I know you said you didn't want a Citizen recommendation nor do I know which Citizen watches you have. But I have this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-D.../dp/B016R90ZK2
Although I bought it at Jomashop for much less....just under $300. This is my everyday beat around watch. The metal bracelet has been comfortable and durable. I've dunked the watch in water from swimming in a pool (both regular and salt water) along with going into the ocean with it. It's held up to all of those abuses. In addition, no worries about batteries as it's an Ecodrive. And to add to the durability of the watch, it has a sapphire crystal.
I've had this watch since 2018 and it's survived the above abuse without issue.