Astor + Banks Fortitude LitevsSmiths Everest

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 Everest owners widely praise its Explorer 1016 aesthetic, value for money, and comfortable 36mm sizing, with many noting its excellent accuracy, with one owner reporting +/- 1 second per day. The textured or gilt dials are highlighted as attractive and unique, contributing to a vintage feel enhanced by old radium toned lume, and the watch is considered a versatile, guilt-free everyday wear. However, the buying process is frequently described as difficult due to limited supply and infrequent sales, and some owners find the stock Jubilee bracelet heavy, challenging to size, or lacking premium features like on-the-fly adjustment, with one calling it "absolute trash." Other noted points include potential aging concerns with the mirror-polished case back and noticeable Miyota rotor noise for some. Overall, owners rate the Smiths Everest highly for its vintage aesthetic and exceptional value, despite significant acquisition challenges.