA and moved all manufacturing to Switzerland due to a change in ownership. Hamilton currently sits under the umbrella of the Swatch group and has cemented themselves as an entry level watch manufacturer offering well built, value packed watches.
Why is it cool?
The Khaki Field Mechanical is the complete package with its compact size, high build quality, and timeless field watch aesthetic. This is the only watch on our list that features a hand-winding movement powered exclusively through turning the watches crown to give it life. The Khaki can be had in variety case finishing’s from PVD to bronze to classic brushed steel, each of which has something different to offer.
Tissot Visodate
What’s the brand?
Tissot was founded in 1853 and since that time has been hard at work creating quality timepieces. Today the brand is widely regarded as a gateway drug into the world of luxury watches as they continue to offer immense value for the money and act as a great option for first time watch buyers.
Why is it cool?
Initially released in 1953, the Visodate combines timeless design with modern finishes making it one of the most common starting places for budding watch enthusiasts. This watch is especially popular among young professionals given its more classic design combined with its reputable brand name and “Swiss made” stamp of approval…it will be all you need and more!
This was an awesome read. So great learning about entry level watches/brands.