Hey now. I'm curious to hear your opinions. I'm looking for a nice daily watch. I'm not looking to spend more than $1600. I currently own a Longines L3.676.4 so I am trying to stay away from that shiney look. I would wear this watch all the time- working (warehouse), camping, etc. Pretty much just a standard addition to a starting collection. I love watches, but they always took a back seat to HIFI, and well, audiophile gear isn't cheap. I'm not so concerned about who makes it or who owns who or any of that. To me Grand Seiko is the bees knees, but that doesn't mean at the price point I can afford another watch company (dare I say manufacturer) can do it better than Seiko. You know what I'm saying? Only thing is I don't want a dive watch. Oh and no Tags. Thanks.
1600 is both a lot and not a lot of money. If you’re looking at new then you can fall down the micro brand rabbit hole or stay with some of the left field options like Stowa.
Get your self a Seiko SKX or Alpinist for a camping, beater, daily wear watch. Then research and hunt a nice Omega vintage piece that floats your boat for casual and or dress wear. Heck buying all 3 is under your budget. But if you want a good new watch that fits the bill Longines heritage diver or the Oris heritage Diver.
From what you described, I think the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical would be perfect: Plus it leaves you with extra for more hifi gear.
Great watch, and far lighter in weight than you’d expect. Also an attractive skeleton back movement which is automatic but can be wound, and a quick set date change. Just make sure that if you’re offered a 7543 40” that it doesn’t have the serial number 26-58574!
If you are looking for something that isn't shiny, and also can take a beating but still look great, maybe a Damasko? They ice harden the steel so they are extremely scratch resistant. There are lots of options, but the classic is the DA36, which on bracelet is about your price limit. On leather it's $500 less: Although I'm partial to the DA42: