To additionally address 'Cnasty' in post #4913, further to my comments above I hope the following may be of some help in choosing a major milestone special birthday gift watch.
Citizen make some mighty fine watches, and although I’ve been a long-time fan of Swiss automatic timepieces, in recent years I’ve become to greatly appreciate the Japanese Citizen Eco-Drive models which are powered primarily by light. Models I can highly recommend and still own are the Promaster diver 200M, Blue Angels Aviator (radio controlled timing), and Tsuno ‘Bullhead’ Chronograph Racer. I believe the latter may now be just outside your budget, but it’s a stunning looking watch which gets a lot of attention due to the chronograph crown and pushers at 12 o’clock position, hence the name ‘Bullhead’.
Some of the Bulova quartz watches look very interesting, especially the Lunar Pilot. But not owning any of this brand I’m unable to advise further.
For something completely different and well worth a mention for it’s UFO looks - the Hamilton PSR Pulsar, which has an emissive OLED display. The fit and finish is remarkable. The original 70’s Pulsar iconic quartz wonder has an amazing history and well worth checking out. For Presidents and other important celebrities who could easily afford the astronomical $2K+ price tag, this became the ‘must-have’ watch when first announced in the 70’s. In comparison at the same period, the Omega Speedmaster Pro was
only $200! Needless to say the current OLED display version is far more affordable and reliable.
Considered by many as a micro brand, Yema watches are located in the Franco-Swiss Jura region. A small French brand with a strong following and a heritage that dates back to 1948. They have a strong partnership with the French navy, Air Force and French space agency and although I have no personal wearing experience, I feel it’s a manufacturer worth checking out further. Some of their models with the interesting hybrid meca-quartz movement would be within your budget.
For info, the very first French watch in space was a YEMA - the Spationaute I. Enhanced versions of the Spationaute were used aboard the Mir Orbital Station, followed by a collaboration with CNES to design the ‘Zero G’ Spacegraf - a fascinating sub 500€ watch with an Epson YM90 movement. I was slow off the mark when it was first announced - unfortunately the model is now sold out.
There are also hundreds of micro brands which appeal to a niche but passionate number of collectors. Many are of particular interest, either with automatic or quartz movements, often with visually striking features, some for buyers on a low budget, and others that can range in the many thousands of dollars. All too numerous to mention here, but well worth checking out for those wanting something different. The only micro brand I have experience with and own was detailed in
THIS post - a delightful timepiece. Within your budget too.
Casio G-Shock watches need no introduction. My son collects them. I’ve been gifted several, my current favourite being the GMW-B5000, closely followed by the wonderfully easy-to-wear GW-M5610, a very low-budget, solar-powered,radio controlled with alarms, etc, etc...classic. I reckon everyone should have one!
Moving to automatic watches. The ORIENT Mako III Kamasu. An amazing tool watch and excellent value for money with a nicely finished casing, alternating brushed and highly polished surfaces, plus it's water resistant to 200m! From the early 50's Orient have created some great watches. They manufacture their own in-house automatic movements. Well worth checking out and well within your budget.
Seiko. I love the brand, but it’s difficult to recommend just one model as their range is so vast. One recent big favourite amongst Seiko fans is the latest Seiko 5 Sports GMT (SSK001K1), (SSK003K1) also referred to as the 5KX series. It features a new (2022) Seiko in-house movement, notable for it’s GMT (24 hand) complication, with hacking and quick-set date, plus a self winding functionality. Power reserve is approx 41hrs, water resistant to 100m (without a screw-down crown), so don't go diving with it. A fine, relatively inexpensive watch with a substantial feel which offers a lot for the money.
I have one 5KX model, the SRPD51K1, which is also water resistant to 100m, very robust and features a welcome exhibition caseback. It's a watch I can recommend, and you would have money left over from your budget with this model - also with the Seiko 5 Sports GMT.
Others to seriously consider in the earlier SKX series are the SKX007 or SKX009, (both now discontinued) but can still be found occasionally new-in-box on some web sites. At launch the street price was approx $150 and considered very affordable for true 200m dive watches with screw-down crowns. Both are now considered iconic dive watches by budding watch enthusiasts. Prices have now soared, and when they can be found new-in-box with original box and papers, expect to pay from $400-600. Some dealers ask as much as 800, a highly exaggerated price. I searched for many months and last year was lucky to find an unworn model, full-set for 350euros (just under $400).
Tissot. A long establshed Swiss company founded in Le Locle. Now part of the Swatch group.
The casing and bracelets of the PRX models are amazing for the price. Dials are visually more interesting on the automatic version compared to the quartz. The PRX models have a premium feel and arguably set the standard for case & bracelet finish. Many say that in comparison with Seikos twice the price, the Tissot PRX is a clear winner.
The quartz PRX movement is the ETA F06.115, an entry level quartz with -0.3/+0.5s per day accuracy. It also comes equipped with an EOL (end of life indicator) which signals battery depletion with a larger 4 second interval leap of the seconds hand. Not exactly a lightweight watch but can be comfortably worn for casual use or with more formal attire.
If it were me I’d go for the delightful PRX automatic, which has the Swiss Powermatic 80 movement which is based on the excellent ETA 2824 but further refined for accuracy and power reserve. (Most automatic watches on the market today have a power reserve of about 38-40 hours. Current Rolex models are 70hrs). Tissot with the Powermatic 80 were able to extend the power reserve to 80hrs. It’s claimed they have incredible accuracy which is laser regulated at the factory. Rumour has it that in the aftermarket this makes it difficult for many watchmakers to adjust the regulation, although I believe that a professional watchmaker familiar with Omega and other very high-end movements would have no problem. The icing on the cake with the latest version of the auto PRX is the crystal clear sapphire exhibition case back. Most definitely my choice of watch, I'd love one! With the 2022/23 price increases it’s now a little outside your $500 budget but still seriously well worth checking out. A number of specialists categorise this PRX automatic as a "collector affordable" and I reckon would be a delightful watch to be passed down to the next generation.
If a Tissot diver-type watch appeals to you, the automatic Seastar 1000 certified to 300m is the one to check out, and possibly still available within your budget.
In keeping with this forum's strict main topic, you'll note that there's no mention of an watch or other 'smart' timepiece, most of which generally become discarded or obsolete within half a decade.
