I recently went to the Bailey Bank and Biddle going out of business sale and bought a Movado watch for my FI for under $500. They have really good prices right now.
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Many of my business colleagues wax poetic about a Tag Heuer, but I think those are out of your price range.
I had given my FI for his birthday an ESQ which is from the same family of Movado - it was more "everyday" versus the traditional Movado which might be more formal. He also doesn't work a "9-5 office job" so he needed a more rugged watch.
You might also want to consider Tissot (my FI was fascinated with the T-touch which I even admit was pretty cool), Omega, or Rolex. I would say go Swiss if you want to get a nice watch!
Re: watches 101
I also bought a Movado watch for under $500. Very elegant and purchased it online.
I had given my FI for his birthday an ESQ which is from the same family of Movado - it was more "everyday" versus the traditional Movado which might be more formal. He also doesn't work a "9-5 office job" so he needed a more rugged watch.
You might also want to consider Tissot (my FI was fascinated with the T-touch which I even admit was pretty cool), Omega, or Rolex. I would say go Swiss if you want to get a nice watch!