Reddit mentions of Tissot Men's T17158652 PRC 200 Chronograph Watch

Tissot PRC 200

What about the Tissot PRC 200?

I'd recommend the Tissot PRC 200 or V8 for a chrono in that price range

V8 On Leather

PRC 200 on Leather

PRC 200 on Steel

Other brands I'm that I'm sure will get mentioned: Orient (Japan), Seiko (Seiko), Hamilton (Swiss), Christopher Ward (Swiss). For under $300, you're looking at a quartz movement, which is fine.

If you just want a cheap, good quality sport chrono, I'd probably get a Seiko while you save for something nicer (if you want to)

for a first watch (without going used since it's a gift) I'd go with the always popular Tissot PRC 200

It's a quartz but many guys I know who aren't into watches don't want the hassle of an automatic anyway.

There is a version with a bracelet.

I don't think a NATO-strap would do it justice...

You'd mostly end up looking for quartz chronograph, since new automatic chronograph will be ~$1000 range. VSA is a good choice. Another alternative is Tissot Men's T17158652 PRC 200 Chronograph Watch or Tissot Men's TIST0444172105100 PRS 516 Black Dial Watch . I am not sure if you can engrave these type of watches though.

this tissot is a chronograph and is a 40mm, so it shouldnt look too bad on a small wrist. You won't find chronos in a small size, really.

http://www.amazon.com/Tissot-Mens-T17158652-Chronograph-Watch/dp/B000L3CHC0/ref=sr_1_11?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1324420281&sr=1-11

You might want to check out Steinhart's Ocean 1 diving line, available in a variety of colours, Swatch also makes a chrono available with white dial and leather strap. You may also be interested in the Halios Tropik SS and it may be out of your budget but maybe look into Squale. If you don't mind buying used maybe do some research into a Valjoux 7733 watch for a cool, vintage style. Maybe check out ebay for a vintage Seamaster and pilot/flieger style watches may be of interest. Maybe this Seiko or this Tissot. If you want a diver's chrono maybe the Seiko SSC021 there's also the Seiko SSC081.

Edit: added suggestions

Here's a quartz chrono by Tissot that is generally well regarded around here.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L3CHC0?ie=UTF8&force-full-site=1&ref_=aw_bottom_links

Check out /r/watches, they have a ton of great watch discussions there. Just don't be surprised if you get a suggestion for a $10k watch in your $500 asking thread.

What are you looking to wear it for? Bracelets (metal bands) are more sporty looking, and are not really dress watches. A dress watch should have a simple face and leather band.

As a general suggestion in this price range, this Tissot is a great option.

Thank you, I have mine for quite some years now and it's still going stong. I like how you can wear it as a casual/sports watch and as a dress watch too. Here's an other pic: http://i.imgur.com/EZ09beA.jpg

http://www.amazon.ca/Tissot-Chronograph-Watch-Black-T17-1-586-52/dp/B000L3CHC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371511567&sr=8-1&keywords=tissot+prc200