Well growing up, i was not exposed to watches. My family was pragmatic, not one to splurge on luxuries when there are other things to worry about. I guess that's common when you grow up in an emerging economy. So no rolexes, omegas or what not. The simple yet practical Casio and Seikos were the order of the day.
Add to the fact that I have only been in this hobby for about 5 years now, I basically start from ground zero. There's no watch influence on me at all. My opinions of brands and preferances for brands are based on my research and discussions with my contemporaries. That explains the Monster (a very recent watch) being the watch that started it all.
If there's any influence at all, it would have been my interest in flying as a career. In fact that's all that I wanted to do after uni (college to you yanks). I didn't consider anything else. Surprisingly, Brietling's didnt quite cut it for me and I was drawn more to IWC and their history. Flying didn't quite pan out by the way, cleared all the interviews and aptitute tests for flying college but failed the medical. Sigh.... you can imagine the disappointment when I was denied the career of my choice esp when that's all that I wanted to do since young. Best laid plans.... lowest point of my life.
So what's my personal watch..... The Doppel to remind me of what I could have been and life's curve balls. It was the watch that I would have bought as a pilot. It also serves to remind me that setbacks in life can be overcome. Aesthetically, at 42mm, it's not out of place in todays big watches craze and yet subtle and classic enough not to shout "Come look at me". Kickass tritium dial at that.
So while I might collect Panerais, Breitlings, Omegas, Tags, Rollies and APs. The Doppel will probably be the one for me.
Answer to your 2nd question, I always thought that price should not be a factor for comparison for something that you really like, even if it might not be the flagship model. It might not make sense to others but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Cheers
Siesta181