Aquastar Model 60vsThorn Octopus Kraken Vintage OCT-0028 Benz Hands

The Aquastar Model 60 is widely praised for its faithful vintage skin diver aesthetic, period-correct 37mm sizing, and excellent wearability. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight its charming recreation of a classic dive watch, with some noting its legibility underwater and refined bezel action. The watch is described as a straightforward and endearing dive watch that wears perfectly, making it a great daily wear for some. However, criticisms include simplistic finishing and a bi-directional bezel, which is noted as lacking the safety of a unidirectional one for actual diving. Some enthusiasts feel a flatter crystal lacks vintage charm, and the bezel appears slightly too broad compared to the original. Accuracy figures vary, with one reviewer testing at +3 seconds per day and another at approximately +6 seconds per day. The watch is priced competitively, with sources mentioning pre-order prices around $990 and a standard price of $1,290 or $1,390.

The Thorn Octopus Kraken 37mm Vintage Automatic Watch OCT-0028 Benz Hands is praised by some owners for its solid feel and satisfying bezel action, with one owner calling it the best explorer homage encountered. However, other owners note that the 37mm case and bezel can make the watch feel small, and the anti-reflective coating struggles in bright light. The dial is described by one owner as appearing milky blue at certain angles. Overall, owners rate the Thorn Octopus Kraken 37mm Vintage Automatic Watch OCT-0028 Benz Hands positively for its build quality and feel, despite some reservations about its perceived size and AR coating.