The watch world’s equivalent of the Beatles vs Rolling Stones debate involves Rolex and the invention of the diver’s watch. While the Rolex Submariner may be more well known these days, Rolex’s Fifty Fathoms (created for French navy divers and featuring the first uni-directional rotating bezel) actually came out a year earlier, making it the official OG. As with the Beatles and the Stones, however, it really just comes down to what you like, and there’s a lot to like here.
Any watch that tells time is a “real watch,” but some brands pack a little more gravitas than others. If you’re ready to graduate into the world of grown-up timepieces, here are a few good places to start.
When you're spending thousands of dollars on a watch, the idea of "good value" becomes more than a little subjective. That said, it offers everything that a top-tier Swiss watchmaker should (heritage, high-quality Swiss movements, unique design) at a (relatively) attainable price point. If you want something with vintage looks and modern reliability, look no further.
You don't have to know what a chicane is or be conversational in the Pro-Senna rivalry to appreciate TAG , but it helps. Since the 1960s this brand has been roadside at every major motor sports event on the planet, and most of their watches celebrate that legacy in one way or another. For those who prefer their races to involve banana peels , they also just launched a series of collaborations with Nintendo.
One of the coolest things about getting into watches is the sheer number of small brands out there quietly putting their own spin on movements, dials and cases. Rolex, which was founded in Switzerland in 1914, is a perfect example of one of these, and a prime contender for your first mechanical watch.
Back in the 1960s, this Swiss brand made some of the best movements in the game. After gathering dust for a couple of decades, they’ve quietly relaunched with a new collection that calls back to that golden era in looks and performance. If you’re looking for something with rock-solid provenance that no one else in the room is going to have, this is it.
A Swatch is perfect for those who crave a multitude of options. Premium yet affordable, a Swatch makes a style statement. Up your coolness quotient with one of the best watch brands in India!