Just an opinion. I think Tissot looks simple and classic. Movado's look modern to me, with a blend of Mercedes driver, space guy and Nike influence - as weird as that sounds... personally I don't like gold, silver or "jewelry" bands. That's why to me, asking for a "swiss watch" is way too vague of a question. It'd be like asking for recommendations for a 4 cylinder vehicle.
http://www.amazon.com/Mido-MIDO-M86...s_watch_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=178027S7FHX43HD3V9RZ http://www.amazon.com/Mido-MIDO-M86...s_watch_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=08X7RTFSMGPXG2ZETMYZ $500 is kind of a tough mark and certainly not going to get you anything to show off or brag about. Having said that, Mido is in your price range, is part of the Swatch group, uses the same movement used in more expensive watches and, my personal favorite, has a skeleton case (the back is clear so you can see the mechanical movement). My secretary wears one, and it doesn't look cheap, which is probably all you can ask for in this price range.
I believe someone else mentioned 'Swiss Army' watch. At your price range I would consider it a good bet. I would suggest Swiss Army and not Wenger by Swiss Army. For all I know they are of the same quality (perhaps someone can enlighten me), but since the person you are buying it for wants an association with prestige (still modest prestige in this case), I'm thinking stick with the Swiss Army option of the two. They cost roughly the same. Anyway, they make some pretty elegant watches at that price range and would be easy to find. Of course, should that be too pedestrian of a brand just a quick search of swiss made watches should pull up some decent brands at $500 or less. Swiss Legend comes to mind though I can not vouch for them. I mentioned Swiss Army because I CAN vouch for them. I own one that I love (Lancer around $250 ten years ago that still looks and works like new) and a ladies watch same style that I gave to a girlfriend I had at the time in Brazil. She broke down in tears when I gave it to her and I'm pretty sure it was not because it indicated how much I cared for her.
Wenger is the upper level of Swiss Army -- it's like a Lexus compared with an equal high-end Toyota -- they are both great, but the Lexus has a bit more value.
