If I would have noticed earlier, I would of got some feedback from my Dad.
He's an eBay person and also makes watches.. might be a bit out of your range though.
www.chronodeco.com is his website.. should show your friend his watches He makes retro/vintage style watches that are produced with original parts from the turn of the century, combined with newer or technologically up-to-date parts.. pretty cool stuff. Set ya back alot more than $300 though.
One thing he taught me is - real watches have leather wrist bands. Metal wristbands are for show and most 'classful' watches will not even consider a metal wristband.