Budget $350.
Silver with hints of gold would be nice.
No leather or fabric materials.
I am unfamiliar with brands and things so all help is needed.
Tissot PRX Quartz is imo the best budget watch with excellent finishing. People here will shit on it for being “popular” but there’s a reason it’s popular. Its a brilliant watch
Solar powered with a sapphire crystal from a reputable brand https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-conceptual-watch-sne527.html
Maybe Citizen EcoDrive, if hes not into automatics. You can get nice Titanium one for that amount.
GMT for a first watch? That’s either the best idea or worst idea. Haha
Ask him what he wants.
The only correct answer
Seiko 5
Phoibos WaveMaster with the bracelet is a really good looking watch and well spec’d for the cost. Sapphire crystal, machined ss bracelet, ceramic bezel, cool textured dial, really sharp color ways
https://phoiboswatch.com/categories/collection/wave-master.html
Seiko is always a good place to start. A Seiko diver.
There’s a few things to be aware of: Size. Most dive watches have a diameter of between 38mm and 44mm. The diameter is the standardised way at which a watches size is described.
If he’s a small / slight guy try something around the 38mm to 40mm size.
If he’s of average size 40mm to 42mm would be better.
If he’s a big fella, 42mm to 44mm.
Seiko generally wear small because they have short lugs (the protrusions at each end of a watch where the bracelet / strap attaches) so you’ll probably be ok no matter what you choose - but it’s best to err towards smaller rather than larger, but irrespective of the diameter of the watch there is another measurement that is more important to how a watch wears.
The ‘Lug to Lug’ length is the most important metric. That’s the distance of the watch from end to end; from lug tip to lug tip. Don’t buy anything under 44mm if he’s a big guy, or anything over 47mm if he’s a small guy. If the lug to lug length is not listed under the watches specs just do a google search.
A few other things - don’t buy from a jeweller or mall unless it’s discounted. Online sellers are often substantially cheaper. Either do a google search or ask on here for the best online seller in your area of the world.
And lastly, if it’s an option for you to have him choose the watch, do that. Watches are a very personal item and how they feel on the wrist is a big part of it - if possible, have him see the watch in person and try it on before you buy. You can do this in store and buy online obviously.
Hope this helps; good luck! ☻
If you are in the US get an eco-drive you feel would fit him from this ebay store. They have the best prices. At the moment they do t have the most stock but there are enough to pick one.
Here’s one that might fit your description.
An all stainless steel (without gold colored plating) would probably fair better over time like this one (this model has a fixed bezel, there are other models with a similar (diver) style that have a rotating bezel that can be used as a 60 minutes timer like this one - o The larger side). The dive style of watches is the most popular stye of watches among men.
There’s also an extra 25% off coupon at the moment for some models including both of the ones I mentioned.
Eco-drives are very good practical everyday watches. They are durable, accurate and don’t require any sort of mentenance, just don’t hide it in a drawer in the dark when not wearing it so it can get some daylight and it’ll just work for many years.
Keep in mind the size also. Usually around 40mm is ok for most wrists for a watch without an external bezel and around 42mm would be a good size for a dive style watch. Depending on how big his wrist is you can go higher or lower than these measurements.
Also, titanium watches like the o e I mentioned are much lighter than the stainless steel ones, some people like that, others don’t.
There are some very nice Certina, Mido, Tissot options online in this price range for something beyond the typical Seiko or Citizen.
You can’t go wrong with orient Bambino Automatic Silver Seiko also has some nice affordable models!
Michael Kors has some dope watches for men, the look is very elegant and professional.
Seiko SRPE’s are really hard to beat when looking for an affordable GADA (go anywhere do anything). They are suitable for many styles.
Black with gold
https://teddybaldassarre.com/products/5-sports-srpe57?variant=40629201076317
Silver/grey
https://teddybaldassarre.com/products/5-sports-srpe51?variant=40629187084381
Depends on his lifestyle and his passion for watches. If he is an outdoor rough guy, you will be prioritizing durability. If he is an office dude, you can sacrifice it for better looks.
The most important tip to begin with is: if the watch brand also makes underwear, it’s not a decent watch brand. You can discard Armani’s, Boss, Dolce Gabanna etc.
The default recommendation is a watch on a steel bracelet, 100m water resistance and sapphire glass, all for durability purposes. Be aware that the gold will be plated or PVD at best and will scratch away with wear.
If he is a watch guy, mechanical movement might be something to consider, but if he does not care about watches, solar or quartz will be better for him.
The most important part of a watch is the sizing, you need to get his sizing correct. Please visit with him a jewelrer. If you dont want to, the way to go is 38-41mm, you can’t go wrong. If he is a bulky strong guy, 40-42 is good, if he is thin 36-38 will be better.
You could consider Tissot PRX quartz, Citizen Tsuyosa, Seiko Presage and Orient for example
well that’s the end of my Patek Philippe underwear
What was the waitinglist for it? Or did you go grey? 🤣
If you are new to watches, make sure you understand the difference between a quartz watch and an automatic (mechanical). A good video talking about the strengths and weaknesses of each