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Budget:
Under $200- Who cares buy whatever you think looks cool. When it breaks (and it will) throw it away and buy another one.
$200-1000- There are respectable brands in this price range. You can get a good watch, but nothing that will appreciate in value.
$1000-2000- Arguably the worst price range. Not much benefit beyond a $500 Hamilton or similar automatic, but you're paying a premium without much justification.
$2000 and above- You may spend a lot of money, but if you buy right, many watches at this price have the potential to appreciate in value. You'll obviously get a good quality watch, but it's also a potential investment (again, assuming you buy right).
My advice: Since you're just out of college and looking to buy a nice "starter watch" look for a good used Baumet et Mercier (cheaper), Omega (middle tier), or Rolex (higher price range).
All of those brands have a strong used market so if you buy at a reasonable price, you can enjoy the watch for a few years and then sell it for as much (if not more) than you paid for.
My first automatic was a Baume et Mercier Capeland S (which I still have). I bought it in near new condition for $600 with the box and all documentation. I wore it almost every day for 2 years, and currently even in its condition I would have no trouble selling it for the same price.
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