Choosing the right starter watch is an exciting entry into the world of timepieces. A good starter watch offers quality without breaking the bank. The Seiko 5 is often hailed as one of the best starter watches.
The Hamilton Khaki Field is a good choice if you’re looking to start a collection. Its military-inspired aesthetic and robust build appeal to new collectors seeking style and history.
As a beginner, consider versatile models. Some good beginner luxury watches are Tissot and Oris which offer impressive sophistication at an affordable price. Here are the best starter watches to include in your collection:
1. Casio G-Shock – Resin, Digital Dial ref. DW-5600E-1VDF
- Retail Price: S$169
- Private Market Price: S$53
- Pre-Owned Price: S$60
About
The Casio G-Shock DW-5600E-1VDF is one of the most recognized models in the G-Shock series. Its reputation has been built on toughness, with a design that resists environmental stress while maintaining accurate timekeeping. It’s based on the original DW-5000C, which was first introduced in 1983. However, it combines vintage design with modern functionality, appealing to the modern active collector seeking affordable quality.
Features
They include high shock resistance, 200m water resistance, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and a multi-function alarm.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 48.9mm x 42.8mm x 13.4mm
- Materials
- Dial – Digital, with an EL backlight display
- Bracelet – Resin strap, with a one-touch 3-fold clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, resin
- Function: Alarm, Day, Month, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Quartz movement
Why Invest
According to WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$51 on February 18, 2024, to S$53 on February 12, 2025.
2. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical – Stainless Steel, Black Dial ref. H69439931
- Retail Price: S$700
- Private Market Price: S$548
- Pre-Owned Price: S$608
About
This Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is renowned for its connection to military history. Its design harks back to the timepieces used by soldiers, making it not only a watch but a piece of history. It combines vintage style with modern performance while sitting comfortably around most wrists. Its classic look and durability appeal to watch enthusiasts and those seeking their first quality timepiece.
Features
The main ones are Arabic numeral hour markers with smaller 24-hour military markers, a green textile NATO strap, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal above the dial, syringe-style hands, and a 38mm steel case.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 38mm
- Materials
- Dial – Matte black, with luminescent syringe-style hands, a seconds hand with a luminous arrowhead tip, and Arabic numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Green textile NATO strap with a pin buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, brushed, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Caliber H-50 hand-wound movement with 17 jewels, an 80-hour power reserve, and a 21,600vph frequency.
Why Invest
According to WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$530 on February 18, 2024, to S$548 on February 16, 2025.
Moreover, WatchBase indicates its price rose from S$625 on July 24, 2020, to S$878 on November 28, 2023.
3. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph – Stainless Steel, Blue Dial ref. CAZ101K.BA0842
- Retail Price: S$2,900
- Private Market Price: S$1,089
- Pre-Owned Price: S$1,463
About
This TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph is widely appreciated for its sporty aesthetics and reliability. It’s one of the latest quartz watches in the brand’s Formula 1 collection, which was introduced in 1986 and is currently in the sixth series. Known for its precision quartz movement, robust body, and modern technology, this watch embodies style and function, making it a worthy addition to any collection.
Features
They include a date display at 4 o’clock, three chronograph subdials at 3,6, and 9 o’clock, a fixed bezel with tachymeter scale markings in black, a three-row steel bracelet, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2023
- Case Size: 43mm
- Materials
- Dial – Blue, with a sunray-brushed finish and luminous silver-tone hands and applied Arabic/ baton-style indices
- Bracelet – Three-row steel, with a steel folding clasp with push buttons
- Bezel – Fixed, stainless steel, with tachymeter scale markings in black
- Function: Chronograph, Date, Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Tachymeter
- Mechanism: Swiss quartz chronograph movement
Why Invest
As per WatchBase, its price increased from S$1,895 on April 3, 2018, to S$2,457 on October 1, 2022.
4. Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date – Stainless Steel, Blue Dial ref. 01 733 7707 4055-07 5 20 45
- Retail Price: S$3,356
- Private Market Price: S$2,150
- Pre-Owned Price: S$3,100
About
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five line combines vintage style with modern reliability, making it a standout piece for new collectors. This series draws from Oris’s rich heritage, with designs inspired by their original 1965 model.
This discontinued iteration stays true to the original’s design while standing out with its polished stainless steel, striking blue dial, and welcome tweaks to suit the modern collector. This combination offers a taste of sophistication and tradition, ensuring timeless appeal and durability.
