Braun is a really good call - their BN0024 is a lovely watch.

The most beautifully designed watch (I have ever seen) is the Junghans Max Bill. I have a black faced automatic and watching the second hand sweep around the domed glass is hypnotic. It also takes different straps to change the look really well - milanese for formal occasions, vintage leather for the weekend.

Braun has some beautiful and affordable watches. No fancy bells or whistles, just a solid everyday watch.

BulBul Pebble is beautiful. http://bulbul.dk/collections/pebble

If you're looking for something on the cheaper end but that still looks great I'd recommend a V Watch Co brushed dial watch. It's what I'm wearing right now and I love it.

It really comes down to budget, and if you want a quartz or mechanical movement. For a designer, I'd recommend a Braun like others here have said. I have the BN00035 in particular, and I love it for it's simplicity - http://mrare.ca/blog/braun-bn00032-watch-review/

If you want to spend $500-$1000 on a quartz watch that looks good (these are overpriced at this point) check out uniform wares. Lots of minimal designs that's are pleasing to the eye - http://www.uniformwares.com/

If you're looking for a watch that will last you a lifetime, and are willing to spend 3k+, I would check out NOMOS Glashutte. These guys are doing some really unique things in the space, and their designs are pretty neat - http://www.nomos-glashuette.com/

Watches are such a personal thing. Some people like the "tech-y, extension of their phone thing"... others like something minimal and cheap. Heck, some dislike the notion of watches completely. I think the ideal watch is something that works for your lifestyle, needs,etc.

I have a coupe of decent Swiss watches, but my daily is an Omega Seamaster Chrono. I really dig the insane attention to detail designing and hand building an automatic watch that doesn't need batteries and keeps time accurate to within +/- a seconds a day. I love that kind of hands-on artistry and craftsmanship. Plus, it's pretty much bulletproof reliability-wise. It's something that I'll pass down to my kid.

Still very much in love with my Japanese design watch (Nendo draftsman 02.stencil. Very minimal and the saffire finishing makes it almost impossible to scratch.

MVMT :)

Always been a fan of the Mondaine Helvetica Collections: http://www.mondaine-helvetica.com/

Heavily dependent on price range and style, and in that order.

Swatch Sistem51 - always really interesting. A lot of style, but you're also getting an interesting automatic w/ a 90-hour power reserve for cheap. ~$150usd

Used Seiko automatics also are a good value for the money. They're a company who has made every style under the sun, so it's completely up to your style. I've always liked their 6309 divers, and some of the older stuff.

Hamilton Khaki (38mm) - Hamilton is another great brand to get started into (new) automatics with. They make a good watch at a low price-point. Depending on your tastes of course, but the khaki field has good lines and classic appeal. If your wrists are a little larger, they also offer a 40mm version that's similar. You can get a Khaki for ~$240 from Jomashop (i'd have to double check, think they're running a deal)

I'm biased here, but Christopher Ward offers great watches for the money in a weird price point. Their more basic Malvern has some clean lines, and in the mid-500's. It's an interesting brand that you won't see around very often. If you like diver/sport, it's hard to beat a Trident Pro. You can find them pretty easily in the 600's, and you're getting a great watch.

Haven't gotten my hands on one yet (cause they can't stop selling out) , but http://www.oakandoscar.com/ourwatches/ has some interesting offerings. You'll have to go 100% pre-owned this route.

Moving up slightly, I've always really like what Nomos offers. Higher price-point, but gorgeous watches and a genuine great deal for a beautiful in-house movement. They start in the $1800+ point, but they're not particularly strong on the used market. Figure you can find a good Nomos Tangente/Tangomat Datum for 1100-1200.

I tried to stay in the lower ranges, price wise, since I have no idea where you're trying to stay. I've worn things in essentially all brands and ranges at this point, so i'm a little jaded.

Best? Challenge accepted: Breitling Navitimer QP.

I'm a Tokyoflash and Movado man, myself.

Didn't know designers wear different watches to other humans?

M&Co. Tibor Kalman. 'Nuff Said.

I really enjoy my Pebble smartwarch. So much so, I went in for a Pebble 2.

Using the SDK I even made my own typography-based watch face. You can see other watchfaces here.

Still love Omega's Speedmaster professional!

I know I'm biased, but I love the Withings Activité I'm wearing.

Oh herro.

As many have stated, watches are such a personal thing. Personally, I wear them because they mean something special to me - be that because they belonged to someone special, or commemorate a specific moment in my life.

Having said that, at the hope it may inspire you or show you options that you weren't yet considering, I wear:

• Nomos Zurich Weltzeit (WEMPE edition)
• 1958 Rolex Submariner ref 5508
• 1984 Rolex Explorer ref 1016
• 1986 Rolex Datejust Buckley Dial ref 16014
• Various vintage grub

I gotta throw the Apple Watch into the hat. Everything is meticulously crafted. The straps are top-notch and the ID on the actual watch case is insane. IMO a true classic that many have overlooked.

I like Junghans, especially their line of Max Bill watches.

They're on the pricey end of the spectrum, but I'm head over heels for Autodromo watches. They're modeled after vintage racing cars and their instrument dials.

Next time I have $1000 to blow and I don't want to go to Japan, I'm going to buy one of these.

Completely depends on your personality, stylistic preferences, budget and how you plan on wearing it.

If you plan on wearing it semi-regularly but not every day a quartz will make most sense.

If you want to wear it every day consider an automatic and you'll probably want something on the sportier side as it will handle getting wet, rubbing it on your desk, banging it against door knobs, etc...

Seiko tends to be the best bang for the buck at any price point, from $100 to $10,000 (or higher -- see Credor.)

If you want to impress people with brand recognition get a Rolex.

I like my Jaeger LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph. It's a nice blend of class and sport. It's a good daily wearer but also dresses up nice with a suit.

Plus the average person has no idea what it is or if it's a quality watch or not, which I appreciate.

Just ordered a Cadence watch. Can't wait for it to arrive. http://cadencewatch.com/mfa-416

I have a Brathwait classic slim and like it a lot.

Can't live without my apple watch. Having my next client meeting displayed on my wrist is crucial. Not to mention it's the most accurate watch ever made and looks good to boot.