Thinking of buying a Longines Master Collection Moonphase as my first real watch. Thoughts? While the watch really excites me I am debating if I should put the capital in a more classic...(continued)

Here are my recommendations: 1) If you haven’t tried one on yet, find a friend with a Sub and see how it feels on your wrist (ideally compared to some other Rolex options: GMT Master, Explorer, etc., although this can be tough these days). You might be surprised by the heft or height; just make sure it’s truly “the one”. 2) Skip the Longines; it’ll lose almost all its value, and a complicated movement like that is begging to have issues down the line. 3) The Tank Solo is indeed very nice, and I almost bought one, but also make sure to try before you buy; the square case doesn’t work with every wrist size/shape. The Solos also don’t hold their value very well. 4). If the Sub really is the dream; skip all other watches, set a budget and figure out how long it will take to save for it. Every dime you spend on something that’s “not a sub” is basically wasted, because selling pre-owned pieces is a ridiculous pain 99% of the time. Then, once you know how long it’ll take to have the funds, call a Rolex AD or ten to get your name on their list, ideally where the timing works out that you have the dedicated funds in the bank when the watch arrives at the AD. The ADs have no idea what they’re getting in stock and when, so that part is a bit of a guessing game. 5) By waiting for and budgeting for the Sub, you’ll appreciate it 1000x more and you won’t have a watch box filled with so-so pieces that ultimately just represent a lack of control and patience. The delayed gratification, plus you might be able to tie the purchase to a bonus or promotion, makes the watch all-the-more special.

Longines is sort of a soft brand in my opinion. For what you’d spend on that Longines (assuming $2.25k or so), I’d save a bit more and get an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. You can change between the bracelet/leather strap to dress it up or dress it down too.

A few things, 1. I agree with whoever says skip the Longines. I had the watch and sold it and it was probably the only watch I ever lost any money in the resale 2. Whoever says the movement is too complicated is wrong. It’s just a Valjoux 7751. Yes, the watch has some complications but the movement has been there forever and it’s not expensive to get it serviced. For not much more, I’d recommend going for the Tudor (Pelagos or Blackbay or Tudor GMT). Tudor is a Rolex sister brand and the build quality is fantastic without the unnecessary premium for SS models.

Longines are nice but be careful when setting that watch - my buddy managed to mess up the movement because he set it at the wrong "time" according to the watch and had to get it serviced a few weeks after buying. Happens when you have a movement with so many complications though I suppose. That being said my vote is for the Longines because you can dress it up or down whereas the Cartier is definitely a dress watch

First watch should be most versatile / everyday

Interesting inputs Fishfam! Out of curiosity (and to make it more interesting), I would like to turn the question a bit. In your opinion, what watch would complement a submariner as a part of a two watch collection? 😉

I agree with P1. Tudor build quality is at par with the big R. I have the Pelagos and I love it.

How much can you pick up a basic pre owned submariner for in today’s market?

Two completely different watches, it’s comparing apples and oranges! My recommendations - 1. I tend to agree with others, save up for the subby. Buy a Seiko SPC in the meantime - won’t break your bank and is similar looking to the Longines master collection 2. Look into the Cartier Drive. The dollars are a bit more steep but it’s a way more versatile watch (and easily available). This will continue to tickle your fancy until you finally get the Sub. Factor in the waiting time if you’re planning to buy it new