i found torgeon watches while looking to buy my son a first decent watch before sending him off to college. they're swiss made quartz with traditional pilot watch styling. they have the sizing that you're looking for -- many options under 45mm -- and prices are very reasonable. quality has been very good.
https://torgoen.com/
i ended up with a black PVD watch with a GMT function. i set the second time zone to pacific time since my son is at school on the west coast. i bought my son the same watch, and he sets his second time zone to east coast. maybe a little schmaltzy but i told him it's a way we can stay connected even though he's 3000 miles away.
i've worn this watch at least once per week...sometimes several days in a row. the PVD and crystal have held up well...nary a scratch on either.