: 1.
: If you were pressed to name a favourite steel case 2nd gen Carrera
: which would it be (not just from your own collection but from
: all models) ?

And it can't be all of them, right? :) It's a toughie, I don't think you can go wrong. My choice might change from day to day, but I'd probably opt for one of the outliers like an N Yachting or a 110.253 G.

: 2.
: If a new collector asked which 2nd gen steel Carrera should i start
: with, what should it be ? The reason i ask is i was recently
: asked this question & i answered a Cal.12 version 1153S.
: I think i seek some reassurance i've dealt some sound advice.

Decent advice. I'd say for second gen, N dial is more iconic than S (other way round for first gen). I'd opt for double markers only at 12 too, the dial begins to get a bit cluttered with doubles all round.