I have owned Suuntos, Casio G's and Pathfinders, and NO watch under $500 compares to a Seiko SKX007 automatic. One can be had for under $250 brand new with an Oyster bracelet and a Wave rubber strap. I wore one for ~9 years in the Marine Corps (and not sitting at a desk ) and it took everything I could give it and then some. Oh yeah; I had been wearing it since I was about 10 as well...

 

GShock. Had mine for at least 10 yrs, going strong.

 

The 007 is an awesome watch, but some of the stuff I've done to gshocks I don't think the seiko would have survived. Like falling down a rocky hillside and banging it against rocks. I know the case would be fine, not so sure about the crystal and internals.

 

My two 007s... stock and mod'd

 

Both awesome! I'm still trying to decide on a face/hands for my sea urchin. 10watches has WAY too many choices.

 

I have a Seiko Black Monster with Maratac strap. Great combo. I have one problem though. Recently the seconds hand is getting stuck. I don't know anything about watch modding, but who would you all recommend? Figured I get the seconds hand fixed and maybe mod it a little.

Here's my daily beater. G-Shock GA100 1a1.