Just wish to share something.
If you all willing to pay a belt which is hovering at the $500 range.
There's something you all may want to consider before making any choice.
Some belt's buckles can be taken out. Some simply can't.
Example for Gucci, alot of their favourite designs, their buckle are attached by stitches.
And the stitches do come off over time. Gucci has a bad reputation for durability.
When it's due time for the leather strap, there's nothing you can do to "renew" it's life.
Imagine one day 10-20 years later you want to pass your expensive belt to your son.
Those with changeable strap can just replace the strap. Making it last "indefinitely"
You can just buy a cheaper strap.
Your buckle will always hold some value.
From what i know , the strap will always cost alot more than the buckle, so if you strap is something with more distinctive prints or some unique matchings. You will have to pay alot in future for replacing the original strap as well, as there won't be 3th party ones.
Brands i likes are:
Ferragammo - The logo is distinctive, the material is good.
Hermes - Big brand, what more can i say, but to be honest, Hermes is more mature looking. The slender "H" buckle, looks more graceful. Replacing the strap will... ouch.
LV - Elegant designs but they are smart, they make their strap unique, so when you want to replace the strap, you have to get from them and it is going to cost you a bomb as well.
AX - Affordable design belts for young adults.
Kenneth cole - if you like those simple buckle designs, they are quite good and affordable.
Hugo boss - Some designs are quite nice which don't really cost much.