Aigi Watches Arctic TidevsAquastar Benthos Heritage II

Owners report the Aigi Arctic Tide's dial markers catch the light similarly to Grand Seiko dials, and one user noted a preference for its movement over an alternative. Some owners consider the 40mm case size comfortable, while others found a 43mm variant chunky. One owner received their watch with a Miyota 9015 movement upgrade, and another experienced issues with lume and alignment on their initial unit, receiving a replacement. On balance, owners view the Aigi Arctic Tide as a decent value at its Kickstarter price, with good on-paper specifications, though concerns exist regarding the brand's newness and potential for it to be a catalogue watch.

The Aquastar Benthos Heritage II is widely praised for its significantly improved wearability due to its 40mm case and reduced thickness, noted as 12mm by one source and 11.9mm by others, making it comfortable on smaller wrists. Reviewers and owners appreciate the scaling down of a classic design while retaining key elements, with the sapphire crystal and the manually operated helium release valve (HRV/HEV) being highlighted, the latter sometimes described as a "fidget aid." The watch is considered a fantastic value at its pre-order price of $1,190 on a rubber strap. Some owners miss the dial depth of earlier models, and the dual-crown design with the HRV is seen by some as a stylistic compromise. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Aquastar Benthos Heritage II highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value at the price point.