So You’re Buying Your First Watch…
Where to buy your first watch—it’s a dilemma that many never conquer, but with affordable watches from BAPE, Frederique Constant, and more, it can be easily solved.
Few aspects of style are as intimidating to explore as watches. From long lists of technical attributes to unofficially outlawed brands, and, of course, some prohibitively high price tags, the process can make a first-time buyer feel that there are more reasons to avoid buying a timepiece than there are to take the plunge. The truth of the matter is that if you’re buying your first watch, you can ignore almost all of the jargon.
One of the major concerns when buying a beginner’s watch is price. Affordable watches that are worth your time can be hard to come by, but the six below prove that there are gems out there for those willing to search for them. Looking at both form and function, the selection comes courtesy of BAPE, TOM FORD, and Frederique Constant, with none of the watches reaching higher prices than $1000.
Featured In This Image: Frédérique Constant watch.
Frederique Constant has all the hallmarks of a high-end luxury watchmaker—all but the price. The Switzerland-based company’s penchant for classic visuals is typified by the Carrée automatic watch, which features a ’50s-leaning rectangular face. The understated sunray dial features a barely there herringbone pattern to add texture, which is rounded out by a croc-embossed leather strap.
With a relatively small 40mm case diameter and a trusty FC-303 automatic movement (for the uninitiated, this means that it charges with the natural movement of the wearer), this is an unimposing and elevated first watch.
Featured In This Image: BAPE watch.
A Bathing Ape’s BAPEX watch range is yet another part of the label’s output that exists in murky legal waters. The designs are completely unaffiliated with Rolex, but clearly heavily inspired by the iconic shapes. That means that first-time watch buyers are the real winners here.
The BAPE BAPEX Type 1 watch is a great daily driver. While boasting typical dive watch character in its stainless steel case and bracelet, this example offers some pop, too, with channel-set cubic zirconia surrounding the rotating bezel (the circular module that frames the dial, allowing the wearer to manually set countdowns). Powered by an automatic movement and water-resistant up to 100 meters, it’ll take a beating and scores major points for the style-conscious.
Featured In This Image: Frédérique Constant watch.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that a Swiss-made chronograph that looks this good would set you back high five figures. In the same traditional style as some of F.P.Journe or Patek Philippe’s more valuable dress watches, this Frederique Constant chronograph offers elegance and restraint in equal measure.
Sure, with a FC-292 quartz movement under the hood, it doesn’t offer the same kind of heirloom-worthy complication as one of the aforementioned makers would, but in exchange, it costs a fraction of the price.
Featured In This Image: BAPE watch.
The latest collection of BAPEX watches has been one of the most eye-catching yet. Alongside the first cubic zirconia–adorned bezels we’ve seen from the label are striking dials like this deep blue Type 7. Contrasting with a gold stainless steel and oyster-link bracelet, the dial also features glow-in-the-dark markings.
Taking after the iconic Rolex Datejust, the BAPEX Type 7 has an uncluttered dial and case, making it a popular choice for those hunting for versatility.
Featured In This Image: BAPE watch.
Black dive watches are some of the hardest-working watches in the game. Dive watches, complete with rotating bezels, stainless steel casings, and easy-to-read, lume-filled dials are understandably some of the most popular in terms of daily wear. That’s down to durability and versatile style. It tracks that black iterations only increase wearability.
This black BAPEX Type 2 watch has a couple of subtle, stand-out features. Firstly, the all-black oyster-link bracelet boasts a subtle two-tone textural finish. The second thing that piques our interest is the Mercedes hour hand (or rising star hand) which is a sought-after piece of watch lore.
This particular Type 2 is loaded with references that make for a pretty timepiece, but also one that understands its context. At $500, this is a great way to kick off a watch collection with a touch of fun.
Featured In This Image: TOM FORD watch.
Most established fashion houses have delved into the world of horology before, but not many have been as successful as TOM FORD. That comes down to the label’s no-shortcuts mentality. Expect Swiss-made automatic movements that avoid the classic pitfalls of luxury house timepieces by placing functionality on a level with form.
The 002 model is a sleek black dive watch that rivals most luxury watches in its durability, style, and quality. The clean, two-tone dial has a date window, diamond-cut hands, and super clear markings that confirm this piece has a purpose beyond just looking good.
- Date: August 15, 2023
