Aigi Watches ARCTIC TIDEvsAquastar Deepstar 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.

Owners widely praise the Aquastar Deepstar II for its comfortable 37mm wearability, vintage aesthetic, and excellent value. Reviewers and owners alike highlight its smooth-winding Sellita SW290-1 movement, remarkable timekeeping, and legible dial with excellent lume. The updated beads-of-rice bracelet with a diver extension is considered a worthwhile upgrade, and the included grey tropic strap is notably supple. Some owners, however, find the 37mm case diameter too small, despite the 47mm lug-to-lug contributing to a larger perceived wrist presence. One owner dislikes the small seconds subdial, finding it interrupts the dial's aesthetic. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Aquastar Deepstar II highly for its vintage charm, comfortable wearability, and strong value proposition.