I agree, it really does come down to fit. For me the usual issue with finding the right fit is the length of the second layer: it is my personal conclusion that the perfect length of the second layer should be just a little longer than the lug to lug of the watch. If the second layer is significantly longer than the lug to lug of your watch, the whole thing doesn't sit well. Either the stiffer buckle end (where the material is folded into the keeper) is too long and doesn't wrap well around the wrist, or if you try to get the buckle end a good relative length, the keeper of 2nd layer will curve and wrap down for too low on the wrist, causing an imprint.

I have had a 2 piece nato strap where the 2nd layer was just barely longer than the lug to lug of the watch (it came with the watch). That was a very comfortable strap, but I find most manufactureres will err on the side of caution and make the 2nd layer much longer than what would allow for a perfect fit. Once the 2nd layer is removed those fit issues are not a problem

I usually just cut/mod them, using a lighter on the cut end to prevent fraying

maybe calling it male or female by size is a bit arbitrary. but I don't see anything wrong with labelling it male or female by style. People can choose to wear a mens or womens watch if they like regardless of how its labeled

In general, the same as you Peter. I think my srp777 and Seiko tuna homages get the most wear

the main consideration is how often you'd have to reset the watch, which is related to how "out" of time you can accept. I generally like to be within 30 seconds of the time so if a watch is 10 seconds out, I can set it fast or slow and always be 30 seconds within the atomic time while resetting the watch every 6 days or so. if the watch is more than +- 10 spd i'll just be happy with within 1 minute of the time so I don't have to reset it every few days

recently got into Citizen. Was not a fan of the techy kind of watches they often make and not big into eco drive either, but this year they have a couple home runs imo, namely the nb1050 and sense8 series

Citizen NB1050, a JDM model. there is also a black dial and blue dial. The price and specs are great, some say its the new SARB (I think its a better watch)