
One of my favorite topics!

Even more than P-F-T!
I disagree strenuously with the comment above about Rolex accuracy. I have a
Rolex GMT Master II which varies only one-half a second per day.
I wore an Omega for several years. I didn't think that it was all that great. In all fairness, the model I have was purchased in Europe and might have been a lesser-quality model - but I don't know that for sure.
There are a great many excellent watches available. Something to try to find out about a mechanical watch is the make of its basic movement. You would think that watch companies manufacture their own movements, but a great many companies purchase generic movements and install them in their own cases. Thus, in many situations, you are paying a lot for the name.
A great many chronographs use the Valjoux 7750 movement. Included are some of the Breitlings, but also several
Chase-Durer,
Limes, and
Zeno models. Some of the Fortis, Bell & Ross (Sinn), and Rolex Tudor models use that movement. A widely-used movement for non-chrono watches is the ETA 2824. I know that the makes I mentioned are not as well-known as other watch brands, but they receive great reviews in watch magazines. I have personal experience with all three makes and will vouch for all three as being great values for the price. I own the pictured Zeno model, and believe it is a great alternative to the Breitling E6B model.
Do plenty of shopping. You can oftentimes find better deals on the internet than locally, along with saving money on sales taxes. I've purchased something like five watches on the internet and have had no problems. I would purchase a real high-end watch, such as a Rolex, IWC, Breitling, etc., only from a reputable dealer. I have seen Omegas at
Costco and would have no problems purchasing from them (I saw a Chase-Durer model that I own on the referenced page that Costco sells for $300 less than I paid - and I paid less than retail for mine!).
I'd be delighted to entertain any PMs about watches. I'm no watch expert, but I have loved watches since I was a child and believe that I am somewhat knowledgable.