>>348661>Gundam looks cool and I've always wanted to get into it, but I never have any idea where to start.I'm happy to hear that, it's always nice to see people take an interest in the series. As far different timelines, there are only two classifications you need to worry about. Universal Century (UC) and Alternate Universe (AU).
The series in the UC timeline are all interconnected. The main series in this timeline are Mobile Suit Gundam, then Zeta Gundam, then Double Zeta Gundam, and then finally the movie Char's Counter Attack. There's a lot more material in this setting, but those 3 series and a movie will be enough to watch the rest in any order you choose.
Alternate Universe series are exactly what they sound like. They take place in their own timeline with no connection to the Universal Century timeline. Each AU series can be watched on their own in any order. Some examples would be Gundam 00, Gundam Wing, G Gundam, and the recent Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans.
As far as where to start, like I said, you can either start at the beginning of the UC timeline with the original gundam series (or the three compilation movies) or you can pick an AU series that interests you. 00 Gundam is an excellent choice for your first series. The mech designs are great (just look up gundam exia) and the fights are fast paced. The setting is well thought out and easy to get into. It doesn't require any prior knowledge of the franchise but there will be some references here and there.
If you want more information, here's a chart with most series listed and summarized.