My #1

 

I mainly own Omegas but these are my top non-Omegas in my collection that fall within your price range



And now @Dan S got me interested in these 36mm Rolexes with alpha hands . Why did I start reading this thread?

 

I realize you asked for non-omega recommendations but honestly, there are so many good watches from Omega that can be had for under your budget amount. Why not go for a 2254.50? It's definitely modern or "neo"-Vintage, but a wildly respected and very well-wearing piece.


Img source:
https://www.fratellowatches.com/nachos-gada-watch-the-omega-seamaster-professional-300m-2254-50-00/

Or, a Speedmaster Mk II, which you could probably find in that budget as well:




The Omega flightmaster 145.013/036 just beyond that price point. These are Truly special, unmistakably vintage.



(Photo is of @Makesbelieve 's watch)

The flightmaster thread

Then you also have the 145.016 seamasters, which are really awesome looking watches that fit most of your size and possibly price criteria.



Image from a sale listing, @Scarecrow Boat sold this one last year for 3.4k-4k somewhere.

The 145.006/145.016 Seamaster chronograph research thread

These Styles are, perhaps a bit out of what you ordinarily look at, which is why I recommended the cushion case of the Seamaster chronograph and the UFO case of the flight master and Mark II.

 

Definitely on my wish list but I'm very wary they are a bit of a minefield to find a great example that's all genuine

 

145.013 with cadmium yellow chrono hands is one I'd like.

 

Yes lovely

 

Wow, this is definitely one of my grail watches!

 

Instead of 5 watches at $3k each maybe spread it out so you have the following:

1) around $5-6K rolex explorer (14270 or 114270?) or IWC mark XV (or a XII)
2) $3K cool diver seiko 62MAS, slim Willard, Yema Superman, seamaster 120
3) $2K something classic and thin IWC, polerouter
4) modern diver or chrono
5) g shock

View attachment 1784609

 

Sorry I didn’t see the initial post with the price limit. I thought it was just post your 5. Apologies, didn’t intent to come off as a cockerel.

 

Awesome, Bill! I’ll try to join in tomorrow!

 

Anything Bellmatic

 

A few others to consider
Teardrop Zenith should be well under a grand
Birch and Gaydon (zenith) under 3k
Diwen under a grand
Rotary circa a grand
Others sub $600

 

It must be these 5 for me

 

Vintage Grand Seiko has been sinkhole for me Very appealing dress watches from early 60s with interesting history

 

Do you have a reference number for that Rotary?

 

I don't, but there is one for sale on this very forum- via another member, if that helps
FS - Rotary Aquaplunge 666 Diver, late-1960s | Omega Forums

 

i can never say more enough of this 1930's driver's watch.