in terms of aesthetics, it definitely has a more balanced look to it

why not the SRP turtle? it's less expensive than the king turtle and still really awesome. Looks great with a parka too. I wouldn't call it just another dive watch, the turtle is a modern classic!

I don't feel that hacking is absolutely necessarily desirable over non hacking. For an everyday watch, I actually prefer non hacking, as I will be resetting the time every so often and it is much faster to just move the minute hand foward or back a bit than stopping the seconds hand and waiting for it to line up to the desired time

just to be clear, the second layer does not add any extra security when the watch is on the wrist. The retention of the watch head is purely the main top layer. There is some extra security with the second layer when the watch is off the wrist though, if you were to hold the strap by the buckle, the second layer will prevent the watch from slipping off the strap (if the tolerance at the lug allows)

When on the wrist, the second layer does increase stability of the watch head though, further reducing watch head flop. It almost feels like an integrated band, where the attachment between strap and lug is fixed, allowing for the rest of the strap to articulate more freely

I've never even considered those, gonna have to try it out. That "perfect" fit can be elusive with pin buckle for sure, its a crapshoot and can also change depending not just on the strap but on the watch head

I never part with watches that have sentimental value, even if I never wear them, because thats part of the hobby for me. That being said I am guilty of buying and switching out multiple watches and not having that "one" watch. I think a big reason our attitudes towards watches have changed over time is because they are not really a tool or necessity these days. They are more of a luxury we afford ourselves so we treat them as such. Back in the day when people wore the one watch, many of them were probably not particularly into watches but bought and used them as tools.

I personally like the metal keepers as I still like to fold the extra material into them for the "nato" look🍻