I am wondering what I want for a graduation gift. Best bang-for-buck watch for around $3,000? I was thinking about the Speedy Pro or IWC Portofino so far. I wan't an automatic that isn't some cheap ETA movement. A watch that will hold it's value would be nice too. For some odd reason the Calatrava is a bit out of my price range. XD
Don't discount ETA too much. One of the best I have is a Sinn 244Ti with a 2892. Chronometer certified and it keeps time very well. I like ETA because I know parts will generally be available. There's a lot of snob appeal with in-house movements, but I'd rather invest in something that can be easily repaired and serviced.
Speaking of service, do your homework and make sure you don't buy something that needs $600+ dropped into it every few years. This is a big part of the reason I've lost a bit of interest in watches. I'm not going to invest the time and money to DIY repairs, the parts can be difficult to find and service fees are escalating. On the other hand, it's not much trouble to replace a turntable cartridge or drop new filter caps into an amp.
Anyway, have you considered vintage? If you want to maintain or increase value, buy something that's already been through the depreciation cycle. New watches are going to drop a lot before they come back up. Also consider handwound watches. I only wanted autos for years and years. Seemed like the best idea. But a few years back, I bought an old 19j Zenith handwound. I wear it most days now since it's dead accurate and reliable. It is so light I hardly know I'm wearing it. I love its slightly aged cream dial and gold hands/markers, too. Winding it has become almost unconscious. It takes a few seconds to wind it each morning and I usually give it a few turns during the day.
For a good vintage watch, I'd look at Patek, Vacheron, LeCoultre, Audemars, IWC, and Zenith. Good stuff. They should all hold value, appreciate and remain classy for a lifetime.
Also, noticed discussion of the G-Shock in here. I've always liked them for being a real utility watch. If you don't like the band, IIRC West Coast Time sells G-Shock adapters so you can put a NATO strap on one. If I spend a lot more time in the shop (like I hope to) I'll probably pick one up.