The Breitling Watch Source Forums

check out the Helson Shark diver

Well, it sounds like you'll want something on a bracelet if you're going to try and dress it up for work and still have it work for your outdoor activities. Of course, bracelets aren't super well suited to outdoor stuff - there will eventually be damage. The Swiss requirement and the penchant for chronograph looks are good bits of info though, as they rule out the Suunto suggestion. They are right in your price range, can dress up if you are a big enough guy and get the right model, but provide a ton of rugged outdoor features when you're having fun.

Now, in the world of high or even mid-range watches, the chronograph always carries a higher price tag. More complex, higher maintenance costs when the time comes, etc. Breitling is of course well known for their chronographs, but you can find a ton of different options out there.

I see Jay suggested Oris, which is a downright wise suggestion given your price point. Personally I don't think I've ever seen an Oris that jumped out at me as a really "wow!" watch, though. That said, they are good quality, come in a wide range of styles and should fit the bill - especially secondhand.

It is also worth checking out Hamilton, they are a classic American marque that was incorporated into the Swatch group some years ago, and they are a good quality Swiss made watch. Amazon sells a good number of their models.

There are also things like the Marathon SAR series. Those might bend your budget a bit, but they are military-spec, rugged, good looking, Swiss made, Tritium lumed, and will last forever. And don't be put off by the military spec - on a bracelet, they are just as attractive and dressy as many other divers.

Now, if you're willing to consider Japanese watches you open the wide world of Seiko. Don't let the name put you off, they make some truly excellent automatic timepieces with the build quality and accuracy to rival ones costing ten times as much. And, since you're just starting out, your budget would let you get two of them - one to dress up, one to have fun.

If you are OK with used and quartz watches - I recently saw a forum member selling Breitling Colt Quartz for $500 (not exactly $400, but very close). It's not the current model, but it's great starter watch for a person on a budget.

I just have to remember where I saw that listing - here or on other watch forums. Drop me a PM if you are interested, I'll try to look up that ad for you.

Wow..Great advice guys...thanks so much...I dont really have my heart set on a Breitling per say, but would be nice of course.

I am the type of guy that will pay more in the beginning for something nice if in 5 years I dont have to buy it again...(polo shirts, nice shoes, etc...) If I have to bump my budget to say $1000 then I will, might take a couple months of saving it though.

Therefore, my next question is...DO I PUT $400 INTO AN OKAY WATCH, OR BUMP MY BUDGET TO $750-1000 AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS AND JUST WEAR MY SAME OLD $200 KENNETH COLE WATCH FOR NOW?

Any and all comments are appreciated.

Thanks so much...Jim By the way...Bracelets are out for me, it just doesnt fit my style

spelunking

I had to look that one up...sounded more like an "indoor" activity to me