- Go with a watch manufacturer, not a "label"
Tag is an excellent value - I own 3 - no issues with any of them
Rolex is not really a great timepiece (if that's important to you) -- more of a status symbol. Most are also clunky
Blancpain (big fan - only own 1, but love it) is great - you'll have a very difficult time at your price point
Ulysses Nardin = good suggestion! Not sure of pricing...
Armand Nicollet is nice - buy from a good dealer as a friend had dealer-service issues
Chopard, Corum (unique, not for everyone), Concord, IWC (low price-point for IWC),and Ebel are all fine