Aquastar Benthos Heritage IIvsCWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue

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 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch for its faithful recreation of military aesthetics and historical dial markings, with many finding its 41mm size and wearability excellent. The fixed spring bars are a liked feature for some, enabling secure NATO strap wear. However, criticism is directed at the "faux patina" lume, which some find too gold, glossy, or mismatched between hands and hour markers, with the hour markers' lume described as overly shiny and convex. Some owners also flag the steep pricing and fixed bars as drawbacks for those not preferring NATO straps. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch highly for its authentic vintage military design and comfortable wearability.