Best watch style to buy? The style that got you excited about watches in the first place, and the style of watch that excites you today. Different styles can work in different occassions, the only thing that really matters is whether you are excited about it.
Nice sentiment but ultimately an unhelpful one when suggesting someone's FIRST watch to buy, implying they lack any real watch experience or exposure to different styles to have a style preference
Field watches are what actually got me excited for watches in the first place. I love dive watches too. Now, these are the only two styles I tend to own.
I always see posts or videos about dive watches but I just cannot find any of them beautiful. I like the idea of a dive watch and the technicity of them but I just don't like the looks. I wish I did but I just don't... However, I adore dress watches with a clean dial. I'd buy dozens of them if I had the money
Teddy is one of the most educated and well spoken RU-vidrs I've seen. For example on his second point anybody else making a video like this would just say "you can wear it with a suit or with a t shirt it works with everything" but Teddy gives a credible, thought out analysis of his point. I want to have dinner with this man.
@@mineblock9024 I get that a condescending opinion can at times be applied with some merit, but in this instance I disagree. What you see as verbosity, others see as information about their interest delivered by one of the least offensive yet erudite watchtubers out there.
After a study I went for Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. Such a simple and clean design for a perfect everyday watch. The true diver would be too much for me.
Agreed. As an every day or one watch, something like the AT dresses up better than any true dive watch. Unless you really need a rotating bezel, which hardly anyone does these days.
True, i actually am a diver, i never intend to dive with the watch though. For me it’s important that the watch lasts generations, i want my grandchildren to inherit it, i want it to survive adventures, kayaking, forgetting to take it of on the occasional shower. That’s a dive watch.
I have a few 300m dive watches and they look on from the kitchen counter as I was the dishes they’re scared of water and don’t ever wear them when it’s raining 😅😂
I agree. As the watch guy in my circle of friends it's what i always recommend 1st. It has the wrist presence , utility/durability and looks all in one watch. Plus with a variety of case sizes available for most wrists, you should be able to find the right one.
I’ve always like dive watches. The watch that caught my eye when I was 14 was a Omega Sea Master. I finally bought it back in 1992, a Quartz Sea Master. A lot of m people thought at the time it was because Pierce Brosnan wore it in Golden Eye, but no. I saw it at a catalog, and also my first in person encounter was a friend’s dad who was a Marines Fighter Pilot wore it. I can’t even swim well, but I have a fascination with dive watch. I now also have Planet Ocean and a Submariner. I’ve also have a Casio Dive and a couple Glycine Airman in my collection. I think the Luminox and Orient dive watches are on ky wish list. I think many low cost watches are just as good.
I bought my Casio Duro as my first “dive” watch (the black dial and gold bezel variant) and I absolutely love it!!!!! It really does everything well from the affordability stand point (under $100) since at first I was iffy about the style of it (which I ended up loving), durability (my Duro has survived Vegas pool water, Kayaking/swimming in ocean water, and everyday use out of water), and wearability (you can really dress it down or even up!)! Just from this, it really opened up my eyes to see other dive watches out there! Also thanks to you teddy I would have never known about the Duro so I thank you 🙏🏽
After watching many videos from you, i bought a quarz watch from seiko, steel bracelet (Seiko SUR311P1) and i am very happy with it. 10bar, Saphire Crystal, very versatile, incredibly accurate (+-0sec in 2 months) A Perfect daily driver for me.
Also bought the SUR309P1 and it is the most versatile watch on my collection. The white or black dial would have suited better for my needs but I was on the blue dial wagon. I love it anyway!
Thank you for addressing the general trend of dressing more casual. I think that is key to the argument that I nice dive watch can literally be worn with anything. Heck, just wearing a “real watch” (i.e. not a smartwatch) will get you by with probably anything you will wear that’s not a tuxedo.
Starting to see more smartwatches with suits too. I currently wear my Garmin Fenix nearly everywhere because I like the functionality. It's just too big to wear with a suit, though.