Features
They include a unidirectional rotatable bezel, a date display at 6 o’clock, a domed sapphire crystal on both sides with an anti-reflective coating on the inner side over the dial, a leather strap, and water resistance to 100 meters.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019-2021
- Case Size: 40mm
- Material:
- Dial – Blue, with Super-LumiNova-filled hands and arrow/round/rectangle hour markers
- Bracelet – Brown leather strap, steel bracelet, and NATO strap
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotatable, stainless steel, with a black top ring with 60-minute graduations
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Oris 733 automatic movement, based on the Sellita SW 200-1. It has 26 jewels, a 38-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
It’s a discontinued model, raising its appeal among watch collectors.
Please note: While it’s a high-quality timepiece with appealing features and brand heritage, its potential as a financial investment is uncertain. As a prospective buyer, prioritize your personal appreciation for it and consider any increase in value as a potential bonus rather than a certainty.
5. Tudor Black Bay 58 – Stainless Steel, Blue Dial ref. M79030B-0001
- Retail Price: S$5,930
- Private Market Price: S$3,332
- Pre-Owned Price: S$3,738
About
The Tudor Black Bay ref. M79030B-0001 is a luxury men’s dive mechanical watch that’s part of the Black Bay line, known for its modern interpretation of vintage dive watches. It offers a 39mm stainless steel case diameter, which may be a step lower than its 41mm predecessors but is desirable to more watch lovers.
Reflecting Tudor’s rich history in watchmaking, it’s perfect for newcomers wanting a balance of form and function in their first entry-level luxury watch.
Features
They include a unidirectional rotatable bezel with an anodized matt blue aluminum disc, a blue dial, a bracelet with a folding clasp and safety catch, a domed sapphire crystal over the dial, and a 39mm steel case.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials
- Dial – Blue, with a luminescent Snowflake hour hand, minute hand, and round/triangle/rectangle hour markers
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, with a folding clasp and safety catch
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotatable, stainless steel, with an anodized matt blue 60-minute graduated aluminum disc with silver gilded markings and numerals
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: COSC-certified Manufacture Caliber MT5402 self-winding mechanical movement, with 27 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
According to WatchBase, its price increased from S$4,872 on March 20, 2020, to S$5,026 on January 6, 2022, S$5,490 on January 1, 2023, S$5,602 on September 1, 2023, and S$5,714 on January 1, 2024.
6. Rolex Datejust 36 – Oystersteel, Silver Dial ref. M126200-0002
- Retail Price: S$11,000
- Private Market Price: S$10,882
- Pre-Owned Price: S$11,667
About
The Rolex Datejust 36 is a unisex luxury watch that embodies timeless elegance with its meticulous design and precision engineering. Its classic aesthetic appeals to those seeking a versatile, everyday luxury watch. Although it embodies a less flashy aesthetic compared to typical Rolex watches in the luxury watch market, it retains its charm with its smooth lines, quality materials, and polished surfaces—suitable for various occasions.
Features
The main ones are a date display at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops lens over it, a smooth, well-polished bezel, an Oyster bracelet, a 36mm Oystersteel case, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal above the dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2019
- Case Size: 36 mm
- Materials
- Dial – Silver, with a sunray finish and Chromalight lume-filled baton-style hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – Oystersteel, Oyster, with a Folding Oysterclasp with an Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, well-polished, Oystersteel
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex’s self-winding Caliber 3235 mechanical movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
WatchBase reveals its price increased from S$8,845 on March 27, 2019, to S$9,407 on January 8, 2020, S$9,688 on January 20, 2022, and S$10,811 on January 5, 2024.
7. Grand Seiko Snowflake – Titanium, Silver Dial ref. SBGA211
- Retail Price: S$8,700
- Private Market Price: S$5,072
- Pre-Owned Price: S$5,690
About
The Grand Seiko Snowflake is revered for its distinctive design and superior technology. Introduced as part of the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection, it represents a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern watchmaking innovation.
It’s deeply rooted in Grand Seiko’s philosophy, which focuses on precision, beauty, and functionality. Its “Snowflake” moniker reflects its unique dial texture, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow on the Hotaka mountains surrounding the Shinshu Watch Studio.
Features
Its main features are a shell-shaped power reserve indicator between 7 and 8 o’clock, a silver dial with a snow texture, a high-intensity titanium case and bracelet, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a blue seconds hand.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2017
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials
- Dial – Silver, with polished dauphine hands, a blue seconds hand, and baton/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Titanium, with a three-fold clasp with push-button release
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, titanium
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Spring Drive Caliber 9R65 movement with 30 jewels and a 72-hour power reserve
Why Invest
According to WatchCharts, its retail price as of January 2025 is S$8,700, and its pre-owned market price is S$5,690. In 2018, the retail price was around S$7,784.
