Re: Beech Wood Vs Maple. Beech is nothing like maple. By no means buy the beech and pass it off as a match to maple. Discuss it with the client and offer a sample of beech with a contrasting finish.
Seiko 5 is a line of automatic movement watches that are on the lower cost side of autos, but they are not call them less capable. A lot of people on here have Seiko 5s, especially in the affordable watch forum. I think one of them could help fill in a lot more! Zeno Basic Pilot automatic.
Re: Solar Vs. Automatic Seiko's Rechargeable watches (whether solar or kinetic) still have a limited lifespan due to degradation of the battery, and how long that can be is a matter of debate. Figure on 10 years at the low end and 20 years or more at best..