Watch newbie - what nice watch for £500 budget?

[mattman]

Sorry if it's been asked many time before, but I'm new to the world of nicer watches but the wife has given me a budget of about £500 for my 40th.

I'm after something a bit classy with a metal bracelet strap that looks a little bit different and not too blingy
I'd rather get something from a historic maker rather than a boss, diesel or Armani but there are just so many out there I don't really know where to start.
After reading a few threads on here I looked at the seiko monster but I don't think it has the timeless looks I'm after. However I do quite fancy the seiko Daytona F1 - are they any good?

Open to pre-owned as well but after looking at a couple of shops near bank where I work they don't appear to be much cheaper so any recommendation of shops/dealers would also be welcome

Thanks in advance
Matt

[JRewing]

Does this appeal to you?

[Vvroom]

^ if I had a £500 budget that'd be well up there on the list.

Good spot.

[mattman]

That's the sort of thing - what model is that please?

[mattman]

That's the sort of thing - what model is that please?

[JRewing]

It is a Longines Conquest. I tried one on recently and I think that the price was £430. I honestly can't think of any watch I'd rather buy with that budget.

I tried one at Ernest Jones, but they're stocked at a lot of High Street places. And it certainly fits the criteria of being from an established maker with heritage!

I've found it on their website, and they list it at £480:
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/9100008/lo...