Just got into the watch world, when my late father left me he’s omega seamaster deville from 64, way to small at 33mm, but my interest was lit, and seeing the beautiful seamaster 300 heritage model, but not really Abel to justifie the cost, as a first trail watch, I went for the Baltic aquascaphe blue dial, similar looks and I’m sold. Now that I started looking, at especially Teddy’s channel, I found a world filled with amazing pieces, and I think the journey just began. Thanks for the insightful and knowledgeable advice, that you bring, to watch noobs like me. Ps:still an Omega guy by heart….
I too inherited an omega from my father, when he died last year, he left me his omega seamaster professional 300 it’s the newer model with the 8800 movement 👍🏽 I’m an omega guy too, also a Hamilton guy as well, I love my Hamilton’s as well :)
My first automatic dive watch was a Squale 1521 blue ocean and is still the best case design i have ever come across. Even when i just owned quartz they were dive watches and Citizen and Accurist. Though i think my first ever watch was a casio F91W. I would argue a Casio square is almost perfect in many ways....
I've got a soft spot for the Casio F-108 and Casio as a whole ! I regret throwing out my original 108 after the strap broke . I look at well worn watches becoming Talismans . Still have my basic training watch (Timex) and Army graduation watch (Elgin titanium m/d/h) which I still adore 🥰
For me it started with: 1. casio chronograph (black strap), 2. dress watch (brown strap), 3. tourbillon (light brown strap), 4. metal band tourbillon 5. metal band dive watch I think those cover most outfits and styles but as we know sometimes always on the lookout for more
I am currently going back and forth on what my first and possibly only mechanical watch should be. A field watch fits my current style better, but as something that will last me the rest of my life and probably be handed down to my son, I think a dive watch would be more timeless and versatile.
Great video. I went the other way. I got a dress watch first, as I like them more. Finally got a dive watch this week. Never really liked their look until recently. Went with a Citizen Promaster Diver.
Good video, as always. Dive watch is a solid choice due to its durability and wide range of choices. Another excellent choice would be a field watch. Not as bulky as a diver, which is a plus for many people. I have found that most field watches are more comfortable to wear all day than most divers.
My friend was looking for a first watch but also most probably an Only Watch as well. I suggested for him to get a seiko 5 field with the bracelet. That thing has everything! Legible easy to read dial, day and date function, surprisingly good luma, reliable movement, hacking and hand winding, decent bracelet, all of that for 270 euros including tax. He is so happy with it and I'm so glad he listened to my advice to get the right watch and not rush things.
@@soulsphere1749 People forget, if they think it's obtrusive there are other styles. I have a supercompressor and the bezel is under the crystal. It's as smooth as any sports watch.
I purchased a bronze Zelos Mako a couple years ago as my first watch. I wear it every single day (on a NATO strap) and it's a perfect tool/everyday watch. When I need to dress up a bit, I can polish it to a shine and put it on a classy black leather strap. I don't know if I'll ever need another watch.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Tera is the perfect jumping off point, it’s the ultimate everyday watch, it fits with a suit, it’s 150m water resistant, can’t be easily beaten.
@@Czeron01 the latest iteration of the AT bracelet doesn't feel substantial enough. Maybe it's just me... I think many people incorrectly label the latest AT as a bulletproof, everyday watch. In hand, it actually feels more like a proper dress watch. A very good one. But I wouldn't be confident to give it wear and tear. See for yourself! Tell me how you found it.
The initial appeal of dive watches to me brought me to get into scuba diving! Happy to have found a newfound love of the sport thru my love of dive watches
The casio duro actually wears like a 40mm on the wrist. 😅 I am a female and own one, I also have a fossil male chrono watch which was handed down to me by my husband and the duro looks smaller and fits better than the fossil men’s chrono, I just have to find a smaller strap for my duro, one that can be adjusted further to fit my wrist better. It has to do with the lug to lug of the casio duro and the fact that it’s actually thinner than most dive watches, the only thing though is the weight of the casio duro because it is quite heavy on the wrist. Not that I am comlaining since I think it is a really solid watch. 😅
Highly disagree with the statement that this is the best first watch. Maybe the second best! A simple 3 hand watch, polished bezel, slim, medium sized, black or white dial and with a interchangeable bracelet will be the best option. Dive watches tend to be big, heavy and not very versatile. Using it with a suit? That's a sin for the classic menswear style.
