Beginner’s Guide to Watches: What to Look For and the Affordable Timepieces I Actually Wear
Timepieces don’t have to cost the arm you wear them on. Here are some models that offer the best mix of value, design, and everyday wearability, along with the key fundamentals to keep in mind.
The products in these links? I’ve handpicked and independently reviewed them. If you decide to treat yourself, I may earn a small commission — no extra cost, just a little help keeping the lights on.
$31,000,000 — the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300A-010). Yes, you read that right, thirty one million dollars, is the auction result sales price on record for the most expensive watch ever sold. With 20 complications, a reversible stainless-steel case, dual dials, and a mechanical system so intricate it’s considered the most complex watch Patek Philippe has ever built, the Grandmaster Chime (Ref. 6300A-010) stands alone.
If that number makes your stomach turn, good. Because this article is for the rest of us. The ones who want something stylish, meaningful, maybe even mechanical, without taking out a second mortgage.
Watches come in all shapes, sizes, and use cases; but more often than not, value is what matters most. Whether you're shopping for your first timepiece, a seasoned collector, or an amateur horologist, this guide covers what I believe to be the five fundamentals you should keep in mind when considering a new watch. And of course, I’ve included a few of my favorite pieces that helped launch my collection and lifelong fascination with watches.
Fundamental #1: Movement
Before we can take a look at straps, brand names, and aesthetic, you have to understand what exactly powers the watch. The movement is the heartbeat; it’s the engine that keeps time, drives added functions, and ultimately, makes it a watch in the first place.
You don’t need to be a horology nerd to appreciate how a watch ticks. But knowing the basics will help you make smarter choices and spot quality when you see it. It also says a lot about the watch wearer. Now let's break down the three major types of movement: the precision and convenience of quartz, the craftsmanship and feel of automatics, and the ritualistic purity of manual winding.
Types of Movement
Quartz
Quartz movements are powered by a battery and a vibrating quartz crystal. They're known for being extremely accurate and low maintenance. Set it once, and you're good for months or even years.
Automatic
Automatic movements are mechanical and powered by the motion of your wrist. They wind themselves throughout the day and don’t require batteries; just wear them regularly to keep them going.
Manual
Manual watches need to be wound by hand, usually every day or two. There’s no battery and no automatic rotor; just a precise, almost rustic combination of gears, springs, and the human touch.
From My Collection
Casio CA‑53W – $70
The watch known as “the one with the calculator,” the Casio CA‑53W is a retro gem. It is quartz-powered and incredibly dependable. It's functional, light, and an absolute conversation starter. I wear it when I want something simple that still gets compliments (mainly for the retro vibe). This model has been in production since 1988 and is famous for its built-in 8-digit keypad and iconic appearances in Back to the Future Part II and Breaking Bad.
If you’re not crunching numbers often enough to justify the bulk of a calculator watch, the Casio A168WA-1 is a subtle, budget-friendly alternative that remains an iconic staple for everyday wear.
If you’re just starting out, this is one of the best entry points in the entire world of watches.
Fundamental #2: Case Size & Fit
It’s not just about how the watch looks but also how it feels. A great timepiece should sit naturally on your wrist, not dominate it or disappear into your sleeve. The right size, especially when paired with a well-tailored outfit, can make even an affordable watch look like a million bucks. The wrong size, on the other hand, will make even the best design feel awkward and out of place.
38mm to 42mm is the sweet spot for most men’s wrists. If you have a smaller wrist like yours truly, aim closer to 36mm to 38mm for a balanced look. Thickness is also a key factor, especially under a shirt cuff. Thinner watches wear cleaner for work or formal settings. And Lug-to-lug distance (the length from the top of the case to the bottom) can affect how big the watch feels, even if the case size is modest.
From My Collection
Timex Easy Reader - $49.99
The Timex Easy Reader is a perfect first dress watch. With a clean dial, polished case, and a classic silhouette , it works with everything from a blazer to a button-down. From personal experience and from talking with others, the case size and fit is consistent between wearers. It never overwhelms the wrist or bulges awkwardly beneath a button-down sleeve. It wears clean and understated, making it versatile enough for the office, a casual walk, or even a night out at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
This is one of my most frequently worn pieces because of its versatility and regal silhouette. I haven’t had anyone stop me to ask, “wow, where did you get that?” — but I have gotten compliments on how complete and polished my outfits look when I’m wearing it.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, go-to timepiece that elevates your look, the Timex Easy Reader is a smart place to start.
Fundamental #3: Design & Personality
A watch is one of the few accessories most people wear every day. It doesn’t just tell time, it tells people something about you. What kind of statement do you want it to make? Some people go for minimalism, others for rugged durability, and some wear their personality on the dial. No matter your style preference, your watch should feel like something you chose, not settled for. Below are some common design components that you should know and will heavily influence your decision when buying a watch.
Design Components
Dial Symmetry
This refers to how balanced the elements on the watch face are. Things like the logo, date window, sub dials, and hands should feel intentionally placed, not crammed in or awkwardly spaced.
Case Shape & Lug Design
The case is the body of the watch, and its shape influences how formal, sporty, or casual it looks, while the the lugs are the little arms that connect the strap to the case. This combination influences how the watch wears and feels on the wrist.
Indices & Markers
These are the hour markers around the dial, and they say a lot about the watch’s personality. Styles include:
Roman numerals
Batons (thin bars)
Dots or circles
Arabic numerals (1–12)
Color Palette
The dial and strap color, along with the case finish, determine how versatile or bold a watch feels. It plays a huge role in how the watch is perceived. Whether you prefer earth tones, metal finishes, accent colors, colorful dials, etc. It’s all about the vibe you want to curate when you walk into the room.
