Marcus Hanke
[PuristSPro Moderator]
11295
A very difficult question ...
the problem is that you gave a very specific target: the desire to finally own a Kiu Tai Yu, or a Vianney shows you have read and seen a lot about fine timepieces, and you have a unique taste. Therefore, I really hesitate to suggest a watch from a mass series producer, even as your entry watch. And as mass series producer in this context, I consider all those making more than a few thousand watches per year.
However, individually-made timepieces are expensive, so your financial limit makes it difficult to find something I could suggest. But the situation is not hopeless:
If you decide to save a little more, I would suggest a Dornblüth, made by Dirk Dornblüth in Germany. He builds most of the movement himself, they are very classic in design and attractively executed. 
Another alternative would be a true AHCI watch, made by an AHCI oldtimer, Rainer Nienaber from Germany. Here, you could even get a more unorthodox time display, such as the retrograde hour:
Finally, there is the Austrian master watchmaker Richard Habring, who offers the unique system of an "upgradable watch": You purchase a very well-made, highly attractive basic handwinding watch as first step, and at a later moment, you can order an upgrade: a pointer date, power reserve, chronograph, or even a handmade tourbillon, that is btw most probably the most inexpensive hand-made tourbillon in the market:
These option s are a bit on the tight side with your budget, but with a only little more saving, you could start your collection already on the path you apparently like so much: that of independent watchmaking.
Regards,
Marcus
ADVICE on my first purchase please!
IMVHO
