A researcher in the education & learning science

Unless you want the full-fledged features of a 'smart watch', do double-wristing with a fitness tracker. I wear Fitbit Luxe on my right wrist while wearing a mechanical watch on my left wrist. Fitbit Luxe is good because it's one of the smallest and slimmest fitness trackers out there. (I often forget that I am wearing it). While your interaction with your phone is limited and some 'smart' features are absent, it can work basically as a pager on your wrist and its fitness tracking ability is great.

I might have caught the same variant of the modding virus -- My bezels and inserts are currently on their way from Singapore.

But then, I completely agree with your sentiment. Modding is fun, but it is difficult to avoid making a 'Frankenstein' -- one that is surely new, sometimes cool, but never belongs anywhere, and whose appeal never lasts for long. I feel like the only way to avoid it is to stick to the original design and only add minor improvements.

It has to be Swatch-themed Omegas. It is difficult for Swatch to pretend to be serious like Omega, but it is relatively easy for Omega to pretend like they're down-to-earth poppy like Swatch.

I think Formex did a great job in the recent renewal.

Every brand needs a unique, easily recognizable logo. To me, it's all about fostering an association with the brand and potentially promoting a positive brand image. The new Formex logo is distinct enough to be not confused with the existing brands. It also contains some of the key letters (F, M, X) in the logo, so it is easy to associate with Formex. At the same time, it is not too generic. I've always felt Islanders really need a refresh in their logo because their logo is distinct in the watch space, but the symbols used are too generic to distinguish themself from other non-watch-related things.

You might want to look into Mido Ocean Star 200 series 

Under $1000; sapphire; 200m WR; Swiss Made (if it means something to you); slightly dressy-looking (or not too rugged-looking); 11.8mm thick

The only thing that doesn't match with your requested spec is the size. The official case diameter is 42.5mm. 

Congratulation! That feeling of finding the just-right bracelet!