Dear Takashi..
This is just my opinion
Like you , i always hunt for the below 1K as that make much more sense to me (financially)
You can always choose the norm Seiko, Orient, Alba, Casio, Timex - which functionality wise would be great and accurate. However, at that price, design wise may not be so handsome. A few like Seiko Milemarker and Monster may be good looking, but in the same time hundred others might own the same piece like you.
Next would be the brand that i categorized myself as pure fashion.They are not a true watchmaker, they capitalize on trend and fashion...brand like Fossil, Nautica, Guess, Cerutti, DKNY, Emporio Armani, ..You can get a decent design below 1k, but doubt you can get automatic engine. I used to own one great Cerutti watch which cost me slightly more than 1k.I used to own two Guess that cost around 700 a piece.... Great looking for sure, great quality and customer service as well, but mostly are quartz and nothing much to talk about other than the beaut.Nowadays, well i stop buying this kind...heheheh
Next the homage - but to some it is still a form of replication.So this up to you but check this link if you ever feel like at the very least checking it out
http://www.homageforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=36Next - unknown origin brand or ebay mushroom brand. Brand like rougois, eric edelhausen and others, Most of them wish to be known as european brand, but I am quite sure they are Chinese origin. But hey, at least they are original in design. Check out my blog if you like to know more about these brand. I have some posting on it.
Next - I classified this two and a few others on their own category. They have their own design, they also make homage of other watches. So partly original. They are Invicta and Struhling. Pretty good i say. I own two INvicta with no complaint. My friend bought one as well. I read you earlier note on invicta which is absolutely true, but they have like thousand of model in their sleeves and some are pretty decent. I love mine through and through
Pre owned watches - In which i should advice you to visit DuniaJam blog, and check out his link of his blogger friend. They sell lots of this kind at very interesting price. Some are Pre Owned,NEW OLD STOCK, some even new. So far from what i heard they are honest, reliable watch lovers who love to share their interest. I also have some link in my blog , almost identical to DuniaJam blog but his is much better.anyhow If you look into this, with 1k you might get away with 2 or 3 pieces at a time.
All above you can get below 1k. But another important thing would be your skill of negotiation, and lost of effort. Hunt from one shop to another till you satisfied....heheh
my 2 cent...
