Watches

Seiko. That’s about it.

Tissot Tissot Tissot. Especially the gentleman, or prx other than that Seiko

Tissot Gentleman is a smart, versatile watch in that price range.

If you like the diver style, you could consider a Glycine Combat Sub. A Swiss 200m diver watch in a thin case with many designs to choose from. Available in 42mm and 39mm

As an alternative view I'd have a look at Maurice Lacroix

My current watches are all under $300 as they check a lot of boxes for me . If I was to spend $500 on a watch I'd do Tissot Hamilton or Baltic.

For a dress watch I have a dark teal colored Vostok 58 which are like $50 manual wind. No one here is going to consider Vostok fancy as it's very utilitarian Soviet design but the 58 is interesting to me. It's good looking, slim, brand history, easily polished to looking new and it costs pocket change for people looking at rolexes. It's cheap but if you dominantly wear an apple watch, something simple no one is thinking about will blow others out of the water

Flex that invicta 💪

New Citizen BN0241

Tissot visodate

I would say increase your price range by another 500 and get a nomos, great watches, in house movement, Bauhaus style, and very fashionable.

Seiko or Tissot.

Orient Bambino is a great watch for its price. Elegant and versatile

Tissot. A perfect way into the the Swiss watch market. Go a little higher than $500 and get an automatic movement like a PRX Powermatic 80, you won’t regret it.

You're probably aware of other existence of 2 major types: quartz watches (unjustly snuffed by most self-appointed watch gurus) and mechanical watches (seen as the only line to be taken serious by most self-appointed watch gurus).

You'll be reading a lot of comments suggesting watches from the latter category, and probably none from the latter.

Finally: not all best watches are labelled 'Swiss Made'. Something to remember. And not all quartz watches are cheap rubbish, not to be taken seriously. Today's quartz watches are either powered by long-lasting, easy to replace batteries, or (my preference) solar-charged. And for ultra accuracy, I prefer automatic time sync via atomic clock signal (commonly known as 'radio-controlled', or RC).

I'm an unashamed quartz fan. I crave accuracy and ease of use. Affordability paired with extra functionality you often can't easily get with mechanical watches (e.g. alarms, stopwatches, extra time zones, etc).

I'll give you the premium line from Casio (more commonly known for its awesome G-Shock watches), Oceanus (solar-charged & RC). These are not all widely available outside of Japan, but it pays to go the extra mile and import one from Japan. Prices range from medium e-figure to medium 4-figure. Almost all look spectacular, are made with premium materials, built and finished to the highest standards.

Here's the official Oceanus website (Japanese-language only), and this is the site run through google translate

The best showcase for Oceanus watches is the dedicated topic here, full of gorgeous images and owner comments.

Whatever you'll decide on: good luck!

A good option for you could be a Tissot Gentleman with either a Quartz or Automatic movement. It’s a good looking watch, well built by a reputable Manufacturer. I think you’d like it.

Tissot and Seiko seem to fit the bill

Certina is a quality Swiss brand with several quartz and entry level mechanical models. These can be had for well under $500 on the grey market. Here’s one that won’t feel unfamiliar due to its shape, and would pair well with a suit or a black t shirt.

https://www.jomashop.com/certina-watch-c025-510-16-057-00.html

I would get a preowned seiko three hands presage with a fun dial

Like this one for example https://www.chrono24.fr/seiko/seiko-presage-405mm-automatic-watch-blue-dial-full-steel-srpb41j1--id18741064.htm

(You need to search and find a seller close to you tho !)

Can a glycine bronze combat sub still be found for $500? That used to be the go to

Go to Jomashop, pick up a Tissot Gentleman or Certina Commander II on bracelet. Buy a brown and black leather strap. Voila, you are ready for all life can throw at you.

Vaer

Bulova Lunar Pilot - 43mm version. Great looking watch with a nice history

Hamilton or Seiko sounds right in range for what you’re looking for.

In contrast to many of the comments below I would suggest not buying a so-called “homage” (aka knock-off) from a fly-by-night micro brand. For around $500 or a few bucks more you can buy an automatic Tissot PRX, or a Hamilton with real watchmaking cred, real history and authenticity in their design. Most folks won’t care, but the IYKYK crowd will—and you’re supporting real design and authenticity.. just an alternate opinion. Also, look for pre-owned to save a few bucks and up the quality of what’s on your wrist..

You can get a professional looking Tissot or Hamilton - Hamilton might be a bit more than $500 but definitely a good deal overall for what you get, check out the Hamilton Field Khaki.

Tons of great options named already, but just think about what kind of style you want.

Diver (like a Rolex Submariner)? Chronograph (with a timer)? Field watch (Military-Styles simple watch)? Sports watch (stainless steel, simple, durable watch)? Dressy watch (not likely, based off of your description)? Integrated bracelet (sports watch with a more seamless bracelet that you can't really change)? Digital watch? Quartz or mechanical?

My guess would be some kind of simple sports watch (Traska Commuter or Nodus Sector Sport/Pilot) or maybe one with an integrated bracelet (Tissot PRX or Citizen Tsuyosa). Potentially a dive watch (Glycine combat sub or San Martin SN0111).

Also consider that you can usually get deals on prices. For example, if you go to a store to buy a watch, always ask for a discount. You could get 10-20% off. You can also find pre-owned watches on Chrono24 or from a reputable second-hand dealer online (Jomashop).

Don't bother with vintage. They are a great option, but risky. I wouldn't take the risk on my first watch.