My 2c would be to accumulate knowledge before plunging for the first time:
1- visit the fora and blogs - The right ones of course, like this!
2- pile up photos from the internet, as many as you can from all angles
3- search the Bay - at least a viable option for the most 'liquid' models such as the Speedmaster

Cheers
Fabrizio

: Ok, so we might all think we know how to do just that, but it
: doesn't mean everybody does and there was a time when none of us
: did.

: So, to help out those who have yet to take the plunge, I thought it
: might be nice if everyone could provide one tip from their
: experiences. Just one mind, it's easy to spill out plenty, but
: please pick one at first and then I'll go round again to see if
: we missed any gems. Might be an idea to offer generic tips
: first, then we can look at specifics in the next round, before
: collating them all at the end. Don't mean to patronise anyone,
: we might all be trading experts by now, I just think we could
: rustle up a nice guide/checklist like this.

: I'll kick off:

: Handle a number of watches before you buy your first one, to
: get a feel for what to expect and look for.