Astor + Banks Fortitude LitevsSmiths Commander
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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.
Fortitude Lite
Commander
Diameter
38.5mm
38mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
45mm
lowest
Thickness
10.9mm
lowest
14mm
Water Resistance
200m
300m
highest
MSRP
$650
n/a
Movement
Miyota 9039
Miyota 9039
Case
5 specsCrystal & Dial
2 specsMovement
1 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners praise the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite for its 10.9mm thickness and redesigned lugs that turn down, along with the removal of the date complication. Reviewers note the 38.5mm case size, layered finishing with polished chamfers, and scratch-resistant coating. Some owners find the value proposition questionable at $650 compared to alternatives. Overall, owners and reviewers appreciate the Fortitude Lite for its refined case design and finishing.
Smiths COMMANDER owners widely praise its vintage-inspired design, featuring a clean no-date dial with gilt accents and creamy lume, alongside excellent build quality and a premium feel for its price. The 38mm case size and 45.3mm lug-to-lug are considered well-proportioned, with good bezel alignment. However, its 13.7mm thickness and 162-gram weight are noted as substantial, and some find the bezel numerals disproportionately small, the bezel glossy rather than matte, and the dial more reflective than anticipated. One owner mentioned the dial no longer states 'Commander'. On balance, owners rate the Smiths COMMANDER highly for its exceptional value and vintage aesthetic, making it a frequently worn piece.
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