I personally agree, so long as you're someone that wears at least semi- formal attire on a fairly regular basis. Unfortunately, we need to acknowledge that people regularly wearing semi-formal/formal wear is becoming increasingly uncommon, to the point that many men today have only one or two suits that they wear to weddings and funerals, or to dress up for church on the weekend, so a watch that goes well with a dress shirt/suit isn't as important as it once was. For these people a dive watch is the better choice, because it's more versatile and useful day to day, although I would definitely recommend a slim and discreet dive watch (e.g. Orient Kamasu, Tissot Seastar 1000, Omega SM Diver 300M, Rolex Submariner) for someone who wears a suit more than a couple of times a month.
I honestly didn’t get back into watches until I sat down and went what do I want? And realized I wanted a Seiko turtle. There is something about a dive watch that just seems vital and real. I’ve always tried to be a little larger than life and dress watches just feel apologetic to me.
Teddy, Great video and great recommendation! As a geezer who remembers both Lloyd Bridges and Jacques Cousteau on TV, I will admit a diver was the first watch I coveted and the real first watch I owned - the Bulova Devil Diver. Today my collection includes other watches and other styles, but divers and field watches remain my “go to” watches.
Not a bad idea, but there are other options. A field watch (or pilot), some of which are very water resistant can also be a great go-to. Right now I am wearing a Nomos Club with the oyster bracelet. Not technically a dive watch, but is rated at 300m and tends to look right with shorts or most suits. Tudor Ranger is another.
I went with the 37mm Rolex Yacht-Master. Tried it and felt it would be a perfect all rounder. Also quite thin at 10.8mm. I wear it everywhere. Very happy with it.
I agree with the dive watch being the perfect starting point. I think field, or pilot's watches are better for most people, but I get that dive watches are more popular.
Thank you Teddy for that deep dive (pun intended) into what distinguishes a dive watch from other types of watches, and how these distinctive features give it the most versatility, justifying why a dive watch should be part of every watch enthusiast's collection. The production value you put in your instructional videos is by far some of the best among RU-vid channels that specialize in horology. Kudos to you and your filming and editing team.
Steeldive 1970 without question. A Seiko homage with a Seiko movement, 200m water resistant, sapphire crystal and better alignment for £110. You cannot go wrong. Especially if you get the black variant.
I have worn my Rolex Sub Date 16610 with suits and shirt cuffs for 20 years and no one has ever commented that its too sporty when in formal attire. Dive watches, as long as they not over large or in gaudy bright colours, are perfectly acceptable. Dive watches are the de-facto daily choice these days IMO.
I think it also depends on you personal style. I wear classic menswear each day. The most casual I ever wear is a classic polo shirt with high waisted wide legged chinos combined with a Barracuta G9 jacket. Most of the time I wear suits or sports jackets with odd trousers and always a tie and pocket square. So for me a vintage Omega Seamaster 600 was my first serious watch. It works with everything in my classic wardrobe.
I am a die hard fan o dive watches. But in my opinion best style for the first watch is the one we like to most + the one that will go the best with our day to day outfits.
I’d recommend a field watch, such as a Hamilton Khaki, Tudor BB36/41 or an Omega Aquaterra over a diver - rugged enough to be worn with casual clothes, but also dressy and capable to be worn with a suit and tie.
For me a dive watch is too much unless you're actually a diver. I think the non-diver sports watch - Rolex Explorer/Omega Aqua Terra/Tudor Black Bay 36/Seiko Babby Alpinist are a better one watch collection. But that's just me.
The explorer is boring, I couldn't image spending that money for something with so little functionality and visual interest. It would be different if it were high horology or made from high end materials.
While I have several dive watches in my collection, if I could only keep one type of watch it would be a field watch or bezelless sports watch. I just think their looks are more versatile, and they are plenty durable enough for my day-to-day life.
