I know nothing about watches. Nothing. I have an Apple Watch but am interested in picking up something that I can wear in professional settings. I work in tech sales. Rolex’s are common in my industry but they scream douchebag to me. I want something that is well made and that will last. I don’t know watch brands but I’m hoping for something that is nice, will compliment a tailored suit or a blazer OR a black tshirt. And I want a brand that doesn’t scream that I’m trying too hard. TIA.
hamilton khaki. if you like the field watch look. nothing really better or will top this watch, lots of different variants. not really a bracelet watch, but lots of strap options
seiko panda quartz chrono. snazzy as fuck, punches way above its weight class/price point
Seiko alpinist(either buy one with a bracelet or get one from strapcode or whatnot). some of the dials on these are out of this fucking world. the blue glacier variant is unmatched. but the OG green seiko alpinist. is still solid. —i would get this watch. maybe decide if a non-green variant speaks to you. but the flexibility. casual on a strap. or more sleek on a bracelet. might push your budge a bit. but… Seiko Alpinist is a watch you can keep forever.
tissot PRX. personally i dislike the look of this watch, but for the specs, it’s well regarded. there are different color options. maaaaaybe pick one not so common.
if you want the german bauhaus look that’s popular in engineering and certain coder circles (think rigid minimalist) sternglas is the “micro brand” 400-600 alternative to the junghams $1k ish max bill.
you could also go g-shock casio-oak. gm2100 get a good bracelet for it. or full metal g-shock is just an all around solid watch. digital. but rock solid nerd cred.
Other brands you could look at Orient. the kamasu is a great entry lvl watch. bambino…slightly dressier. Timex, other non gshock casios. lots of good check watches there. Seiko. has literally a bajillion watches. cocktail time. “pressage” watches. there’s also slightly less clunky seiko 5s. like the srpj81 just a dirt simple seiko.
only thing you 100% want to avoid are bullshit fashion brands. no guci, or fucking department store branded shit. And… i would avoid micro brands, anything on like an IG page or facebook ad only.