Serica Ref. 1174 ParadevsEsoteric Watches Bathyal Sol

The Serica Ref. 1174 Parade is widely praised for its elegant proportions, with a compact 35mm case and slim 8.6mm thickness, making it sit close to the wrist. Reviewers and owners highlight its impressive finishing, complex case with brushed and polished surfaces, and cohesive dial textures. It offers robust 100-meter water resistance, a Soprod M100 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, and a unique eclipse-shaped case. However, the strap and buckle are frequently cited as the weakest points, with some noting rough finishing that marks the leather, and the lug width necessitates custom straps. One reviewer questioned the dial's finishes, suggesting other textures might better suit the case. Overall, owners and reviewers appreciate the Serica Ref. 1174 Parade for its distinctive design and robust build at its price point.

The Esoteric Watches Bathyal Sol is widely praised for its attractive and unique design, featuring a matte yellow dial with deep sandwich cutouts and old radium lume, complemented by a bezel with deeply grooved, enamel-filled markers. Owners describe it as a dense, hefty, "go anywhere" watch with "insane" lume, noting its homage to the Bulova Snorkel 774. One reviewer flagged potential confusion with the "Eso" vs. "Esoteric" branding and expressed concerns about the long-term durability of the matte black DLC coating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Esoteric Watches Bathyal Sol highly for its distinctive dial and robust, go-anywhere build.