I think you’re overstating the pricing for JLC. They’re significantly better watches/movements than what you have in the second grouping.

The price increases make them expensive at retail, but this is because they were “great deals” prior. Now they’re more appropriately priced which may be a turn off. However, they’re heavily discounted on the gray market bringing them within Omega’s pricing.

I’m going to second the Traska. It’s slim, relatively inexpensive if you lose it, and scratch resistant. Basically everything you’d want on a travelling GMT.

I have a JLC Master Control Calendar and it’s probably my favourite watch. I wear it often and absolutely no one other than the biggest watch nerd I know, knows what the brand is. Even people who know Grand Seiko and microbrands like Kurono and Anordain shrug their shoulders when I mention what JLC is.