Any Watch Nerds to point me?

I was in a similar spot recently- I would suggest checking out Sangin watches.
It’s as close to made in USA as you can get. There is another company that is similar, but it’s customer service / QC has gone down the drain at the moment.

I’m waiting for a specific combo to drop from them.
 
I was in a similar spot recently- I would suggest checking out Sangin watches. I’m waiting for a specific combo to drop from them.
Your refresh button game better be strong on drop day.

It’s worth it though. Have a 1st edition Professional myself. It’s my favorite if I could only keep one of my watches.
 
Definitely do some research to narrow down the style you are into. By that I mean: do you want a dive watch, chronograph, field watch, or something different than a “standard” style?

Personally, I think a solid, quality dive watch in the 42-45mm size range, stainless steel case with black dial and rotating dive bezel, is one of the most functional and classy “one watch” solutions. If a metal bracelet is your thing, get one with a bracelet. Then you can always switch to different straps and bands later. Automatic movements are great too, if wearing frequently. You get what you pay for.
 
I was in a similar spot recently- I would suggest checking out Sangin watches.
It’s as close to made in USA as you can get. There is another company that is similar, but it’s customer service / QC has gone down the drain at the moment.

I’m waiting for a specific combo to drop from them.
That's sharp looking!
 
This was for my 50th, but its out of your price range:

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But I've recently read recommendations on LF of a Seiko mod specialist at:

fourfortyfourpm (dot) com
 
If anyone is interested I just posted a Seiko Solar watch for sale in the classifieds. It’s been a good watch and is in great condition, I’ve just gone watchless when hiking/hunting.
 

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Zelos Swordfish?? Junk?

The above combo with black "face" not white would be pretty close to the "Look" I am going for
 
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I think that might have the Seiko NH35 movement. Which is considered a very good automatic movement. My dive watch has that movement (called the 4R35 in Seiko watches).
 
I would research the particular movement the one you are looking at has, it could be even better than the Seiko (I don’t know). I do know I like mine and it’s widely considered a good movement. It’s cool to see you are looking at automatics. In case you don’t know, even the most expensive automatic will not keep accurate time like even some of the cheapest quartz watches. You don’t buy an automatic with the goal of set it and forget it. For me, messing with the watch is kind of a sub hobby 😉

I’d liken it to buying a Glock (quartz) vs buying a highly customized 1911 (mechanical). Sure, the Glock is reliable as is. It’s a tool that works. The 1911 could be a bit more finicky but it has soul and potential to become a family heirloom.
 
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You’re getting me frowned at. My wife caught me looking through the Omega website again. She encourages me to look at pornography instead.
 
If you‘re wanting an automatic decide on whether you want dual capability for winding the watch as well. Some movements, like the 7s26 in the Seiko skx007 only allows for movement to wind the watch. You cannot hand wind by turning the crown. Where as others, such as the ETA 2836-2 movement can be wound both ways. Automatics are definitely not set it and forget it watches. They require attention if not worn everyday. And as Wyobohunter stated they have a hard time being accurate. Gaining or losing minutes throughout several days.
 
Christopher Ward is a British underdog in the Swiss movement realm, but moving up! The Seiko recommendation is always solid and there are many custom builds that can get you something unique if you don't go for the Rolex-look-custom-Seikos. Steinhart and Sinn are good too! Hamilton is another good one. Chrono24 is my favorite site to buy and sell used watches if you want to get lost in deep world of wrist collectibles.

If you're looking for something with substance that can play in a tuxedo or camo, the dive watch is the way to go. A chronograph may look sharp, but it is more fragile.

When I was 19, I bought myself an Omega Seamaster to commemorate my first big paycheck (selling cars). It was my daily driver for twenty years. I have since had children and have been collecting other nice dive watches to leave them one day. My father and grandfathers all died within the last 6 years. There is nothing of greater sentimental value to leave behind than something your son/grandson will want to wear on his wrist every day.

The other thing I have thoroughly enjoyed being reminded of one of my grandfathers is his old Montblanc pen. When it comes time to sign a contract or just write a note, I get to think of him.
My dad left me a rolex sub. He died 20 years ago and I still catch myself looking at that watch on my wrist and thinking about the good times we had on a regular basis
 
Tune-up service on the Omega Seamaster (which I push to every 4 or 5 years) is now $500-$700. Just keep that in mind for budget purposes.
 
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