Choose a design that fits your life and your look. If you love it, you’ll wear it. If it feels generic, it’ll sit in a drawer.
From My Collection
Superman x Fossil Metropolis Watch - $250
Warner Bros. and DC partnered with Fossil to design the Superman x Fossil Metropolis Watch. It hasn’t given me super strength or the ability to fly, but it’s a bold, unique piece that makes almost any outfit feel a bit more heroic.
This watch is a perfect example of how design and personality come into play when choosing a timepiece. The color palette of gold, blue, silver, and red, is bold enough to stand out, yet balanced enough to pair with most outfits.
What it lacks in complications and traditional readability, it makes up for in style and character. The dial features a beautiful illustration of Metropolis as its backdrop. And the best detail? Superman himself rides the second hand, circling the city 24/7. It’s playful, confident, and a guaranteed conversation starter wherever you go.
Fundamental #4: Materials & Build
Another key factor that separates a timepiece from a toy is what it’s made of and how well it’s built. From the case material to the crystal, from the strap to the movement inside, every component tells a story about the watch and its worth. And when you understand the materials, you start to understand and appreciate the watch even further.
You’ll eventually get to a point where you can feel the difference. Between hollow links and solid steel, between sapphire and cheap glass, between craftsmanship and corner-cutting. The materials will speak to you, and as long as you’re willing to listen, you will be able to identify premium craftsmanship from a mile away.
The major components of a watch where the materials truly matter are the case — the body of the watch; the crystal — the transparent cover over the dial; the band — what secures the watch to your wrist; and the crown — the small knob on the side used to set the time, wind the movement, or adjust other functions.
Common Materials for Major Components
316L Stainless Steel
The industry standard for durability and corrosion resistance. Used in both cases and metal bracelets. It offers a clean finish and a balanced weight that feels solid on the wrist.Sapphire Crystal
Extremely scratch-resistant and crystal-clear. Found in higher-end watches and a sign of long-term durability. Second only to diamond in hardness.Leather
A classic choice for dress and everyday watch bands. Full-grain and top-grain leathers age well and gain character over time.Rubber & Silicone
Lightweight, flexible, and water-resistant. Ideal for bands that are used for sport, summer, or active wear. Easy to clean and comfortable on the skin.
From My Collection
Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Weekender - $187.50
The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Weekender is a modern take on a classic field watch. It pairs a clean stainless steel case with practical, no-nonsense features like a compass bezel and a 24-hour military subdial. The crystal is mineral — not as tough as sapphire, but it’ll hold up better than acrylic in day-to-day use.
Inspired by the kind of watches issued to soldiers in the mid-1900s, it sticks to that utilitarian vibe but adds just enough polish to feel current. And since it runs on Citizen’s solar-powered Eco-Drive movement, you won’t be dealing with battery swaps anytime soon.
You’d expect a watch with a polished steel case and clean layout like this to come on a metal bracelet, but the outdoorsy, field-ready khaki canvas strap is a subtle choice. It grounds the design, adding a layer of casual utility that makes the whole piece feel approachable and authentic.
Fundamental #5: Features & Function
At its core, a watch is meant to tell time. That’s its first job, and still the most important. But in today’s world of smartwatches and tech-forward models, telling time has become almost secondary. Watches can now track your heart rate, take phone calls, stream music, and function as medical devices. And while that’s impressive, it’s not the kind of functionality this guide is focused on.
In the world of traditional watches, complications (the term for any function beyond telling time) still matter. But they should serve a purpose, not just inflate the price tag.
Common Complications
Chronograph
A built-in stopwatch function. Typically controlled by pushers on the side of the case, a chronograph lets you time events down to the second. It's practical for workouts, cooking, or just having fun with timing. I play with mine all the time for like no reason.
Date Window
Displays the day of the month through a small aperture on the dial. It’s simple, subtle, and nearly essential for everyday wear.
Day-Date
This complication displays both the day of the week and the numerical date — a step up from the standard date window. You’ll often see it on field and pilot-style watches. The latter of which happens to be my personal go-to for their utility and rugged charm.
Water Resistance
Technically a feature rather than a complication, water resistance is still important to consider if you plan on exercising, showering, or swimming with your watch. A rating of 50 meters is considered the bare minimum for daily use, while 100 meters or more is recommended for water-based activities.
From My Collection
SEIKO SSC141 Solar Chronograph - $208.95
The SEIKO SSC141 Solar Chronograph is a sleek, reliable timepiece from one of the most respected names in watchmaking. It’s refined enough for a big meeting, bold enough for a night out, and packed with practical complications that make it versatile for just about any situation.
It’s powered by light, so you’ll never need to change a battery, and it includes practical features like a stopwatch, date window, and even an alarm. The stainless steel build and deep blue dial give it a polished, professional look, while the water resistance makes it durable enough for everyday life.
For about $200, this watch is the perfect daily driver for pretty much any outing. I promise you'll catch yourself holding it up just to admire the craftsmanship. I sure as hell do.
Final Thoughts
The world of watches and horology is a rabbit hole that goes as deep as you're willing to dive. While your wallet will ultimately set the pace for how your collection grows, you'll be surprised by how many well-engineered, beautifully designed timepieces are out there that won't cost the arm you wear them on. More expensive doesn’t always mean better. It’s the wearer who brings the watch to life, not the other way around.
If this article has sparked your interest in picking up your first — or next — watch, I highly recommend the models from my own collection featured above. But if none of them feel like your style, take a look at Jomashop. It's one of the most trusted sites for finding well-made watches from reputable brands, often at steep discounts.