Watches

Definitely take the time to find a watch you love and let it grow on you before you pull the trigger. It's really worth it. For that price point I would definitely consider a Grand Seiko. Dive into their gorgeous dials. The quality and craftmanship rivals and in some cases surpasses Rolex. My favorite models (the titanium 'seasons' models) are typically 5-6k, but they have more affordable ones too.

If you like the old school Submariner style then you cannot go wrong with a Tudor Black Bay 58. Check it out on a leather strap.

Imagine having $4k to burn and not having a long list of watches you’d like to buy

I wish I had your problem.

at that price point. you're beyond the range of any functional difference. and buying brand whoring status.

your "best" watch would be a reasonably priced certified diver. Or a seiko with a spring drive.

anything else is just style/personal taste.

best bet is to do some research. do simple google searches, for "best watches under 5k" and start looking for something that speaks to you.

personally I would avoid cheaper brand whore brands, like tudor (or if you want a tudor... just keep an eye on a forum like watch exchange. it seems like rolex bros unload their tudors for dirt cheap once they get their sky dweller or lose their mid lvl finance jobs) Or even Omega, being the most expensive swatch there is. I'd say try and go for an actual watch brand, and not an umbrella IP or some companies cheaper knock off range.

and you can probably get a lot more for that 4k if you buy used/or older watches, than buying something new/retail. hell... if you want a rolex, there's tons of them below 5k. as prices have come down.

for my money. I'd look at the breitling superocean or even something funky like the Seiko tuna

something that isn't the same old basic bitch tudor black bay. or omega speedy.

TUDOR !

Speedy pro

Best Movement: Grand Seiko Spring Drive
Most Interesting: NOMOS Weltzeit
Best History: Cartier Tank/JLC Reverso
If you're dying for a Rolex: Air King 1500
Cool Military Watch: Panerai Due 38mm

Many other considerations out there, I would also add look at Tudor, preowned IWC Portuguese, and the Omega Seamaster 300. The Omega Speedmaster is also a classic.

With all due respect, this is way too vague. Can you give us any more context? Even basics like preferred dial color, do you want a leather strap or metal bracelet, do you like chronographs, divers, or dress watches, etc. Your question is almost like asking "I have $1000 and want to buy some clothes, what should I get?" We need a little more info in order to be useful for you

Grand Seiko or Omega