My Journey Part 3: Affordable Classics
The Gateway Tier: Why the Best Place to Start Your Watch Journey is at the Beginning
Back in Part 1 of this series, I mentioned the very first watch I bought for myself: a Seiko 5 Sports.
Some might call it a safe choice. It comes from a massive, universally respected brand; it has great specs, it’s reliable, and it won’t force you to remortgage your house. It is the absolute epitome of a classic, affordable daily wearer.
But why this watch? How did I decide that this specific piece was the one to kickstart my collection?
Let’s talk about the reality of starting a watch journey.
The Google Rabbit Hole (And the Reality Check)
So, you’ve decided you want to buy a proper watch. Where do you start?
Like most of us, you probably turn to Google, YouTube, or an AI assistant. You spend hours scrolling through crisp, high-definition images of stunning luxury timepieces. You dream about saving up for a Tudor Black Bay or an Omega Speedmaster, and you find yourself staring at secondary market prices, genuinely questioning if a Rolex really costs that much.
(Spoiler alert: It does.)
Eventually, reality sets in. Unless you happen to have a treasure chest of shiny pennies ready to drop on a luxury piece, you have to tailor your expectations. You work out what you can actually afford, and your search bar changes.
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Let’s define “affordable” for the sake of this post. While affordability is entirely subjective, in the watch world, a budget of up to £350 is a massive sweet spot.
When you filter for that range, the same familiar names instantly start popping up: Seiko, Citizen, Timex, Orient, Casio.
And just like that, the search feels safer. More recognizable.
These are the gateway brands.
They are established, trusted, and backed by decades of horological history. They produce watches that are robust, beautifully designed, and—crucially—accessible. For someone just starting, they offer the perfect sandbox to explore different styles, case sizes, and movements without breaking the bank.
The First Additions: Setting the Foundation
I mentioned this watch in Part 1. My wife gifted this to me on our wedding day. Many enthusiasts might dismiss it as just a “fashion watch,” but I still vividly remember opening it with my groomsmen and the sheer delight I felt. Every time I look at it, I am instantly taken back to that incredible day. It’s a watch I truly cherish.
This was the exact next step in my personal journey. I wanted safe, reliable watches that looked great on paper and even better on the wrist.
Two pieces, in particular, formed the bedrock of my collection. And yes, they are both still with me today.
- 1. The Seiko 5 Sports: My first proper automatic watch, and my first real taste of a solid, integrated-style steel bracelet. Watching that second hand sweep across the dial instead of ticking rigidly from marker to marker was mesmerising. It wasn’t just a tool for telling time; it was an introduction to mechanical engineering you could wear.
- 2. The Casio “Duro” (MDV-106) Arguably one of the best value-for-money watches on the planet. It’s a no-nonsense, ultra-tough quartz diver that gave me the freedom to explore a completely different, rugged aesthetic. It proved that a watch doesn’t need a four-figure price tag to have an incredible wrist presence.
The Ever-Growing Wishlist
The beautiful danger of this hobby is that it rarely stops at two. Once you realize how much quality you can get for less than £350, your wishlist starts expanding.
Even as my taste has evolved, there are pieces from this tier that I either still love, or keep a permanent eye on:
- The Orient Bambino: The undisputed king of affordable dress watches. It’s elegant, classic, and features an in-house automatic movement that punches way above its price tag. It’s the perfect piece for formal wear or the office.
- The Citizen Tsuyosa: A modern phenomenon. With its integrated bracelet design, sharp dial geometry, and a spectacular array of bold, vibrant dial colors, it brought luxury-sports styling to the everyday enthusiast.
Why the “Affordable Tier” Matters
There is a misconception among outsiders that you have to spend thousands to be a “true” watch collector. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The beauty of this specific tier is simple:
- They’re Accessible: You don’t need to be put on a multi-year waiting list or prove your worth to an Authorized Dealer. They are easy to find and easy to buy.
- They Have Real Heritage: Brands like Seiko and Citizen have contributed massive innovations to watchmaking history. Wearing one means wearing real heritage.
- They Build Community: These watches are widely discussed, thoroughly reviewed, and deeply loved by collectors at all levels. A billionaire with a Patek Philippe will still look at a crisp Seiko 5 or a Casio Duro and say, “Nice watch.”
- They’re Wearable: They are built for everyday life. If you accidentally ding your case against a doorframe, it’s a memory, not a financial disaster.
Most importantly, this tier lets you experiment. It gives you the space to try out divers, dress watches, field watches, and chronographs. It lets you make mistakes, find out what sizes fit your wrist best, and genuinely refine your taste.
Some of these watches I will keep forever because of the memories attached to them. Others I’ve owned, enjoyed, and moved on from as my preferences changed. But that’s the whole point of a journey—it’s meant to move.
What Was Your Gateway Watch?
We all start somewhere. Whether it was a resin Casio, a vintage Timex, or a Seiko 5 like mine, that first spark is what sets the whole journey in motion.
Drop a comment below and let me know: What was the first watch you bought for yourself, and do you still have it in your box today?
