To be honest you can't do much better than a classic 70s Seiko watch. They can't be beaten for affordability, reliabiltiy and design. What's your all time fave? Mine has to be the classic Seiko Pepsi Dial Chronograph. I've had a few over the years but have regretfully sold them on. I just love the way the inner bezel rotates and that stunning golden/Yellow dial.

They can be picked up for as little as 60 to 100 pounds depending on condition, now that can't be bad, eh?