In 2015, it was closer to S$6,711. The price has increased by ~24% in 10 years.
This shows that Grand Seiko periodically raises prices, which helps maintain value appreciation.
8. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface – Stainless Steel, Silvered Gray Dial ref. Q2618140
- Retail Price: S$8,800
- Private Market Price: S$7,897
- Pre-Owned Price: S$8,610
About
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface is a watch with a history rooted in innovation and elegance. Since its introduction, the Reverso series has captivated watch enthusiasts with its unique reversible design, originally created for polo players.
This ladies’ model combines classic style with modern precision. Known for its Art Deco influences, its appeal lies in its timeless aesthetic and remarkable craftsmanship. Each of its components is crafted to offer an exquisite experience, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to quality. It’s a gender-specific watch designed primarily for those who appreciate subtle elegance and the storied legacy of the Reverso line.
Features
The main ones are a reversible rectangular case with gadroons, allowing for a customizable design that can showcase a personal engraving or a blank canvas, Arabic numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, a beads of rice steel bracelet with links adorned with reflections under the glow of the moon or sunlight, and a second opaline dial within the main dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 35.78mm x 21mm
- Materials
- Dial – Silvered gray, with blued steel sword-shaped hands and black Arabic numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, beads of rice
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes
- Mechanism: Manual-wind Caliber 846/1 movement
Why Invest
According to WatchBase, its price increased from S$7,371 on February 13, 2020, to S$7,512 on January 14, 2021, and S$8,705 on December 22, 2022.
9. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional – Stainless Steel, White Dial ref. 310.32.42.50.04.001
- Retail Price: S$12,075
- Private Market Price: S$14,100
- Pre-Owned Price: S$16,500
About
Most watch enthusiasts picture an Omega with a black dial whenever ‘Speedmaster’ is mentioned. This Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch (nicknamed ‘Speedy Albino’) is here to change that. Introduced in 2024, it retains the typical Speedmaster design cues and enjoys a legacy tied to lunar exploration, making it a symbol of precision and durability.
Although it’s among the new sports watches in the watch market, it’s known for its timeless appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. It blends historical significance with modern design features, meeting the needs of contemporary watch enthusiasts.
Features
Its main features are a white lacquered step dial, Moonwatch-style hands, a bezel with a black anodized aluminum ring with a ‘dot over 90’ tachymetric scale, a black rubber strap with a lunar surface pattern in positive relief on its underside, and a sapphire crystal over the dial and caseback.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2024
- Case Size: 42 mm
- Materials
- Dial – White lacquered, with luminous dark Moonwatch-style hands and applied index hour markers
- Bracelet – Black rubber strap with a lunar surface pattern in positive relief on its underside and a foldover clasp buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, stainless steel, with a black anodized aluminum ring with a ‘dot over 90’ tachymetric scale
- Function: Chronograph, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small Seconds, Tachymeter
- Mechanism: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861 chronograph movement with 26 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve, and a 21,600vph frequency
Why Invest
From an investment perspective, the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional has demonstrated a tendency to appreciate in value over time. Upon its release, the retail price was approximately S$10,469.
As of February 2025, listings for it on secondary markets range between S$11,140 and S$14,734, indicating a potential increase in value. Its rich heritage, combined with its limited production runs and high demand, often contributes to its appreciation in the pre-owned market.
However, it’s essential to recognize that investments in Omega watches can be influenced by various factors, including market trends, condition, and rarity. While historical data suggests potential for appreciation, conducting thorough research and considering personal preferences when evaluating such investments is advisable.
10. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – Stainless Steel, Silver-tone Dial ref. 77350ST.OO.1261ST.01
- Retail Price: S$36,900
- Private Market Price: S$36,752
- Pre-Owned Price: S$35,626
About
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak broke traditional design norms with its steel body and bracelet, octagonal bezel, and integrated bracelet. The reference 77350ST.OO.1261ST.01 is a luxury ladies’ watch that continues this legacy by offering the traditional Royal Oak aesthetics in a smaller size and automatic movement for precision and reliability. It caters to individuals seeking a classic and contemporary design, providing a touch of elegance to everyday wear.
