I’ve had pretty much the same experience with every Ali Express watch I’ve bought based on recommendations. Steeldive Willard, Baltany Dirty Dozen, some Cadisen thing JOMW reccomended, Escapement Time King Seiko homage. All objectively nice watches but I felt no connection with them so they’ve all been sold.

Fair enough. At this end of the market I’m not sure why it makes a difference though.

Citizen own Miyota so I would consider it so.

Orient Kamasu still available for under £200. Several Citizen Promasters at around the same price.

Difficult question! My collection runs from 36mm to 44mm and I enjoy them all. I went for 42 so I could keep some chunky divers.

I’ve bought several watches and a few straps from AE over many years. No bad experiences at all. I’ve always been careful to buy from sellers with good feedback and pick watches that I’ve seen independent reviews of. If you don’t mind the lack of brand cachet you’ll struggle to find better value elsewhere.