So...Is gundam worth watching? I am not much of a mech fan, but if the show has other things going for it I think i might like it.
Absolutely... well depending on which series/movies you are referring to as there's dozens spanning different timelines, some are really very good, some are garbage, and everything in between. If you're looking to try Gundam for the first time I recommend starting with materials in the "Universal Century" timeline - specifically the One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon (this is known as the "universal century 0079" era). This is the original Gundam story and events within the main timeline, which is both the most developed section of the Gundam universe, and IMO, has the best stuff.
Gundam shows can vary in thematic focus, but, with some exception, what tends to have marked the identity of the franchise (beyond the sale of model kits for the various mechs - that's undeniably it's other defining feature) is a more serious tone than the 70's mecha shows it both evolved from and broke with. Characters die, there's a lot of character driven exploration of high concepts around war and its meaning for those participating in it and impacted by it, strategy, the ambiguity of morality in war, ideological and practical motivations and antagonisms in politics, love etc. - all to varying degrees of success.
The original Gundam series is 43 episodes long and aired from 1979-1980, before being cancelled prematurely, forcing the creators to rush the ending. For reasons of length, a rushed ending and also how dated the animation and cultural ambiance of the series will seem, it may not be the best way to start (though many fans swear by it). Instead, I'd recommend the following to give you a serious taste of, and foundation in, Gundam - all while being respectful of your time:
Mobile Suit Gundam - The Movie Trilogy
Following the cancellation of the show the story arc of the series was rebuilt and completed in a movie trilogy spanning the same events and using a lot of the original series animation (though the proportion declines steeply in favour of original better quality animation with each film). It also trimmed out some of the more silly, toy model-oriented aspects of the original series, focusing instead on events and telling a complete story. Three films is a lot shorter than 43 episodes, but you will also get less time with characters - that's the trade-off. I personally think it's the way to go though, especially if you're starting out to see if you even dig Gundam.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
A 12 episode mid-90's OVA set in the One Year War that tells the story of a different cast and events happening parallel to the events of original Gundam (0079). Engaging, and the animation quality is higher.
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
A six episode late-80's OVA telling a smaller 'slice of war' side-story involving a child. It's set on a neutral colony towards the end of the One Year War. This is a personal favourite of mine, I just watched it again the other night for the first time in years and found it still holds up really well.
You could dive into any of those or all of those, and in any order. They all stand alone, but together offer a richer sense of the founding events of the main Gundam timeline. They'll give you a good fix of some high quality Gundam and that might be enough to satisfy your curiosity. If it turns out you really love Gundam after that and can't get enough, chronologically the natural next step (besides watching the original series) is to move onto the Zeta Gundam series (50 episodes), Gundam ZZ (known as "double zeta", it's 47 episodes) and then the movie: 'Char's Counterattack' - but one thing at a time. Alternately, after getting a taste of Gundam, you might want to explore thematically similar series like Macross or Legend of the Galactic Heroes (that's one I think you'd really enjoy - it's not a mecha anime).
Hope that helps!
