ARES Diver-1 GMT Swiss AutomaticvsMKII Key West

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Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Diver-1 GMT Swiss Automatic

Key West
Diameter
41mm
40mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
n/a
Thickness
13.3mm
n/a
Water Resistance
1000m
highest
200m
MSRP
$2,850
$1,694
lowest
Movement
ETA 2893-2
ETA 2893-2
Case
6 specsMovement
1 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the ARES DIVER-1 GMT Swiss Automatic for its excellent legibility, strong lume, and comfortable rubber strap, with some highlighting its unique triple-timezone capability via the 24-hour bezel and chapter ring. The watch is considered a great value, with used examples around $700, and features an ETA 2893-2 automatic movement. However, community members frequently report significant customer service and communication issues, with some receiving watches not as described. Overall, owners rate the ARES DIVER-1 GMT Swiss Automatic highly for its tool-watch functionality and value, despite noted customer service challenges.
Owners widely praise the MKII Key West for its true gilt dial and modest 39mm case size, making it a comfortable daily-wearer. Criticisms include the absence of a lumed bezel and cyclops, extended wait times, and a price point of $1600 USD. On balance, owners consider the MKII Key West a holy grail watch due to its vintage-inspired gilt dial and wearable dimensions.
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