Very kind! But I'm no one's hero... I still have and covet "talismans" that are really just interesting things, and I too often connote life experience with material gain. I'm just a basic watch nerd, with maybe the lucky privilege to see that I'm in the fray the same as anyone else.  😅

I have no problem with being put on a wait list - either ordered and transparent, OR fickle and arbitrary.  

As I see it, the alternative is to walk in to a shop that hasn't got what I want, and then leave.... Over and over and over again. All just to never get what I hoped for. Seems like a waste of my time.

I'd much rather save the trips.

Say I wanted to go see a concert, but there aren't enough seats.  It matters very little how often I go ask for tickets. I would only get one by taking a place away from the people who have seats already.  I am no more entitled to those seats than they are, nor are they more entitled than me.  If the venue owner only wants to sell seats to their friends... Who am I to complain?  And how would my complaining make extra seats in the venue anyhow? As I see it, all I can fairly do is look for seats elsewhere, or accept that I don't get to see the show.

...Or, ask the venue to call me in the unlikely event that someone cancels.  I know I won't get called, but at least I don't have to walk down and check every day, only to continuously be told "there's no more seats"

And maybe someday, someone moves to Maine, and a seat opens up, and I DO get the call.  Fun.  

In the meantime, there's other bands and other shows and other halls and other life to be lived. 🤘

I cast my no-weight vote for the coin-edged, signed, piece. 

I like the subtle indicator of the fact that said crown is manipulating a Seiko movement. 

And the fact that it stands for... satisfatory?  Somnabulant?  Synesthesia?  Yes. Those.

Do it!

I love all my G shocks, and in particular the squares.  

So much of our obsession, er, hobby involves appreciating small differences and details - and I find the changes in squares (color, text, features, etc) to be meaningful enough to always be learning and chasing the "dream" square.  Plus, often that dream can be realized for 10s, not 1,000s, of dollars!

All the thrill of the chase, and the excitement of the NWA, with significantly lower risk of loss - what's not to love!

(Plus, the solar and multi-band stuff is just so grab-and-go ready!!)

Lastly - when I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Kikuo Ibe, father of the G Shock line, he noted my GWM5610 - and pointed out that he was wearing the same watch.  Through a translator he explained that the 5610 was the ultimate G Shock to him, because it achieved so much of his initial vision for the line, and added ease of use and no battery changes as well, all at an affordable price point. If you're looking for the right starter square, I recommend that model highly!

Firstly, congratulations!

Secondly, I voted for the Alpinist.  To me, it comes down to the fact that this is a symbol of your graduation, and if it was me, I'd probably end up keeping that sentimental symbol around for as long as possible. (IME sentimental watches tend to stay in the collection.)

I admire Traska, and especially their dive designs, but feel the summiteer is trying too hard to capture Explorer vibes - from the name to the numerals on the dial, etc.  While that's fine, of course, (standing on the shoulders of giants and all that - and you want an Explorer-style watch), I feel it might not age well. Eventually you might have an Explorer and then end up with friction in the collection. Or you might, after time with it, just feel it is "explorer-like" and that's what it becomes: a homage, or a tribute - instead of what it should be: a representation of your major milestone!

The Alpinist, on the other hand, is truly doing its own thing - reaching into its own heritage and bringing that storied legacy forward.  Sure, it has got some Explorer mythos overlap, but far less overtly and definitely not visually.  It's a confident piece with a strong identity, and is part of a legacy that has inspired a dedicated community of folks who love and appreciate it...  Cheesy, but inspirational (IMO) nonetheless! 

The Alpinist can live happily alongside an Explorer, or any other watch, without feeling too samey, and might therefore be easier to keep, wear, and appreciate over the long term.

Either way you go, though, congratulations again!

I'm excited to experience them in the metal.

I'm typically happy with 40mm+ watches regardless, but it does seem that the proportions of all three sizes of the new Navitimers are very good!

I'm currently smitten by the blue/black 41mm and the ice blue 43mm, but that green looks fantastic on you!