Quoted:
I have some of the watches that have been mentioned already --

Orange Monster (or Black Monster - really any in the monster series ) are great -- i would say for the money, but truly they are nice regardless of price

https://i.imgur.com/4iAdhHLm.jpg

The "Arnie" repro can be had under 5 bills - i think its solar --  it is so named because Schwarzenneger wore these in a ton of his 80's movies.  Was reportedly one of his favorite watches

https://i.imgur.com/DWzZbqQm.jpg

Someone mentioned Garmin -- mu Vivo 4 is not too expensive and does everything any regular guy could want from one of these

https://i.imgur.com/ek4kHyjm.jpg

Dont know the model number here, was a gift from my mom one Christmas - kinetic movement.  I've had to have a capacitor replaced once after i dug it out of a drawer and hadnt worn it in years, but i like it as it is a nice substantial style with a screw down crown that can withstand some snorkeling or other "normal guy" diving chores but due to not having the rotating bezel,  doesnt scream dive watch ---  people say 2 tone is passe', but i quite like this one

https://i.imgur.com/QAse5enm.jpg


5 Series Arabic model -- way less than $500 - more like 200 or less.   Just a classic 5 series field watch except for the arabic numbers.  A WOE recommendation.  Kind of a neat watch, but is rarely worn   .   You could get one of these AND a Garmin (or GShock etc.) and be under $500

https://i.imgur.com/D7fCGC6m.jpg

And someone mentioned the Steeldive series .  I actually wear this one quite a bit.  I purchased it to see if i liked the case style as i was about to buy a Doxa (which has a similar case shape)  - I figured i'd rather spend $115 to see if the cushion case style agrees with me before potentially making a $3000 mistake.   It wears fine and the Steeldive surprised me by being a pretty nice watch in its own right.  With the low price , i wont cry if i break it, but that seems unlikely so far -- again you could buy something like this, plus a Garmin, and even a slimmer dressier Seiko and still potentially be under 5 bills and have something for every occasion

https://i.imgur.com/xXT0bVym.jpg


have fun shopping!

Quoted:
https://i.imgur.com/WSVZBJj.jpg
Hamiltons are cool. Here is my 42mm khaki field on a leather nato along with a 37mm khaki navy for the wife. The navy is a quartz because she isn't into setting the time but it's beautiful for what it is. The khaki field is just a simple automatic. It's lightweight, simply masculine, and it has a display case back which I like. Both were purchased from Joma with no issues.

Then there is the 1909 Engineer model. That thing is exactly what you expect and it's glorious.

Quoted:

I like those leather nato straps.

Quoted:

I like those leather nato straps.

Quoted:


Leather natos are very comfortable, they also patina as you wear them.

The color above the watch is the natural color, the color below the watch is 6 ish months of daily wear patina.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/369083/ham_jpg-2785928.JPG

Quoted:

Which brand strap is that?

Quoted:
I'll buck the trend, much as I like a mechanical Hamilton....Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph

https://www.bulova.com/us/en/product/96A225.html?cgid=lunar-pilot

https://citizenwatch.widen.net/content/kzxouhegdn/jpeg/Lunar+Pilot.jpeg

Quoted:
Sub $500 it is hard to beat the Seiko Samurai watches. I just ordered a second King Samurai Dark Manta because I love it so much. One is on a Miltat hex bracelet and the new one will remain on the rubber strap. It is a limited edition and I've never found a watch that has the fit, finish, aesthetics, and durability of this watch. I swear if the dial said Omega or Breitling on it instead of Seiko, people would accept it as a rock solid tool watch.

Just wish it had a Swiss movement... but Seiko.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/218/DA208922-C60A-4833-91C8-DF03D00E5E44-2764908.jpg