Is Brand recognition important?
If you like the look of a Rolex sub, you could check out the Monta Oceanking. it's not a well known brand, but it's a great quality watch for the money.
Others have suggested Tudor black bay 58 which is also a great choice.
I have an 8 watch box. My main rule is simply: one in, one out.
Other than that, I've limited myself to around 3k max in one watch.
I try to get watches that feel different enough from each other, although it's sometimes hard because I have somewhat specific and boring taste (black, blue, cream, silver, dials)
The current collection is:
Tudor BB58
Nomos Orion
Sinn 104
Halios Seaforth
Formex Essence
Monchard pulsation Chronograph
GS SBGW231
So I have one spot left and a few ideas, but nothing definitive.
I've bought plenty of used watches from outside Canada, but mostly from reddit and watchuseek.
What I do is, I ask them to declare a lower value so I don't have to pay a lot of import taxes.
Of course, there's a risk, since they can't insure the watch for more than the declared value.
But to be honest, I've bought and sold over 50 watches / knives in the last 10 years and never had anything lost in the mail.
Just be aware that you pretty much always take responsibility if anything happens, since you're the one asking them to declare a low value and forgo the full insurance.
If you're not comfortable having a small chance of losing the watch / money in transit, don't do this though.
The most iconic Sinn imo. I've had this one for a while now and, at the time, I hesitated quite a lot if I should get the indices or numerals. Considering I already had a few divers with either stick or round indices, I'm glad I went with the numerals.
I also think it's more appropriate for a Pilot watch.
I have the bracelet, but it's such a strap monster so I almost never use it.
(pictured here on a Nick Mankey hook strap)
It suits me perfectly!
This watch has been posted a million time and yeah, it is kind of boring. The thing is, I don't care for flashy colors and weird case shape. I just want a design that will stand the test of time, good finish, accurate and reliable movement. This is what you get here!
This was my first watch around 3k and I have not seen a better value yet!
There's nothing wrong with prefering black and white. I'm the same as you.
Only color I have is a BB58 in blue.
I'm tempted to get something in green, like the Nomos Club sport in petrol or maybe an Omega AT in green.