Recommend entry level watch brand

[Tangier11]

Another vote for Omega!!!

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by GolfJunkie

Tudor, omega, grand seiko

+1 Probably in that order, as well. If willing to go pre-owned, it’s really hard to beat a Rolex Datejust from previous decades.

[macrowatch]

Pre-owned speed sapphire sandwich. Can't go wrong with that starting point.

[J_1964]

Originally Posted by tpool

I have a young graduate professional friend who is looking for his first entry level good watch. I’m only familiar with Rolex & he’s asked for some brand suggestions for $5k or below. A brand that is well respected & won’t be terribly devalued once he buys it. Appreciate your suggestions!


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They should "Save Up" for a little while and Get Exactly What They Want. Don't Settle...

[aparker973]

Rolex, but it's a very personal decision.

I've written tongue in cheek about this before. But in my experience only a minority of people love chasing great values from emerging or established brands not named Rolex. The majority of those with the budget are not satisfied until they scratch the Rolex itch. For better or for worse. Just keep this in mind.

You could "jump the line" of sophistication by saving a bit more for a pre-owned Jaeger LeCoultre.

[mongrelnomoad]

As said before: Tudor, Omega, Seiko, Grand Seiko. With their recent releases, I’d add Citizen to that list. Also JLC and IWC.

Never, EVER borrow money to buy a watch.

[beefeater21]

I second (or third) all the recommendations for an Omega Speedmaster. With the history and the ability to dress it up (a bit) and down (a lot), t's a great first watch in that price range. A very cool, timeless classic for starting out.

[uscmatt99]

I like Nomos for a fun casual piece that you can wear anywhere, and Omega for more sporty watches at this price point. For a one and done I like Omega in particular.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by GolfJunkie

Tudor, omega, grand seiko

This. Would also encourage others to consider Nomos.

[tpool]

Great advice; thanks to everyone for their input. I can always learn from this forum & appreciate hearing your thoughts.


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[jon_jon]

Omega is a very respected watch company that makes quality watches. A lot of people here have a lot of respect for Omega watches. However their market price is often quite lower than their list price. So some people recommend buying it "pre-owned".

Tudor gets a lot of respect here although they don't have the same history as the Omega.

[Justindo]

In this price range, I think Omega offers a great watch and something for everyone, whether it be a chronograph, a diver, a field watch, an everyday watch, or a dressy watch.

[BendyBee]

Speedmaster

[moting]

Tudor, Omega, Zenith, Nomos

[Trustmeimanengineer]

Originally Posted by Krash

Omega but you have to negotiate to get below $5k (which everyone does anyway).

Tudor or Tag Heuer are obvious choices.

IWC Mark XVIII Pilot is less than $5k. The blue dial version is really hot.

Also, Nomos makes great watches for under $5k too. Definitely check out Nomos.

Longines, Oris, Hamilton are other brands...


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^ This. Provided negotiations are done not to pay for any of these at retail, this should be in a watch bible verse!

[Severund]

If he is just getting into watches I would suggest that he cut his budget a bit. I would start with Seiko or Hamilton depending on what he is into. The Hamilton Khaki Field Watch or the Seiko SPB143.

[JohnGingerwood]

For 5k, an Omega Seamaster.

[Maxtor]

I agree with the "save for what you really want" philosophy but the OP never said his friend specifically wanted a Rolex. Just a good entry level watch under $5K.

Given the crazy Rolex prices and lack of availability there are certainly lots of other great watches to consider. I would put Omega at the top of that list. Great designs, great movements, great name. Good hunting.

[robinmgb]

Originally Posted by Rogerab

Omega or Tudor. Every bit as good as Rolex except for brand recognition and status.

Totally agree that Omega is but Tudor are a level below

[uniqueMR]

Breitling, Grand Seiko, Omega, Oris, Tudor
<$5,000

[mongrelnomoad]

... (Reposted on a thread I'd already posted on.)

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

Yea, for about $5,000 just get a tasteful new Rolex from an AD and then you'll know what that experience is like and be comforted that it won't crash in value. It's a good starting point.

For small wrist, Explorer 36. For larger wrist, OP41. If date is a must, DJ36.

Your AD must have better prices than mine

[asiparks]

I know this is now an old thread, but send him out shopping himself, so he can get what he actually likes.
When I was a young grad with the world in my sights, a 36mm OP would have been the absolute least appealing, blandest watch that I could imagine. Buying one because "internet", would have made no sense. I would rather get a Tag that I genuinely liked, resale value and TRF snobbery be damned.
If value retention is a concern, and everything< Rolex, but you don't want Rolex, buy a pre owned whatever from a reputable secondary seller.

Otherwise Speedy Pro.

[Bill11783]

Tudor BB41....great value, great watch.

[joewang1988]

JLC, Omega, IWC are good if you can find some good ones in the secondary market

[watchucallit]

I started with Breitling and then IWC and it was all downhill from there :)

[Malum]

Mido

[MikeHendrick1978]

Tudor is a great brand for sub $5000.....Also look at Ball....Maybe a brand that isn't as well known...but they use the same kind of steel that Rolex uses and has really sweet tritium dials.

[wcs2229]

Omega, followed by Breitling. These are as good as Rolex, without the snobbery, for a young guy.

[RollinMoses]

I think all solid suggestions above, I would echo those for Nomos.

Great looking, well made watches with a range covering dress to sports. They have a unique design aesthetic that feels very modern, without looking out of place in most everyday situations. Also an interesting independent brand that might generate a bit more of a personal connection to the watch and brand.

Also, depending on what the young graduate does and where they are in their career, wearing a watch that most non-watch folk will never have heard of might be a positive vs something that is more widely recognised as a “luxury watch”.