Astor + Banks Fortitude ProvsChristopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian

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 Pro at true scale

Fortitude Pro

Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian at true scale

C65 Dune Aeolian

Diameter

38.5mm

38mm

Lug-to-Lug

45.5mm

43.6mm

lowest

Thickness

11.9mm

11.7mm

lowest

Water Resistance

200m

highest

150m

Power Reserve

n/a

38h

MSRP

$675

lowest

$1,335

Movement

Miyota 9015

Sellita SW200-1

Case

7 specs
Diameter
38.5mm
38mm
Thickness
11.9mm
11.7mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
43.6mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Finish
n/a
Brushed + Polished
Water Resistance
200m
150m
Caseback
n/a
Display

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Magenta
Blue
Lume
None
SLN BL Grade X1

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9015
Sellita SW200-1
Beat Rate
0 vph
4 vph
Power Reserve
0h
38h
Jewels
0
26
Complications
None
Moonphase, Day-date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$675
$1,335
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 Pro

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Astor + Banks Fortitude Pro for its top-tier build quality and fit and finish, especially considering its price point and microbrand origin. Specific strengths highlighted include its scratch-resistant coating, versatile white dial, thin 38.5mm case, and good timekeeping. One owner notes the bracelet clasp is considered dated, and a reviewer points out the date numeral is often in half shadow due to anti-magnetic shielding. The Astor + Banks Fortitude Pro features a Miyota 9015 movement and 200m water resistance. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Astor + Banks Fortitude Pro highly for its excellent build quality and wearability at its price point.

Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian

The Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian is widely praised for its unique textured dials, offering depth and a departure from common finishes, with many finding the 38mm case size visually neat and comfortable. Owners appreciate the sandy texture, satin-finished steel, and wavy dial designs, with one owner noting the green color is stunning and another highlighting the beautiful patina developed on a bronze case. The watch is considered excellent value, featuring a Sellita SW200-1 movement, 150m water resistance, and a solid Bader bracelet. Some reviewers and owners note a short 38-hour power reserve, while one owner reported accuracy of +4 seconds in five days and another up to 20 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Christopher Ward C65 Dune Aeolian highly for its distinctive dial textures and wearable 38mm case at its price point.

From video reviewers

The textured dial—whether sand-blasted or wave-patterned—is the defining feature, delivering exceptional light play and visual depth comparable to high-end finishing work. The 38-hour power reserve on the automatic movement is a notable limitation for daily wear practicality. Reviewers disagreed on dial characterization, with one describing sand dunes and another praising the wave pattern aesthetic.