Yeah man. My daily driver is a Hamilton Khaki King titanium. Been wearing it virtually every day for the past 10 years and it fits suits, jeans+T, ... I have 2 dive watches and they are too bulky. Field watches all the way
Absolutely agree with Teddy here. Dive watches are the perfect watches to start and to end a watch collection. In between, you will have various watches of various styles. But if you only have one or two, get a diver.
My Steinhart Ocean 39 ceramic 3D is my everyday watch plus I actually dive with it. It has an ETA 2824 that is accurate to +\- 2 seconds /day which is incredible for a $500 watch. I also love my Seiko king Samurai white dial (43mm) which I wear in the summer as my beach watch. To round it out I have a vintage Seiko 6309. I love my dive watches. Looking forward to an Omega 300 diver one day. Great videos Teddy. Thank you for interesting and accurate updates! Peace
a dive watch can be elegant-toolish-beater at the same time . not sure if any other watch type can do this. you get a Duro and basically you are done. (ok, you change straps depending on the ocassion ..)
As a mechanical engineer and watch enthusiast I continue to be awed by wealth of information and debate over dive watch water resistance. My personal golden rule on the matter was adopted from the blog of a mid-west watch maker who advised that no matter the brand, no matter the claim, never put a watch under water. There are professional dive computers and bottom timers that serious divers rely on for timing dives.
That’s silly. If you’re paying thousands of dollars for a masterfully crafted and engineered time keeping device that was originally intended to be used as a tool, there should be no problem putting it under water, especially if that’s what it was designed for. People are so afraid of exposing their watches to conditions when it’s intent is to go with you through and on the journey of life. Any other perspective is fear based and not really trusting the purchase you made or the craftsmanship of the manufacturer. Might as well just let the watch sit in a drawer if you’re afraid of it experiencing life.
My first watch is a grand seiko heritage quartz 44 gs. Not a dive watch but a great everyday watch that will out perform out live anything out there. Prove me wrong.
I don’t know whether parents are still buying watches for their kids, but when I started school I was given a Lorus Sports divers watch in black and gold (obvs not real gold) - I’ve had a soft spot for divers ever since, especially the Seiko/Grand Seiko variety. My GADA watch is a GS SBGA031 - spring drive, titanium, large size but hugs the wrist well, takes a beating and still looks like new after a few years of daily use.
I'm impressed by the variety of topics Teddy finds to talk about regarding divers' watches; it's enjoyable to watch. I just need something that keeps showing me all these pieces while I think about which one to get...
My first and second(adult)were field watches in the 90s. A diver wasn’t considered, as I wasn’t going diving anytime soon. My Dad had a Seiko(6309 I think), but he had grown up sailing. I thought it was cool, but unnecessarily large for my arms at the time. In my opinion, I’d still go either field watch, or casual sport watch as a first or only watch.
Divers have always left me cold, they just seem out of date and place. I should feel the same about Chronos but being a racing fan I'm more used to seeing them. Still I'd pick Field, Pilots, Dress and Digitals over the other two every time.
I second the field watch choice. Something like a Hamilton Khaki Field automatic: classic design, capable of being dressed up yet good enough to go outdoors.
Great video. I own 3 divers…Seiko SKX, Tudor BB58 blue, and Rolex Submariner (Hulk). Dive watches probably allow for the most personal preferences, the most variety of styles and colors, and work in the widest array of occasions. A classic dive watch isn’t out of place on the beach, or in a suit, and everything in between. If only one, get an appropriate size, for your wrist and one that will fit under a long sleeve shirt.
