I find that a good, small, not too blingy watch gives a "carefree" impression. I like it.

Champagne is a good choice.

Different sizes, as noted above.

Don't miss the 44gs version, for deep GS heritage https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgp001g

SMP for me. I find the smaller Black Bays appealing but don't have much urge for a vintage-y watch in a chunky size. I also find the Omega considerably more interesting in terms of tech, materials, and design.

But, yeah, either choice could be a great one for you.

The metal vs leather thing in winter is less a rule and more of a semi-practical thing -- steel gets cold and transfers that chill to your sweet, delicate wrist. That wrist will likely be smaller in the cold, too, so your bracelet fit might not be great (though, a. microadjustments, anyone? b. climate control, people?).

Some people still consider bracelets unsuitable for formal occasions, but I think even that "rule" is dying out. You can always "celebrate" the seasons by changing colors and materials to suit the weather, but a steel watch on a steel bracelet passes under most circumstances with most people.

For something that is quite valuable to me (sentimental or otherwise), I always use Chronotek. They are incredibly skilled, never do anything that is unnecessary (like polish or refinish when you don't specifically ask for it), are able to get parts for just about anything, and are extremely nice people. Not the cheapest, not the fastest, but one of the best. http://chronotekinc.com/?p=home

I think that people say "fun" when other people don't like something that they like. It's not my favorite tic in the world of watch geekery. It kind of makes "fun" seem not very fun. Like, "This is pastel colored and plastic and has a cartoon character on it -- It's FUN!" Friend, I think you need to try some things that are actually fun.

(And recognize that often difficult, complicated, hard-won things / activities are the by far the most fun)

I guess they generally mean "lite", which gets into another tic I don't love: scolding people (usually some straw man) for taking "the hobby" too seriously. Like, you're here arguing with people about watches, I think it's too late.

You're all great, though. Just similarly damaged :)

I love the GO (and the Lange 1), but I'd pick the JLC. My problem with the GO is that the case is a bit inelegant and slab-sided, revealing every millimeter of the watch's thickness. If you've got larger, rounder wrists, that might not matter -- you can go ahead and enjoy the great dial and movement -- but for me, a person with somewhat slim, oval wrists, it just doesn't sit right. Not that I don't have, wear, and love thicker watches, but, imo, the proportions here don't match the style.

Plus, the JLC is gorgeous, timeless, yet not remotely dull.