Cronos Thorn PT5000 Automatic 39mm Titanium Watch SHY036vsSeiko 5 Sports SKX series

Owners widely praise the Cronos Thorn PT5000 Automatic 39mm Titanium Watch SHY036 for its value, with one owner calling it the best modern explorer homage under $170. The tool-free bracelet adjustment links are considered a game-changer, and the 39mm titanium case is noted as unobtrusive and keeping the watch under 11mm thick. The PT5000 movement's accuracy is a point of varied owner experience, ranging from exceptional timekeeping comparable to quartz, to running 2.8 seconds fast per day, or gaining 2.5 minutes over two weeks. Some owners express skepticism or disappointment with the PT5000 movement, with one finding it noisy and finicky, and another preferring Seiko alternatives. Overall, owners rate the Cronos Thorn PT5000 Automatic 39mm Titanium Watch SHY036 highly for its excellent value and practical bracelet features, despite mixed experiences with the PT5000 movement's accuracy.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised as an excellent value gateway watch, with owners and reviewers highlighting its solid build and powerful lume. The 22mm bracelet is noted for its comfort, and the watch offers numerous style options. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others appreciate their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series offers an upgraded movement with hacking and hand-winding, and standard spring bars for easier strap changes. However, it lacks the screw-down crown and ISO certification of the original SKX, leading some to consider it less of a tool watch. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series highly for its value and modern features, despite some preferring the tool watch capabilities of its predecessor.