$3 grand (give or take) to buy a watch...what are you getting?

Hamilton Intramatic Auto for me (white and blue dial 😁) 

Cartier Tank Must, Tudor BB58, Seiko MarineMaster, entry-level Grand Seiko, used Zenith, used Omega, ... Endless possibilities. The search is always fun!

try for a pre owned omega seamaster, a vintage rolex op or one of the non moonwatch speedmasters.

BB58 or wait for the BB pro release

I'd actually get an Oris Aquis with the sellita movement if you want to save some coin. Those are easily found pre-owned in the $1,500-2,000 range. Even with the caliber 400, you could probably get an AD to part with one around $3,000.

If you don't have a pining for mechanical, then I would go with the Grand Seiko SBGN005 or SBGN003. Great GMT watches with impeccable styling and super accurate quartz movements inside.

Some notable watches to definitely checkout before making your purchase.

Your budget could get you:

Any high-end Seiko with 8L or Spring Drive movement

Pre-owned Grand Seiko /Credor.

Any Nomos within price range.

Any Sinn or Damasko within price range 

I'd be looking at Damasko, or Marathon personally. I like tool watches, and both companies make great tool watches. 

Longines BigEye. Definitely.

Grand Seiko SBGN003 (gmt quartz) is looking like my next purchase in that price range. 

If possible, a Cartier Tank.

I think there are lots of great watches in/around that range. 

I would look at:

Tudor BB Pro (new release)

Sinn U-50

Grand Seiko SBGN005

Damasko (DA46 - was my choice)

And, if going upmarket a little, and if you can find one, I really like the Tudor Pelagos FXD

Can't go wrong with BB58 I think. For more a dressy watch, Tudor 1926 or Longines Master would be my picks. Preferably white dial.

^^^this. 

I‘d either buy a load of random 1940s, 50s and 60s vintage mechanicals - Cyma, Timor, Vertex, Revue, Gruen… and get them serviced. Could probably get around 10-12.

Or, try and get an Enicar Sherpa Guide and get it done up really nice. 

It’s completely not worth it in both scenarios, but you’re giving me the money right, it’s not my money.

You can have all the PRETEND money you want! 

That’s too close to a Tudor to settle for something less.

I assume this would be based on current state and not "going back in time" for the first watch or anything like that.

For me it would be a Nomos + Zelos (one of the many references, which might take a while to decide); or a Formex Reef. Not many watches I want sit squarely within that price range. They are either somewhat above, or somewhat below.

Grand Seiko SBGX263 with the impeccable 9F quartz movement (one of the gall darn prettiest pieces I have yet to obtain), and have enough left over to buy better Crunchers a nice lunch.

Me too!

Used Grand Seiko SBGW231 or a Cartier Tank Must. But, as everyone else has also said, it is really hard to beat the value of a BB58.

I think for $3k USD, you could get the titanium Big Eye. 

The SBGN005 for me, all day. Love the 9f quartz movement and the stunning blue dial! I also agree with others here that the value you would get from Damasko, Sinn, or Tudor at this price point would be hard to ignore

Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6084, preferably with the waffle dial. That’s what I’d get.

 Breitling Endurance Pro: super accurate quartz movement, designed to take a beating, multiple functions, and sharp-looking to boot.  For some reason it seems to get little to no love from Breitling fans.

I prefer the steel version. The titanium one is beautiful, but just doesn't sing to me as much.

Fears Brunswick Salmon dial.

Edit: closer to £3k 

Great pick. Awesome watch.

Give me a $4 grand, budget & I'd get a trio of Nivada Grenchen watches:

• Depthmaster
• Chronomaster
• Antarctic

There's my 3-watch collection...