Those who study horology are known as horologists. They include both professionals who deal with timekeeping apparatuses (watchmakers, clockmakers) and aficionados and scholars of horology.

To begin collecting watches, find one that speaks to you, ideally at a price point you can manage. Many watches are luxury items, and finding pieces for your collection can be expensive.

The best way to start your search for a watch is to determine what you hope to get out of it, and then look for a piece that excites you. You are likely to know it as soon as you see it.

When you’ve found a watch you would like to purchase, it’s important to do research on it. You can start by reading up on the terminology and features of watches that strike your interest, as well as watching YouTube videos where experts break down collections and their history.

For example, if you are drawn to steel luxury watches, you might want to consider Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak watch, which was the first high-end steel sports watch.

If you’re passionate about the Royal Oak, then you may also appreciate the 1969 Zenith Chronomaster El Primero. The stainless-steel watch has three stunning chronograph dials and an understated style that doesn’t skimp on function.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional, which is known as the Moonwatch Professional and qualified by NASA for crewed space missions, is an out-of-this-world option for watch lovers.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional is the first watch worn on the moon. The watch features an engraving on the back proclaiming it “the first watch worn on the moon,” and every Speedmaster carries a piece of that incredible history.

In addition to its historical significance, the Speedmaster is also prized by watch collectors for its classic design and reliability.