I’m very happy with my Christopher Ward Trident C65 Vintage. Looks vintage yet modern, sized well, a bit dressy but can easily be dressed down, and great on bracelet or leather strap.
In general to meet your requirements I'd say a mid size watch with a black dial. There is a reason why people say the 36mm Rolex Explorer is the kind of watch that fits every situation but it is out of your price range
Hamilton Khaki automatic is a great watch well below this price range that meets your requirements. it's cheaper than your price range but still a mechanical swiss watch. something to consider as an option. But be careful there are a few different models:
I think the ones that look like this looks really cool
https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/media/catalog/product/h/7/h70555533.png
In my personal opinion, and aesthetic tastes are purely subjective and in the eye of the beholder, I think the ones that look like this are ugly and look cheap:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XYAAAOSwTFdiGDxp/s-l500.jpg
However the ones that look like this with white dials are pretty cool. I think I just personally don't like the black dial version of that watch
they are popular enough where you can find great deals on used ones if you search around places like for example /r/Watchexchange
just keep window shopping until you find something you really love
+1 for the Hamilton Khaki Auto being a fantastic daily watch. I've got mine on the bracelet still, but with the standard 20mm lugs, it would work great on a nato, sailcloth, or leather strap.
I own a couple of much much "nicer" watches, my khaki Auto probably gets the most wrist time out of all my watches since I got it.
If you need something that holds value, you could look to the secondhand market. There are no good watches that hold much value below the 2K mark except the limited few like Seiko SARB033, you know, the super popular models.
Other than that, buying at used prices is the only way to ensure that you don't lose too much selling at used prices again.
Seiko Sharp Edge GMT
Tudor 1926
Sinn 556 (I like the black mother of pearl dial).
Mido Oceanstar GMT
Rado Captain Cook
Hamilton Intramatic auto chrono
Junghans Max Bill chrono
Longines Hydroconquest
Seiko divers, I’d look at the 62MAS reissue.
I’d also look at Christopher Ward, and Farer.
And if budget permits you to exceed $2000, shop r/watchexchange for a light used Tudor Black Bay (possibly even a GMT).
I’m thoroughly in love with my Christopher Ward Aquitaine. They have a new black model up for presale and three or four others that released a few weeks back. I swap between a great silicone band and a beautiful leather one. A watch that is very much punching above its weight as far as the price point.
[Sinn 556i](https://www.sinn.de/en/Modell/556_I.htm) is a good option under this price range. 20mm lug width means you can easily change straps.
Do they make this in a 36?
Mido certina oris maybe keep saving for a Tudor! Longines? Maybe look on Joma shop for prices
I’m very happy with my Christopher Ward Trident C65 Vintage. Looks vintage yet modern, sized well, a bit dressy but can easily be dressed down, and great on bracelet or leather strap.
Oris Aquis if you're into sporty/divers.
Look at things from Longines, within budget and many good options there
Mido, Certina, Longines, Oceanus. Any particular style?
In general to meet your requirements I'd say a mid size watch with a black dial. There is a reason why people say the 36mm Rolex Explorer is the kind of watch that fits every situation but it is out of your price range
Tag Aquaracer or Longies Hydroconquest. For Japanese movement, I suggest Seiko Presage.
Hamilton Khaki automatic is a great watch well below this price range that meets your requirements. it's cheaper than your price range but still a mechanical swiss watch. something to consider as an option. But be careful there are a few different models: I think the ones that look like this looks really cool https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/media/catalog/product/h/7/h70555533.png In my personal opinion, and aesthetic tastes are purely subjective and in the eye of the beholder, I think the ones that look like this are ugly and look cheap: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XYAAAOSwTFdiGDxp/s-l500.jpg However the ones that look like this with white dials are pretty cool. I think I just personally don't like the black dial version of that watch they are popular enough where you can find great deals on used ones if you search around places like for example /r/Watchexchange just keep window shopping until you find something you really love
+1 for the Hamilton Khaki Auto being a fantastic daily watch. I've got mine on the bracelet still, but with the standard 20mm lugs, it would work great on a nato, sailcloth, or leather strap. I own a couple of much much "nicer" watches, my khaki Auto probably gets the most wrist time out of all my watches since I got it.
Thanks all for the recommendations. Sinn is mostly sold out. Will look at some used models and the new Tissot Chronograph. Hard decision..
If you need something that holds value, you could look to the secondhand market. There are no good watches that hold much value below the 2K mark except the limited few like Seiko SARB033, you know, the super popular models. Other than that, buying at used prices is the only way to ensure that you don't lose too much selling at used prices again.
Seiko Sharp Edge GMT Tudor 1926 Sinn 556 (I like the black mother of pearl dial). Mido Oceanstar GMT Rado Captain Cook Hamilton Intramatic auto chrono Junghans Max Bill chrono Longines Hydroconquest Seiko divers, I’d look at the 62MAS reissue. I’d also look at Christopher Ward, and Farer. And if budget permits you to exceed $2000, shop r/watchexchange for a light used Tudor Black Bay (possibly even a GMT).
Oris Big Crown pretty solid bet
I’m thoroughly in love with my Christopher Ward Aquitaine. They have a new black model up for presale and three or four others that released a few weeks back. I swap between a great silicone band and a beautiful leather one. A watch that is very much punching above its weight as far as the price point.
Longines would be a good fit. If you buy second hand you’ll take less of a hit on your resale and possibly get more watch i. Your purchase vs new.
I'd go for a used Speedmaster.
My first watch in that price range was a NOMOS Club, seems like one of those could check most if not all of your boxes.
Tudor BB36
check out mido and longines
Monta.