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.