We sometimes are lazy posters.
It seems you're into aquatics. Personally, I liked Davidoff Cool Water when I was in my early 20s (I've come a long way ever since). It is however a scent that the ex might have worn too, due to its popular nature.
The best thing to do is head to the nearest mall and smell 'em. Nothing like dropping $50 or more on a cologne you don't know if you like and finding out... YOU DON'T!!The better stores have paper strips to spray them on- certainly not ideal, but a good way to winnow the list down without spraying every exposed mm of skin with fragrance. If you like any, spray them on a wrist and see how it goes. I found that I hated most of the store's selection, but there were a few I liked. It's free anyway, if you've got the time.
If you want to make a cold purchase, and liked the 1805, you could try the Taylor of Old Bond St. St. James cologne. It has similarities to the T&H 1805- I like the top notes better, and the 'aquatic' scent is more subdued than in the 1805 sample I tried. If you have smelled the cream, it's quite similar minus some of the deep warmth I attribute to the natural scent of the cream. It's not exactly 'cheap,' but cheaper than other scents being tossed around so far. Around $30 from classicshaving.com and others.
Hoyt's is also a good inexpensive cologne at $10 from QED for 5oz. There is a minute or two of citrus in the top notes, but it is gone quickly and leaves a nice floral scent that lasts a few hours on my skin. I know 'floral' may sound feminine, but I thought it had a little touch of something masculine in it that I very much liked. Sounded like you might like something floral, might not. YMMV.
If you like spicy, you could try the Master's Bay Rum aftershave you can buy at a local Sally's beauty supply for $7-8. I personally like it a lot, although it only lasts a couple of hours and hovers very close to my skin (being an A/S splash and not a cologne) after the first few minutes. Not exactly a cologne, but is inexpensive and lasts long enough on my skin.
The Clubman aftershave/ colognes you can buy at Sally's or most Walgreens last a LONG time on my skin, and use usually very inexpensive.
There it is, hope it helps.
Hopefully, he is on to his 2nd or 3rd cologne by now.
I need to check dates and times more carefully.
