I'd say it goes like this:
First decide what you want the watch for. Do you want it for everyday show?
Do you want to only wear it on special occasions?
Do you want it to be a big chick magnet mofo of a watch?
Once you decide what you want from your FIRST watch act accordingly.
Spend your time finding the best quality for the price you can afford (or can't afford, lol).
Once you have this First watch out of the way everything becomes much more easy.
The rest of the watches will actually fall more easily into place after this.
In other words, don't buy a watch that you want to wear at your grandsons wedding tomorrow, buy the one you are going to wear to work to make your friends sick with envy or to smooch every chick in the club!
Thats what i did anyways and i'm happy so far.
And as everyone has said. Patience is key. Research is key and never be afraid to ask a dealer any question. Even if it makes you sound as about as intelligent as a carrot. Just ask it.
Jaymoi