Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 2, 2015. A special-edition one is best. And, perhaps most importantly, what’s your budget? Smith has taken over from George Daniels as the English watchmaker. Video Transcription Stick with time-honoured, well-regarded suppliers and never submit to the theory that you alone ‘know best’.” Bill Prince2. Even when you feel like you do. NATHAN: Hey everyone its Nathan with Crown & Caliber. From $1,975; oris.ch. We're constantly creating great content like this. The way the market is now, I wouldn’t buy a Cosmograph Daytona or even a Zenith movement Cosmograph, because that market now is so open to fakes. What watch do you go with? Though it might seem straightforward (surely, you just buy what you like? There are countless watch brands to choose from, but when you start out, you might want to stick to a reputable and reliable name like Rolex, OMEGA, Breitling, or TAG Heuer. Vintage Rolex Submariner vs. a Modern Submariner. Invest the time working out what suits you – gather feedback, let your style mature. Contact Us If all else fails, just buy what you like“Ultimately, you should buy what you like. But there are certain things you need to take into account when it comes to vintage watches … As an exclusively online marketplace for pre-owned timepieces, Crown & Caliber exists to ensure that when it comes down to the final transaction, buyers and sellers can both win. The first mechanical watch I bought was a 1969 Omega Chronostop. Ultimately, no one should tell you how to do it, but you have to start somewhere. Likewise, there are a number of entry-level Rolexes to choose from, while OMEGA and TAG Heuer tend to occupy a comfortable position on the lower end of the pre-owned market. By emphasizing transparency and placing value on quality, Crown & Caliber has become the preferred marketplace for watch collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. But what’s going to be your first watch, the one you look back at and think, “This is the one that started it all.”? I spoke to a dealer recently who said he’s never going to touch Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas again, because that area is such a minefield. It’s a six-year waiting list, but you can put a deposit down and save up. What condition do you want for your first watch: pristine and untouched, or something with a little history? Need to know where to start on great vintage options? This is a go-anywhere, do-anything watch that you know you'll be able to be proud of even if your collection grows into the stratosphere. Starting your watch collection with a vintage piece is a great choice. No pressure or anything, and the watch you start your collection with may not have much emotional significance at all. Anything that’s red-hot I would avoid.” SdB6. If you still want a watch years after you first lusted after it, then you know.” RS7. By Cam Wol f. August 3, 2020. (And yes, you keep the watch!) If you are, are there certain brands you like? rolex.com, “Something by a known-name independent – FP Journe, a Chronomètre Souverain or a Centigraphe Chronograph. Do you stay within one brand? Love watches, like watches, or maybe don’t know so much about them? Interested? Lust after this piece or chase after that, but rather than just asking yourself, ask someone without ‘skin in the game’ to offer their second opinion.” BP12. Because the most difficult part of putting together a stellar watch collection is knowing where to start. I bought it on looks and forgot to check out the case diameter and the thickness of the strap. Still not convinced or want some more data on which watches to buy pre-owned? Except where noted otherwise, the brands whose items we sell are not associated with Crown & Caliber, LLC, and the brand names are the trademarks of their respective owners. Remember that there’s safety in established brands“My advice? NATHAN: Hey, it's summer, and the summer means, Video Transcription They’ll be able to tell you more definitively of the watch’s authenticity. And most importantly, what’s your budget? They’re definitely worth having.”Seamaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer by Omega, £6,000. Even if the means are there, don’t rush into multiple purchases. From brands to boutiques, our esteemed panel of horological experts reveal everything you need to know about starting a watch collectionStarting a watch collection is a surprisingly complicated business. rwsmithwatches.co.uk, “A Patek Calatrava, of course, because if you’re going to have a collection you’re going to want to have that in there.”5119J Calatrava Manual Winding Yellow Gold by Patek Philippe, £POA. Plus, if you’re going to wear it all the time and look at it, you don’t want to do that every few hours and think, ‘That’s so ugly.’” SdB5. Save the vault purchases for later.” RS14. Those are the two words that first come to mind when. To me, the 36mm version of this watch on a steel bracelet is one of the best buys in all of watchmaking at just a hair over $2,000, and if you want to forgo the bracelet you can get that a hair under $2,000.