Every modern man should own at least one mechanical watch (either handwind or automatic). Sure quartz watches are more accurate and less expensive, but a mechanical watch has a soul. The second hand sweeps which reminds us that time is a continuum and not a series of discrete ‘ticks’ marching us inexorably to our death. All respectable watches from Rolex, Omega, and other high end brands are automatic , but if you don’t feel like selling a kidney to own a timepiece there are some less expensive options. Seiko makes some excellent watches with the 7S26 movement. The Seiko “Black Monster” Diver is considered by frugal watch enthusiasts to be one of the best watches for the money and can be had for under $200.  If you aren’t into the Jacques Cousteau diver aesthetic, other styles with the same movement are available. The Military Style watches are elegantly simple pieces that go with just about anything.

Though the page layout is abhorrent, the Poor Man’s Watch Forum has an excellent list of inexpensive mechanical watches for under $500.