Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2vsOrient SK Diver Retro (Revival)

The Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2 is widely praised for its balanced design, excellent legibility, and strong GADA (go-anywhere, do-anything) capabilities, featuring 300m water resistance and a scratch-resistant coating. Reviewers note its comfortable 40mm case size and good lume, though one source describes it as good but not great. The movement is a Sellita SW200 adjusted by the brand, with accuracy reported around ±8 seconds per day. The pre-order price is $650, with a standard price of $850. On balance, reviewers find the Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2 to be a compelling option due to its functional design and robust specifications.

Owners widely praise the Orient SK Diver Retro (Revival) for its affordable, retro-cool, asymmetrical case design and interior rotating bezel. However, reviewers and owners alike flag the folded link bracelet as a significant detractor, describing it as "jangly" and of poor quality. Concerns are also raised about its weak lume and 50-meter water resistance, rendering it unsuitable as a true diver. The movement's lack of hand-winding and hacking is noted, and some find the watch's design polarizing, with lugs appearing on separate planes, leading some to feel it "radiates 'cheap watch'". On balance, owners value the Orient SK Diver Retro (Revival) for its unique vintage aesthetic and accessible price point, despite significant drawbacks in bracelet quality and water resistance.