Don't buy the invicta for $375, unless it's the 9937 (the one with the swiss movement and sapphire crystal). If it's the 8926, order it from the internet for around $100-ish, shipped. IMHO, the 8926 is a decent watch, but the 9937 is overpriced for what it is - even with internet pricing. Jewelry shops aren't always the most competitive when it comes to less expensive watches. If you're looking to spend in the $300 range, there are a LOT of options beyond Invicta. You may want to consider either buying one nice watch, or a couple decent watches.
For a little more than $200, you can get a customized seiko from MkII - and they're really nice. If I could spare that kind of money, I would be wearing one right now. (Stupid car payment.
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Another brand to consider is Poljot. You can get a nice, tough, mechanical chronograph in the $200-ish range.
The Seiko Orange/Black Monster (model # SKX779 or SKX781) are really nice in the $150-ish range. The band is hard to beat, and it's a big, tough watch, with original styling. My current EDC is the Orange Monster.
Sandoz makes a pretty good Submariner clone. It has a swiss movement, and sapphire, and runs in the $150-ish range. You can find them on E-bay.
Have you ever owned a mechanical watch? They're a bit different than quartz. They have a lot more personality, but aren't nearly as accurate.
If you decide to buy a mechanical watch, buy a G-shock to go with it. You can find pretty killer deals on them if you look. CostCo occasionally has them for very cheap. The Solar Atomic's are really sweet - no need to change batteries, and it sets itself to the atomic clock. I wouldn't want to wear one all the time - but it's nice to have when you're out doing real work, and don't want to mess up your mechanical watch.
-- Rob
