Vintage 1974 recommendations

[Goose 104]

I am considering getting a birth year watch (I know it is not always a good idea and I am not in a hurry). I have seem some interesting pieces and have considered everything from the 34mm Air King with mercury dial through to DJs, Day Dates, GMTs and Subs. Getting box/papers at this age seems near impossible but the papers at would be part of the appeal unless there is good provenance elsewhere. I feel a little nervous with vintage because of the traps/issues so perhaps I should go for a lower risk/lower value piece without the papers?

Can anyone recommend any references to target for this year or should I be sensible and look for the best example from a different period (e.g., I really like the 16710 from 2001 with the Serifs on the bezel, SELs and lug holes)?

Interested to know if there are well accepted good references from this period - such as the 1680?

Many thanks.