Went to the Seiko shop.
I looked closer to some of the Premiers but they're too massive, busy and clunky. Weird angles on the lugs and all that. A shame because they have nice complications. Not a big date fan though. Some of the higher end Presage are nice but too large.
I tried the SPB105J1 (new model, dark green dial, cream hands/markers with gold edges diving watch, metal bracelet, crown at 4) and the SPB053J1 (dial and bezel in dark blue, cream hands, rubber bracelet, crown at 3). Both use the 6R15 movement which is an upgrade for me (50h reserve), both have Sapphire glass (though I have no complaint for the mineral proprietary Hardlex I experienced). The blue one is cheaper but that's on account of the rubber bracelet somehow -according to the saleswoman- despite not having the (ever mysterious and luxury sounding) Zaratsu polishing on the lugs. The dark green didn't look as good in person on my wrist than on the photos though. The blue I like a lot and it's a colour I have quite a bit for clothes. It's slightly smaller than the Samurai. I'm a bit torn about the rubber bracelet (comfort is just fine, it's not visually the most appealling) but I have already have 3 metal ones and I could always substitute it for a NATO band.
Oh and unrelated but my dad bought back a vintage Air King (he used to have one he sold, but he missed wearing a watch) which I could name just because the case is so small by today's standards (34mm IIRC) which makes it one of the most affordable automatic Rolexes at this point. He's a one watch only guy and current sizes don't appeal to him at all. It seemed much more puny than in my memories but it works well as a statement of quiet elegance (especially with that greyish white dial).