If you stretch abit to 6-7k, can get a preowned Omega Seamaster 300m. Depends what you are after. Tag's don't keep their 2nd hand value that well so maybe a 2nd hand auto Tag is a good deal, like an Aquaracer or Carrera.
If brand new, Oris, Ball, Longines are your best bets for Quality. Off these, I like the Longines Hydroconquest the most. Classy brand with lots of marketing & nice watch.
If you want immediate recognition, at that price range probably a new Quartz tag (especially the Formula-1) is the most recognizable. But obviously build quality is another story since it's quite plasticky. You are basically paying for a ton of marketing.