I’m not sure if the title makes sense. But I’m asking what are some good/respected pieces that aren’t only good because of the price bracket they’re in.
Idk why, but I hate the feeling that I’m purchasing something, merely because it’s all I can afford. Also like having justification of why I buy a certain piece. Because if I shortlisted watched I liked the look of, and had the requirements I’m looking for, then there’s still be 100s of pieces.
Examples might help. Some dive examples I can think of are something like a heritage Doxa or squale. The extensive history behind the brand makes them interesting pieces regardless of the price bracket they’re in.
On a vaguely similar level is some of the seiko presage pieces. Some of the best dials below grand seiko’s. Which are so expensive that I’ll never buy one comfortably.
Another example is some Bauhaus watches. Because of their simplicity, a watch like the max bill is hard to upgrade from. And imo looks better than a lot of Nomos pieces.
G shocks would be a good example but I just don’t like how they look.
Not sure if you’re talking price for used or new, but I was impressed by the spb143j. I got one at 750€ with an uncle seiko jub included, and the polishing and feel was just amazing. It was dead on performance with 0-1 s/day. On paper, the watch does not seem that impressive with the 6R movement being on cheaper watches but the finishing on the case, hands, dial and bezel was just impressive.
Stowa’s Bauhaus ‘Antea’ line and marine classics are really nice pieces for around 1k. I find the quality to be pretty faultless if you enjoy the style.
Tissot, Longines, Christopher Ward
Tissot, Hamilton, Christopher Ward, Seiko, the list goes on. Some of the boutique stuff like deep blue sits right under that for tritium and a chronograph.