My top Gen under 3k, in no order:
1. Oris (Big Crown, Aquis, etc)
2. Christopher Ward (Great fit and finish, some in house movement)
3. Hamiltion Intramatic 68 Chronograph
4. Post 2016 Used Omega
5. Ball (Autos only)
6. Bremont (Second hand can find really good deals)
Hamilton intramatic 68 is a surprisingly great watch - I prefer used 42mm reverse panda but they are hard to find. Christopher Ward is my only 'microbrand' on the list. They punch above their weight class in fit and finish, I enjoy c60 as a reliable diver. Oris Big Crown is a watch I love but the aquis is great. Bremont you can get second hand for up to 50% off retail like new condition- but you need to shop around. Ball has some stinkers in my opinion, but hydrocarbon series is good.