An email I got yesterday:

“Hey man, I have $300 to spend and I want an automatic watch that will last for the rest of my life. I play hard too… What should I get?”

There aren’t a lot of quality automatics on the market for that short of dough, but if I had to pick one I’d probably go with one of the Maratac government issue watches. They are Japanese movements, but they are also built like a brick shit house. My favorite at the moment is the Red Crowned Mid Pilot. You can get them here… or watch eBay for better deals.