The Best Watches for First-Time Collectors

Congratulations, you just landed your dream job. We hear you finally have your own place now, too. Oh, and that car parked in your driveway is not too shabby either. Life is good. Except, you're still missing something. Hint: it has to do with that worn-out watch you've been sporting since God knows when. Taking that next step can be quite intimidating. But, don’t worry—we're here to walk you through this important milestone. Without further ado, here are the best classic and timeless investment pieces that are worth every penny.
Presage SRPD37
SEIKO
P18,656 AT LAZADA
Inspired by the luscious undertones of cocktails, this dressy model is a mechanical timepiece with a vibrant green dial. It boasts an elegant box-shaped crystal with intricately curved hands. And, if you look closely, you’ll find slim minute markings on the corners of its surface. It also comes with an understated leather strap and a small date calendar. Practical yet polished, the Presage is a competitively priced watch that doesn’t sacrifice style or function.
Avigation BigEye Titanium
LONGINES
$3,375 AT LONGINES
If you’re looking for an automatic chronograph watch with a vintage flair, the Longines Avigation BigEye Titanium ticks all these boxes. It contains a sizable 41mm stainless steel case with a textured blue dial. With a premium on legibility, it has bold digits painted in gold and thick alternating dots and dashes on the minutes. It also includes three subdials for measuring elapsed time. And, for a retro touch, it goes with a sleek brown strap. The BigEye certainly strikes a balance between utility and design.
Black Bay Fifty-Eight M79030N-0001
TUDOR
P195,500 AT TUDOR
Reminiscent of Tudor’s "Big Crown'' in 1958, the Tudor Black Bay 58 is a contemporary spin to an old-school dive watch. That said, the design features historical references like Tudor's signature ‘snowflake’ hands and a steel bracelet in their hallmark riveted style. It also has rose-gold numerals on the hour markings. While it still has much of the original’s quirks, the new variant has been further tailored for everyday use. For starters, the case size has been scaled down to 39mm—making it more lightweight to wear. Other notable features include its reliable power reserve, which lasts for 70 hours, and a rotatable unidirectional bezel. The Black Bay is everything that is essential, nothing that is not.
Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
OMEGA
$6,900 AT OMEGA
Known as the watch that made it to space, the NASA-approved chronograph is up for any adventure. Maintaining its sentimental value, the prototype has an asymmetrical 42mm steel case and a matte black dial. It is also covered with hesalite crystal. So, while it may be prone to scratches, it is less susceptible to impact in comparison to the likes of sapphire. Embedded on its surface, the Moonwatch has short hour markers and diamond tip hands in a silvery-white shade. More than this, it is powered by the Calibre 3861—a manual-winding movement with outstanding magnetic resistance. Long story, short: it’s a no-nonsense watch with an unrivaled history.
Oyster Perpetual 41
ROLEX
P326,500 AT ROLEX
Last but not least, we have the Rolex Oyster Perpetual—one of the most acclaimed entry-level watches in the market. A descendant of the Oyster prototype, also known as the first waterproof wristwatch to exist, the Oyster Perpetual has all the quintessential functions: a chronometer with top-notch precision, 41mm water-resistant case, and sapphire crystal for readability. Equipped with the Calibre 3230, it has an extensive power reserve of 70 hours and is resilient to impact. Moreover, its versatile design makes it a suitable option for any occasion. It contains a lustrous black dial, with an intricate sunray finish, and simple linear markers for the time. It also comes with the brand’s trademark three-piece metal bracelet. Though the price is steep, you will surely get prestige and performance all in one package.
Will your purchase burn a hole in your wallet? Probably. But, in turn, your reward is a lifelong companion that will stick with you through thick and thin.