The independents and microbrands are usually individual designers, or small team with a Name lead. Just that "rock star" and "watch design" might be a bit mutually exclusive right now. As gen pop, and you'd probably get more people asking about who designed the Apple Watch, "because them!" than any watch designer, ever.

I do find it funny that there are a few Genta designed watches, which go for considerably more than an actual Genta brand watch. Speaking of which, there are some fun and reasonable deals to be had. Genta designed the Omega Polaris line, the one with the inlaid cases? Quartz and small, no longer darlings of the watch collecting world, they are a relative Big Name bargain. Like those Seiko models from the OP.

My uncle was a Navy pilot way back in the day, and still sports a TT Breitling. At this point, he's in his 80s and it way overpowers his wrist. But as worn as it is, it is completely appropriate for a man with his experience, at his age.

I don't think I'll age out of my BB36.

My collection indicates that I am a severe watch nerd who spends too much on a niche fetish hobby.

$1k? This one:

Oh, no... Love the Spirit style and tried on a 37mm in person. Near perfect. If anything, a mm too small? Strange, because I like smaller watches, but it seemed to wear a touch smaller that size might indicate. With a quick try-on.

And loved the Zulu Time, but my godz, 42mm?!? Put the kibosh on that.

39mm ZT? Lodged straight in "must get, someday" territory.

I'm a sucker for a steel bezel - if I was looking for a dive watch, that blue one would be in the running.

I went with Sinn. The Omega is yet another undervalued brand classic, but the Sinn is... a Sinn. I like the design details better than the Omega.