I just love this style of watch, but for now I’m not interested in spending $5-7k for a top level piece. I’m hoping some of the experienced folks here might be able to recommend a few brands to look for that are solid and reliable in terms of quality but not necessarily special or valuable the way an Omega or UG might be. Somewhere in the <$1000 range. Thanks.
Check out the private sales forums, should be a fair few floating around. I'd wager most ebauche movements are quite reptuable.
PM me if you're interested in this. I have it. Almost never been worn/like new. 38mm. Automatic. Within your price range. (This isn't the actual watch, just a stock photo. Will take pics if you're interested)
Movado Record Datofix Ultramar Haste Zodiac ... You have plenty of brands to choose from, most of them below $1,000.
There are a fair few coming up for auction in the Fellows auction on the 30th (in the UK), but do factor in the price of a service (and auction fees). For posterity I will include the estimate and pictures. Zodiac cal 12s. 33mm, estimate 350-450gbp https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0473/lot-87e54e6a-ff34-4a89-8275-a97300ccf367 Damas, gold plated case, 35mm. Valjoux cal 90. Est 300-400 https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0473/lot-cdda9453-5463-4f23-b247-a97300ccf367 Haste, Cold Plated, 34mm, 300-400 https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0473/lot-cea14504-57b0-4421-b186-a97300ccf367 Ultramar, Gold plated, Venus cal 200. 35mm. 3-400 https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0473/lot-539e1fd1-2a4f-496b-8256-a97300ccf367 Eterna, tripple date chronograph moonphase. ref8515.41, steel 39mm 7-900 https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0473/lot-7fa0b376-f54b-4c61-85fa-a97300ccf367 I think my pick would be the Zodiac. But this is just a small selection, as you can see they are relatively abundant from brands without a huge name behind them at under 1k. Remember auction commission too! (I have no connection to either Fellows or the sellers of the watches)