I’m currently looking into getting a first watch, I’m 22 and a male. My budget is up to 500$ if it’s a watch I really enjoy the way it looks it may get slightly higher. I’ve been looking around and have found some watches I like the looks off such as, [Swiss Military By Chrono Solothurn ref number SM30200.03]. [Boss skyliner], [Boss admira]l, [Seiko 5 sports]. These are watches I like how they look I’ve heard a fair bit about designer brands not being good? so I’m unsure of boss. Are there any recommendations I should look into? and lastly what size should it be?
I’d go for Certina. Certina DS ACTION, for example. At sales you might get within your budget.
I would be looking at Tissot. Maybe a Carson (Ref. T122.407.16.051.00) or a PRX (Ref. T137.407.11.051.00 for example; there are several colors and a smaller size).
I would forget about Boss or the Swiss Military (that one you mention is a 200 EUR quartz watch).
I’ve looked at some Tissot as well, specifically the Gentleman [Ref. T1274101104100]. The one you mentioned doesn’t look bad but I feel like it’s not my style it’s slightly over my budget as well which for that watch I wouldn’t go for. The Swiss Military seems to be almost sketchy, forget about Boss. Understood.
I wouldnt get a boss. As you said, these designer brands just buy cheap shitty chinese stuff, slap their logo on and double the price. You should stick to brands that are mainly known for watches, not other fashion products.
Seiko is totally fine, just not really my taste. Better imo would be Orient (bambino for a dress watch, kamasu for a diver). Those should definetly be well within your price range.
Or if you want to stretch your budget a little you can get a swiss watch such as a hamilton, tissot, certina or maybe a mido. Talking new prices. Used or grey market (i heard jomashop is good if youre in the US) all of those should be in your range.