These are fashion watches from designers that draw the bigger bucks for significant established brand renown (plus, a couple cheapy beaters, just for the heck of it).
The first watch in this post is the Christian Van Sant, Grand Python, model CV3AU6. It makes it into this post because I think the watch looks cool as shit. Just that simple. On value, it is an excellent product at the sale price (as found online) well under $400. Quality is obvious and features are numerous. It is a competent diving watch. Better visual watch design markers such as the easy and quick folding deployant with leather strap setup, the chronograph with huge buttons, flyback subs and generally superb fit and finish, make this stunning series immediately appealing to watch enthusiasts. 
Not that I am a fan of Christian Van Sant, but this next watch appeals for certain clothing style matches which I’ll leave to your inscrutable effervescent imaginations. The CVCV 8321 Mister watch is stunning, inexpensive (under $300 online) and strong on features. The modern dial is what catches attention and for those who like tile, earthy colors, dense dial designs, and mixed finishes, this one is rich. Christian Van Sant watches carry a two year warranty.
In the deep discount, big-macho-beater category, the 43mm Stuhrling Original 415.02 Aquadiver Regatta watch is a remarkable buy at ~ $70 on amazon.com. The MSRP is $395 (not that list price means much these days) so there is an exciting 85% markdown to enjoy. We are offered some great features on this one: unidirectional ratcheting bezel, stainless case, luminous hands, date window, oyster style bracelet with pushbutton operated fold-over clasp, screw down crown, and a depth rating of 600+ feet.
And while we are at it, the 45mm “Concorso Silhouette Sport 858R.01” is pictured – trading off, at the same price, the stainless bracelet for some nifty features: silicone rubber strap, dual-time display and day and date subdials. Both watches house Swiss quartz movements. Stuhrling Original products enjoy a two year warranty.
The last of the budget watches in this post is the August Steiner AS8125BK field watch with canvas strap. It’s simplicity and subtle gun metal, black and green coloring makes it a handsome minimalistic beauty. At $43 on amazon it is a steal. Even at this pocket-change price, it sports a mineral crystal, luminous hands and markers, stainless case, Swiss quartz movement, and large 43mm size. You will probably want yo invest a few dollars to replace the strap. August Steiner watches are warrantied for one year.
Montres Balmain
From the collection: ELYSÉES CHRONO GENT ROUND the model “DOWNTOWN” is a watch of pure European design and couldn’t be more Paris minimalist fashion. It is made in Switzerland from the right stuff; sapphire window, surgical stainless case, and ETA movement. The Montres Balmain is a Parisian fashion house founded in 1945 by fashion designer Pierre Balmain. It is said, “..they are synonymous with elegance and refinement, and meet the quality and esthetic criteria demanded by discerning women and men alike.” I don’t think I have to tell you why you like this one.
Balmain watches are available in the USA at the following locations: HOUR PASSION BOUTIQUE, 112 West 34th Street, NY 10120 New York and ARIA Resort & Casino, 3730 Las Vegas Boulevard South, NV 89158 Las Vegas.
Mido – A mark of true design
When I read the following statement, I was impressed:
“Founded in Switzerland by Georges Schaeren in 1918, Mido is today based in the town of Le Locle, in the heart of the Swiss Jura mountains. The name Mido comes from the Spanish «Yo mido», meaning «I measure».
“Mido’s ambition is to produce watches that possess characteristics typical of the quality and careful craftsmanship of a Swiss watch, namely timepieces endowed with mechanical movements that are wound either by hand or automatically.
“Timelessness is the hallmark of its image, which aims to be clean-cut and refined. Mido’s philosophy is to combine timeless design with functionality rather than following fashion; to outlive all passing trends and to make Mido watches a product to be passed on to future generations. The objective is to create timepieces in high-quality materials, endowed with high-precision movements and offering exceptional water-resistance, in the spirit of sustainable development.
“As a specialist in mechanical watches, Mido offers a variety of models with designs ranging from retro to contemporary, and from classic to innovative. They all meet the brand’s five strategic criteria: the Swiss-made label; a distinctive identity; a high-precision, high-quality mechanical movement; superior water-resistance, and excellent value for money.”
The “Multifort Chronograph M005.614.36.051.22” is one of those watches that will make people wet when they see it on your wrist. It is big, 44mm, and is so well made that it shows. The colorway is pumpkin and black and that is all. You’ll probably run into a parked car when you are staring at your watch instead of watching the road on the way home from picking it up. It has an ETA automatic mechanical movement, sapphire window, and stainless case. MSRP $2,200.
The signature blue “Multifort Chronograph M005.914.37.050.00” is understated uber-masculinity in a contemporary package. Don’t forget to put this one away at night or you’ll spend hours in the dark staring at its hypnotizing blue lume and end up late for work in the morning. This can be had on-line for around $1,800.
Certina – 125 Years of Fine Swiss Watchmaking
Certina’s Swiss Quartz “DS Podium Shape – Chronograph C001.517.16.057.01” for under $600 is not only a bargain, it is a stunner and it is unique. No one else in the board room will have one of these on and, in fact, no one will have anything like it. But everyone will want to look at it. It is a Swiss watch, through and through, and looks it. 
Certina has this to say about themselves: “When they created their watchmaking business in Granges, Switzerland in 1888, the Kurth brothers Adolf and Alfred established the brand’s basic principles – reliability, precision and innovation. The spirit of Certina is thus brought to life by a tradition of uncompromising excellence expressed through the exclusive use of the finest components and materials – titanium, 316L stainless steel, sapphire glass, and the renowned ETA Swiss Made movements. The demand for superior quality that the Kurth brothers imposed on their watch movements represents an enduring commitment that is still honored by the company today.
“Certina has maintained a constant commitment to the sporting field, and particularly to motor racing, supporting a number of great sport stars such as Mike Doohan, Alex Crivillé, Petter Solberg, Sete Gibernau, Thomas Lüthi, Timo Glock, Robert Kubica along with others including boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Moreover, Certina is the Official Partner of the Sauber F1 Team since 2005 and official timekeeper of the FIA World Rally Championship since 2013.”
Hamilton – American Spirit – Swiss Precision
In the Hamilton line there is a wide selection of keep-it-for-life watches but none speak more boldly as to what this company has been up to for the last 120 years of serious watchmaking than this example, the “X-PATROL AUTO CHRONO H76556731.”
The great news is that you can get one of these classy Swiss marvels for only $1,250 online. Watch the short video to get wowed.
And spend some time with the manual because your father-in-law is going to expect you to explain its every last detail, feature and benefit.
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fashion style 2014, balmain B6869.32.66, Christian Van Sant, Grand Python, CV3AU6, CV8321 Mister, mido multifort chronograph automatic movement, M005.614.36.051.22-A_0, Stuhrling Original 415.02 Aquadiver Regatta, MULTIFORT CHRONOGRAPH M005.914.37.050.00, Certina DS Podium Shape – Chronograph C001.517.16.057.01, hamilton X-PATROL AUTO CHRONO H76556731, Concorso Silhouette Sport 858R.01, August Steiner AS8125BK , hamilton
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