From my own experience, Hamilton has my choice of best value for money. From $300 to the $1000 mark there's so much there. But it's all subjective as well, I also get so much value out of my gshock or my Citizen promaster with eco- drive. It's about what makes you and your wallet happy.
I like vintage. I only have a couple pieces but I do like then a lot even with the smaller size. The more patina the watch has the better in my opinion. But of course the risks are there. The fun of it is researching the brand and model, with that comes confirmation the watch your looking at is original.
I for sure understand your thinking on not wanting to damage it. I say wear it, I have a job where I can be in the office one second and then might be on the dirt the next. You'd be surprised of how little your watch get damaged from day to day.
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