Features
The main ones are a silver-tone dial with a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, an octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws, an integrated bracelet, a tonneau-shaped case, and a date display at 3 o’clock.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 34mm
- Materials
- Dial – Silver-tone, with a “Grande Tapisserie” pattern, with luminous white gold Royal Oak hands and applied hour markers
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, integrated, with an AP folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, octagonal, stainless steel, with eight hexagonal screws
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes
- Mechanism: Caliber 5800 self-winding movement with 28 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
WatchBase indicates its price increased from S$27,588 on April 22, 2020, to S$28,487 on July 6, 2020, S$30,736 on March 30, 2021, S$31,636 on October 13, 2021, and S$35,234 on October 7, 2022.
Additionally, the Royal Oak series is renowned for its iconic design and limited production runs, contributing to its desirability and scarcity in the market. This exclusivity often leads to higher resale values.
11. Patek Philippe Calatrava – White Gold, White Dial ref. 5119G-001
- Retail Price: S$30,500
- Private Market Price: S$18,596
- Pre-Owned Price: S$20,500
About
The Patek Philippe Calatrava range is celebrated for its timeless elegance. Introduced in 1932, it has consistently maintained its status as a benchmark in sophisticated watchmaking.
The 5119G-001 advances this legacy with its minimalist yet striking design. While steeped in traditional watchmaking techniques, this dress watch showcases modernity with its larger case size, high-quality materials, and more capable movement, which meet the requirements of today’s style-conscious gentleman.
Features
This model stands out with its 36mm white gold case, white lacquered dial, black leather strap, date display at 3 o’clock, and sapphire crystal case back protected by an invisibly-hinged dust cover.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2013
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials
- Dial – White lacquered, with black gold-tone dauphine hands and black Roman numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Black alligator leather strap with a prong buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, white gold, with a hobnail pattern
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Caliber 215PS handwound mechanism with 18 jewels, a 44-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why Invest
As per WatchBase, its price increased from S$18,936 on January 4, 2010, to S$26,957 on March 1, 2012, and S$30,585 on April 9, 2016.
Please note: While the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227G-010 exemplifies luxury and timeless design, current data indicates it depreciates more than other automatic watches in the Calatrava line. Therefore, if your primary goal is investment appreciation, this particular reference may not offer the best return compared to other Patek Philippe models.
Summary
The following table highlights the best starter watches above, plus their key features, retail, private market, and pre-owned prices:
| Model | Key Features | Retail Price | Private Market Price | Pre-Owned Price |
| Casio G-Shock ref. DW-5600E-1VDF |
|
S$169 | S$53 | S$60 |
| Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical ref. H69439931 |
|
S$700 | S$548 | S$608 |
| TAG Heuer Formula Chronograph ref. CAZ101K.BA0842 |
|
S$2,900 | S$1,089 | S$1,463 |
| Oris Divers Sixty-Five Date ref. 01 733 7707 4055-07 5 20 45 |
|
S$3,356 | S$2,150 | S$3,100 |
| Tudor Black Bay 58 ref. M79030B-0001 |
|
S$5,930 | S$3,332 | S$3,738 |
| Rolex Datejust 36 ref. M126200-0002 |
|
S$11,000 | S$10,882 | S$11,667 |
| Grand Seiko Snowflake ref. SBGA211 |
|
S$8,700 | S$5,072 | S$5,690 |
| Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface ref. Q2618140 |
|
S$8,800 | S$7,897 | S$8,610 |
| Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional ref. 310.32.42.50.04.001 |
|
S$12,075 | S$14,100 | S$16,500 |
| Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 77350ST.OO.1261ST.01 |
|
S$36,900 | S$36,752 | S$35,626 |
| Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 5119G-001 |
|
S$30,400 | S$18,596 | S$20,500 |
Final Word
Choosing the perfect starter watch is about balancing style, functionality, and affordability. Whether you prefer a timeless classic, a sporty option, or a minimalist design, there’s a great entry-level timepiece for everyone. Start with a watch that fits your lifestyle and enjoy building your collection over time.
Key Takeaways
- Options range from affordable picks like the Casio G-Shock to entry-level luxury like the Tudor Black Bay 58 and Rolex Datejust 36.
- Starter watches fit various budgets, from the Casio G-Shock (S$169) for durability to mid-range options like the TAG Heuer Formula 1 (S$2,900) and Oris Divers Sixty-Five (S$3,356) for quality craftsmanship. High-end picks like the Grand Seiko Snowflake (S$8,700) and Patek Philippe Calatrava (S$60,400) offer precision, heritage, and lasting value.
- A great starter watch balances style, functionality, and affordability, making it a lasting and worthwhile investment. Sporty and durable options like G-Shock and TAG Heuer Formula 1 suit active lifestyles, while classic pieces like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch provide timeless appeal.
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