CWC RN81 Diver AutomaticvsSquale 1521

Owners widely praise the CWC RN81 Diver Automatic Watch for its vintage-inspired aesthetic, milspec bezel, and lume details, with many finding it incredibly legible even in the dark. The watch is considered great value for its price, featuring top-notch crown, bezel, and case finishing, and has proven durable, surviving accidental drops. Some owners find the case a bit thick and large, and one owner prefers the PVD finish over the polished case. Overall, owners rate the CWC RN81 Diver Automatic Watch highly for its legibility and robust build at its price point.

Owners widely praise the Squale 1521 for its classic look and robust build, with specific mentions of its wearable 12.5mm thickness and refined case finishing. The 42mm case is noted by some to wear smaller, closer to 40mm, due to short lugs, feeling solid without being too large. However, opinions on the bracelet vary, with some finding it too flashy or stiff, and one owner reported moisture ingress after a shower due to a loose case back. The crown can be difficult to operate due to deep integration, and the 38-hour power reserve is considered old-school but reliable. Overall, owners rate the Squale 1521 highly for its classic design and wearability, despite some reservations about the bracelet and crown.