WATCH RITUAL
Guides / Buying well
Buying well · 2 min read

How much should you spend on a first watch?

For a first watch, $150 to $500 is the sweet spot. Under $200 you can already get sapphire, titanium or an automatic movement from a microbrand. At $300 to $500 you reach Swiss quartz, solar and entry Swiss automatics, and past $700 you are paying for finishing, brand and heritage more than function.

By Sebastian Bassolino, Editor · Updated October 18, 2026

What each budget gets you.

BudgetTypical choiceExamples we cover
Under $200Microbrand automatic or titanium quartzBest watches under $200
$200 to $500Citizen solar or automatic, Tissot quartz, microbrand diverBest automatics under $500
$500 to $1,000Swiss automatic with a long reserveBest Tissot watches

What to prioritise.

  • Fit: lug-to-lug and thickness; see what size to wear.
  • Crystal: sapphire resists scratches better than mineral glass.
  • Movement: solar or quartz for convenience, automatic for the mechanism.
  • Warranty: check the seller’s terms before ordering.

Brand or microbrand?

Big brands offer service networks and resale value. Microbrands offer more spec for the money. Microbrands explained covers the trade-offs.

Where we see the best value.

Under $200 we like the BODERRY Voyager S72 and the Thorn divers; at $300 to $500 the Citizen Zenshin Chrono and the Tissot PR 100 are strong; above $700 the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the one to look at.

Good first watches.

A few good questions.

How much should I spend on my first watch?

Most people are well served by $150 to $500, which covers sapphire, titanium, solar and automatic options.

Is a $100 watch any good?

Yes, if it fits and the specification is clear. Microbrands offer automatics and sapphire at that price, but check warranty terms.

Should my first watch be automatic or quartz?

Choose automatic if you value the mechanism, quartz or solar if you want convenience.

Is it worth spending $1,000 on a first watch?

Only if finishing, brand and movement matter to you. Most of the function is available for less.

How we write guides: we explain watchmaking from manufacturer documentation and published standards, and say plainly where numbers vary by brand or movement. Our approach.