Aquastar Benthos Heritage IIvsCWC E9 Automatic Diver 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.

Owners widely praise the CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch for its military-spec toughness and satisfyingly easy-to-wind crown, with one owner calling it a perfect reissue. The watch is noted for its legibility and significant wrist presence, enhanced by its unique "Jolly Roger" dial design. Some critics find the CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch overpriced for its mineral crystal and 60-click bezel, and its luminous paint is noted as low glow. Overall, owners rate the CWC E9 Automatic Diver Watch highly for its military heritage and durability as a beater watch.