Is this part of a new series from you Teddy, because I can see a case being made for a series of these, including digital watches, field watches, chronographs, and dress watches. I would say it depends. Dive watches are cool, but plenty of reasons not to start with a dive watch. 1. They are ubiquitous. Not everybody wants to wear the same thing as every guy and his brother are wearing. 2. Unless you are a diver, swimmer, or lifeguard or have some occupation that puts you in the water a lot, you are wearing a watch for a purpose other than what it was built for. 3. Some models don't dress up well, so if you need a watch that you can dress up, there are better options that transition from dressy to casual. 4. If you work in an office or with a keyboard a lot, big dive watches tend to be a bit cumbersome, and on bracelets especially, can get scratched up. And a few more points. If you are looking for something overbuilt, and as a value proposition, digital watches like the G shock walk all over dive watches. And as for value, there are plenty of quartz chronographs that are a better value proposition than, say, just about any dive watch with an automatic movement. If value is your main concern. And as for heritage and history, the same can be said for field watches , pilot watches, chronographs, and even dress watches. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference and style. I can make a better a case for a field watch as the one watch for most over the diver, or indeed, something like a 2 watch collection with an inexpensive digital watch for the weekend warrior, and a nice dress watch or dress chronograph for every day.
Having watched and subscribed to you for years, its amazing to see the growth you have had and the brith of your retail site! Congratulations and well deserved. Small ask, can you do a 'wrist watch check' before you do your videos? Its fun to see what you are wearing and I spend most of the video trying to make it out anyway... :)
Great vid! I agree with all of your points. In today's world, the majority of dive watches really can be worn in almost all circumstances short of true dress (tuxedo) situations. Many of them actually do look good, IMHO, with a suit and tie!
I have a Rolex Sea Dweller, which in my opinion, unlike the Submariner, is a true dive watch. Being a diver, the big difference is the bracelet of the Sea Dweller, it has a double hinge system that allows you to wear it comfortably with your tuxedo, but allows you to immediately, pull on your wet suit and get in the water as the bracelet allows for the necessary space so the band can close over a 3-5mm wet suit. I'm no expert in watches, but this is my take. I love all things Rolex and plan to find another one, likely something more traditional, but the Sea Dweller is incredible. I agree, diver watches are superior in terms of the robust design and attention to detail and longevity, a great pick for anyone.
Teddy you have done many informative and enlightening videos about watches. But none top this one about the strength, endurance, and beauty of dive watches. Bravo!👏🏽 .
Citizen promaster is my watch ..in work i wear a smartwatch ..it serves me better..but in my life i prefer the citizen eco drive promaster..a beautiful watch without having to adjust time every week ..i used to own two automatic from revue thommen but i think the eco drive is wonderful
I have one too. For the money it's hard to beat. I happened to wear mine to bed last night and could easily see the time at 4 am. This watch has fantastic looks, lume, and is maintenance free for 20 years unless you crack the crystal. If that happens you just by another one lol
My first Swiss watch is a diver’s watch- Wenger Seaforce. It’s a beautiful blue watch in blue dual with 35mm. And, yes, I use it as an everyday watch as it suits any situation, not only during water activities. I totally agree with you 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I'm very biased Ted, I love a dive watch for all of these reason and more, however in practically I don't dive or even swim much at all.... my first mechanical watch purchased was a Omega Speedmaster, I wanted to celebrate my 20+ years of service in Tool & die, the relationship to my achievements just made this decision the right choice for me, and what they represent entirely! I do own a few diver professional watches, and they're amazing, but I don't have a real connection or attachment otherwise!
The ultimate one-watch to me is the Nomos Club - great design, 100m WR, great brand, in-house watchmaking, versatile, and financially accessible in the grand scheme of things.
I agree with all these points. I couldn’t quite explain why I’m drawn to dive watches, and you’ve just articulate it really clearly. Off to pick up my Black Bay 58 tomorrow ☺️
I love this man and his channel, I’ve learned a lot about brands with pedigree and history that cost over a fraction of the hyper valued Rolex. You’ve mentioned brands that I can promise you 90% of the world doesn’t even know about since it’s all about Pateks, Milles, Rolexes, Omegas, Hublots, Jacob and Cos etc. Thank famous peoples and influencer messing the values up. Only true watch fanatics will know about those brands which makes it unique
My son and I were just talking about this, as his thirteenth birthday is coming up and he would like a “real” watch and decided (already ordered) on the Hamilton khaki field mechanical 38mm black dial bracelet h69439131 will add straps later (lug to lug a bit long for his 6.3 inch wrist but he’s still growing) and it was a resounding no to a dive watch, not liking the style, being to bulky, not versatile enough and no one where’s them, I have one! He’s chosen a nice watch anyhoo and as usual a great video.
