Wow! What question! It depends on what you want. Michele is good, as is Movado. if you're thinking of an classic piece, there is always Raymond Weil. Some people swear by Swiss Army. I have all kinds. People have spoken highly of them. Burberry also makes nice timepiece within that range. Seiko Diamond Coutura is another example.
If you go outside of the Authorized Dealers, please be aware that warranties, in general, will not cover gray market watches. Look, most of the time, the warranty covers the movement and some of the time, the plating on the watch. The rest of the stuff, you will pay for, unless you purchase your watch from Tourneau. This might help you in your purchase. If I were you, simple and classic is best. Take a look at your lifestyle and see how your watch will fit in. If you're not real "girly," then maybe you don't want a diamond Michele, for example. Now, if you want a Michele, there is a Web site that is legit. Yes, they are selling outside the AD network, but most of the watches they sell are covered. And yes, you want that. They also sell Movado. I can only recommend them. In general, if you are most comfortable working with an AD, then, by all means do that.
