Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsZelos Aurora Field
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Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.
Vanguard Steel
Aurora Field
Diameter
42mm
42mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
n/a
Thickness
12.6mm
12.2mm
lowest
Water Resistance
100m
200m
highest
Power Reserve
42h
n/a
MSRP
$790
$529
lowest
Movement
Miyota 9039
Miyota 9039
Case
4 specsCrystal & Dial
3 specsMovement
1 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel's aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. Some owners, however, note distortion from the sapphire crystal and a lack of minute markers. One owner found the crystal distortion problematic and mentioned difficulty with replacement due to hand fitment. The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is priced at $730 and features a forged carbon dial with 'Old Radium' Super-LumiNova. Overall, owners appreciate the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive dial and aged case finish, despite some reservations about the crystal.
Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.
The Zelos Aurora Field is praised for its unique and gorgeous dial, with the hammered teal bronze version and its great lume, particularly on the minute track, being singled out. Owners find the rubber strap comfortable and flexible with good hardware, and the watch is highlighted as feature-packed for its price point, including 200m water resistance, Grade 2 titanium, and 30,000 A/m anti-magnetism, with the new clasp noted as the best to date. However, some owners criticize sharp bracelet edges, an odd case shape with lugs that cause it to wear high, and dial text that appears cheap and plasticky, with one commenter finding the straight lugs look a bit off. Overall, owners rate the Zelos Aurora Field highly for its value and unique dial, despite some concerns about case and bracelet finishing.
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