Have the NY0156-4E and love it, took it over a Seiko King Samurai/Turtle. Wear in good health!

Wear in good health!!!

A recently serviced, as close to mint vintage watch - I would buy. 

I don't find beauty in a super worn down piece unless it has family history to it - patina, decay, aging - dislike.

Give me an officially restored and serviced vintage piece - but I do not want to deal with the quirks of a run down one - overall - prefer new, but have a vintage omega megaquartz from 74 that is from my grandfather. 

This is always a tough question - however I would pick three - Hamilton, Longines, and GRAND Seiko (not regular Seiko). 

Hamilton I believe is THE best option in the 500-1000 range - in terms of quality, variety, history, and quality control (yes - that QC is why Seiko is not on my list, and also I do not like the idea of spending close to a $1k on a 6r movement when an ETA2824 is in a comparable Hammy).

Longines is the best in that 1-2k range - rich history, diverse catalog, quality, and the Heritage Collection is phenomenal (hint hint that giveaway diver would look incredible on my wrist :) )

Now GS is a hot take and probably makes little sense as most of the catalog sits in the 4.5-11k range - but in terms of sheer innovation (spring drive hello), finishing, and craftsmanship (dials are otherworldly), I think that IS bang for buck, albeit in the luxury realm. I was also thinking Omega, but I think the uniqueness of GS makes it a better value overall). 

Those would be my top 3 bang-for-buck. Ultimately this is subjective, and in a parallel universe I could have done the same format and said Tissot, Oris, and Omega, but alas - I will stick with the above as my trio. 

On a final note, I think each brand irrespective of price can have a relative bang-for-buck piece, and when considering grey or used, sometimes those prices can catapult a watch brand or model into such a designation.  

Thanks for the platform and content Max!