I just bought the Seiko SRPG59 Prospex. I fell in love with how it looked as soon as I saw it and it's my first watch to ever be in my collection! So cool to see this video after the fact. The watch is also a "Save the Ocean" special edition so a percentage of the money that Seiko gets for the watch goes to a group of people who are trying to save the animals that are being cornered and in danger of extinction in Antarctica.
Great video, thanks! You made some good points. My favourite watches tend to be divers. I am a diver but never wear my watches in the water (I just don’t want to lose or damage them) and anyway I use a dive computer. I use the bezel several times a day for timing things or as a reminder to do something at a certain time. As a short sighted person I really like the legibility and great lume that most divers offer. Christopher Ward produce some superb dress divers, they are great value for money.
My only "expensive" watch is a Golden Eye Seamaster, I also have a Citizen Promaster, which looks like it, I like that style alot, but my go-to daily diver is an Invicta 22019, (I've seen 300m Invicta tested to 1200m,) it also doesn't have the stupid logo on the case, again, very like the previous two in Style and colour. I think a great option for dress and robust build would be the Citizen (I like Citizen) Radio controlled watches that many have a 200m WR and Sapphire dial window. A nice functional and relatively inexpensive chronograph is my Tissot PRS 516.
I just bought my first watch a month ago which is a Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB201J1 . I love it and got more interested in watches and already thinking about the next one and that will be a Taghauer, Tudor or Omega max around 3k€ but I think I gonna wait a year maybe... 😀
The JLC Polaris is a good go to for an all around watch that can fit every occasion... I just wish it came in a 38mm option... The current offering is too big :(
I would say a sports watch is a better fit for a one watch collection - Omega Railmaster, Tudor Ranger, Hamilton Murph, Rolex Explorer, Nomos Club, Longines Nationale etc. The dive watch is great - but has become a bit of a "desk diver joke" - it fits a person better if they sail, are avid swimmers or if they dive.
@@martintanz9098 true - and if you love the look of Rolex Sub - even though you only go to a public swimming pool once a year - then by all means go for it. I can understand it - it is a great looking watch :-) I usually see a Rolex dive watch on an overweight slightly balding salesperson - and it sort of accentuates that his life is boring and that he does not look at all like James Bond. Do you see what I mean? It is as if they wear a fantasy about who the would like to be. So if you play tennis, golf or bicycle - why not wear a more all purpose sports watch. Personally I just like a watch that fits the lifestyle and the person wearing it.
I think the unidirectional design of the bezel holds the diver back from being as practical and functional as say, a pilots watch with a bidirectional timing bezel… although now that I just wrote that, I realize how specific that is.
Maybe this will surprise someone, but the "most diving" watch in my collection is AT... I don't have now a diving watch at all. I've owned few of these before but now sold it all to hell. Because I realized that really good style does not go well with such watches. Maybe I'm wrong, but this is how I see my style from my own cliff :)
Agreed. As first enthusiast watch I chose the Gshock Mudmaster cause all of the features. I regretted a little bit only because it's not very versatile. After that one I went for classic Gshock DW-5600 and after Citizen ProMaster Diver and the last is my daily choice. I change it every once in a while for the Gshocks when I go to a rougher place.
I’ve been watching your videos. Very informative. I find it curious that you’re probably the only RU-vidr that avoids speaking about Invicta. You do mention it’s competitors, but ignore invicta 😊
As someone who gets bodily fluids on my watch at work, a diver I know i can't clean off in really any fashion and not be worried at all about damage is great.
Couldn’t agree more. I grew up dreaming of owning a Navitimer because it was the quintessential piece of a luxury watch “to me”. Now however, if I had to pick only one watch for the rest of my life, it would be a dive watch for all the reasons you presented. I wash my hands a dozen times a day, even more after the pandemic. And my profession involves jobs that make my hands bang against lots of equipment. A luxury dive watch covers just about every occasion.
