i think for beginners, watches like Tissot, Certina, Seiko..would be an ideal watch that is decent, and multi-purposed.
First time watch buyer will want a watch that can fit into almost any activity that one might have.
At least that's what I intend to when I first buy my own wrist watch...A Tissot Chronograph, for all event. Dinner functions, swimming, sports, etc..
A fine piece of watch.