First and foremost, automatic. Even though I have a manual-wind Omega Speedy Pro and have owned manual-wind PAMs, I would say most people are best suited to automatic watches if they’re going mechanical.
Second, get your watch on a bracelet, and buy a strap for it afterwards. If you ever resell it, it’s easier to sell with a bracelet, and to get a bracelet after the fact is much more expensive.
You mentioned you’re an engineer, so my first two recommendations here are very much engineer‘s watches.
Since the Rolex Milgauss is out of your price range, you should take a look at the
Omega Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss. Timeless Seamaster case design, Aqua Terra ‘teak’ dial, and kind of a cool sweep seconds hand that is unique to the >15,000 Gauss model. Also has a display back which someone who enjoys and appreciates the mechanical aspect of a watch will appreciate.
Alternatively, check out Ball Watch Co. Search “Ball” on Chrono24. They’re unique amongst Swiss watchmakers (nearly all watchmakers, in fact) in that they still incorporate tritium markers (in sealed tubes, denoted T or T25 on the dial near the ‘Swiss Made’ marking) in their watches for lume, instead of the SuperLuminova that the rest of the industry switched to. They glow like a torch. Across their entire lineup, they’re more aligned with your cheaper price range you mentioned too.