Fell in love with cars when I was 0.. in love with watches when I was 30.. not quite sure why so late..
there are few things that define a mans style.. and the watch is one of them. You certainly don't want to be too overt - and you do want to research your prices and models.
I have 3 proper watches. Jaeger Le Coultre, Geographic, Panerai Luminor Marina 40mm, and Cartier roadster (only got it as a good deal). Cartier are mostly about the look rather than the movement.
I would say that Panerai and the Jaeger are definitely my favourite. Jaeger is the one of the top 3 watchmakers in the work. They make all of their rown components inside the watch. The only other watch makers able to boast this is Rolex, and Patek Phillipe. Arguably Vacheron Constantine are now making all their own components.. but only recently have they been doing that.
I am lucky as my wife works for Richemont, owner of Jaeger, Panerai, Vacheron, Cartier etc..