Get “FAKE” engraved on the caseback and wear it until it breaks. Or take it apart to learn how watches work and try putting it back together again, without worrying if it works again or not. If I have something to a friend and they did either of those things I’d be happy. If they smashed it with a hammer and didn’t say anything I’d think they’re a bit of an asshole.

Pepsi GMT Master II for me. Tough enough, handsome enough, GMT function, etc.

I don’t think you’d need to find anything particularly tough for your intended use - getting in and out of a cockpit would maybe give some dings but nothing you’d need any special treatment for. Any well made watch will survive, and I’m a strong believer in using your stuff so I find watches with dings and scratches from honest use much more interesting.

For GMT’s around the $1k mark I’d be looking at watches with the Miyota 9075 movement. The Traska Venturer GMT, Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer, and Lorier Hyperion would be great choices. You could probably also find a Longines Spirit Zulu Time in your budget too - they’re handsome watches.

I’ve been swimming every week in the local pool with my Timex Easy Reader, “30m WR” with no issues. Of course, it was under $50 so if it does leak I don’t care. I’ll just buy another one. Have I taken my Lunar Pilot? No, I’m too chicken. 😂

Getting into watches has really helped reinforce to me that being rich doesn’t mean you’re smart, or have good taste.

That’s a great gift! I tried one on and didn’t like it for myself, but I still think they’re a neat watch that looks great. Try it on a few different straps - swapping them between straps is one of my favourite things about watches!

I usually just keep an eye on my auto watches compared to my cell phone (which is automatically coordinated to atomic time, so it’s just as accurate as time.gov). If I notice it’s more than a minute or two off, I adjust it.

If being accurate to the second is necessary for you, a radio-corrected or High Accuracy Quartz would be a good choice. Even the most accurate automatic watches will be off by a minute or two per month.

Something with a Miyota 9075 movement would be right up your alley. Low price, good quality and slim. Here’s a list of the watches currently using it: https://gist.github.com/ayhc/0d605ea30196531cb6c3ca509af5a888

My personal favourite is the Traska Venturer GMT, but you might find something else you prefer on there.

This is absolutely the right choice. Slim, a bit sporty, great design and that 9075 movement is exactly what OP is looking for.

Driving an LFA, GSF or an LC 500 says a lot. Each of those cars competes with a very specific set of other vehicles, and the one you choose says something about you. Lexus has a position and a brand identity that competes with other manufacturers and people choose them based on that.

Grand Seiko for sure. Anyone who’s just buying expensive watches for conspicuous consumption would balk at the Seiko nameplate, but anyone who’s really into watches recognizes the quality and gorgeous design.