Astor + Banks Fortitude LitevsSeiko 5 Sports SNXS series

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Measurements

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

Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite at true scale

Fortitude Lite

Seiko 5 Sports SNXS series at true scale

5 Sports SNXS series

Diameter

38.5mm

37.4mm

Lug-to-Lug

45.5mm

44.7mm

lowest

Thickness

10.9mm

lowest

12.5mm

Water Resistance

200m

highest

100m

Power Reserve

n/a

41h

MSRP

$650

$415

lowest

Movement

Miyota 9039

Seiko 4R36

Case

6 specs
Diameter
38.5mm
37.4mm
Thickness
10.9mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
44.7mm
Lug Width
20mm
18mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
200m
100m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hardlex
Crystal Shape
n/a
Curved
Dial Color
Maíz
n/a
Lume
None
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Seiko 4R36
Power Reserve
0h
41h
Jewels
0
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$650
$415
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite

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.

Seiko 5 Sports SNXS series

Owners widely praise the Seiko 5 Sports SNXS series for its exceptional value and beautiful sunburst dials, with many appreciating its vintage look and comfortable wearability. Some enthusiasts note its 37.4mm case size and 18mm or 19mm lug width as a positive for smaller wrists, while others find the case too thick or the diameter too small. The stock bracelet and clasp receive consistent criticism for being low-quality, difficult to adjust, and prone to hair-pulling, and some owners report the Hardlex crystal is prone to scratching. Accuracy with the 4R36 movement is a gamble, with reported daily deviations ranging from +/- 1-2 seconds to +/- 20 seconds or more. Overall, owners rate the Seiko 5 Sports SNXS series highly for its stunning sunburst dials and excellent value, despite common criticisms of the bracelet.

From video reviewers

The vintage-inspired design and compact case size are praised. The price increase over the previous generation is a point of contention.