There are so many great watches around the $3k mark . I guess it really depends on the type of watch you’re looking for, your life (to match your lifestyle), and whether or not you want new or pre-owned. I’ll throw some ideas that come to my mind.
I’d go pre-loved to stretch the dollar. Now that I think of it, there are very few watches I would buy new. Buying at the right price is also important, as If want to sell, I want to make my money back at a minimum.
Personally I would stay away from the speedy reduced. They’re temping due to price, but I don’t like the movement. The cheapie used ones will probably need service as well, which ain’t cheap. The sizing isn’t that much different as well. If you’re patient, you should’ve able to find a good example of standard speedy. I’ve found the FOIS for 3000-3200. For most sea masters, I think they’re NWBIG.
My advice to my watch friends is always Grand Seiko, preowned, preferably spring drive, but I also like the newer hi beat movements. Surprised this hasn’t come up yet honestly. Everything is in house, hand made, amazing finishing, great history and is a watch guy’s watch. Personally I also love that they’re kind of low key.
For me now, I would just build a Franken unless there’s something I’ve been eyeballing forever. The thrill of the hunt for parts would keep me more occupied, I may or may not put it together myself, and in the end, could be indistinguishable from gen. I think of it like building/modding an previous generation 911 (997) or buying a new 911 (991).
Damn that was long!