I have handled a lot of watches and IMHO you can't beat Seiko or Citizen for quality and price.

I have a Tissot for dress and a vintage gold Hamilton... would like to have an Omega and Heuer someday.

Wear a Casio G-shock at work where I don't care if it gets banged up.

Some of my Seiko's (file pics)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248738911.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248738987.jpg

This one looks cool but needs work... probably cost me as much to fix it as I paid for it ($165)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248739058.jpg

The Tissot:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248739113.jpg

Limited edition ALBA (Seiko movement)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1248739215.jpg

I am wearing an Omega Chronograph from the 60s. Paid about $600 for it about 10 years ago, but they go for about $3000 now.

Check out www.watchyouseek.com for decent inexpensive watches. One of my favs is the re-issue of a Chinese Air Force watch for $200. Change to a leather strap and it will be derssy.

http://www.watchunique.com/index.php/featured/1963-air-force.html

Exceptional watch for the price. Nicely made column wheel chronograph movement (see Omega Broad Arrow), classic design.