Side by side

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue WatchvsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch for its bombproof, no-nonsense, toolish design and military connection, with the PVD finish being a liked feature. Reviewers highlight its highly legible, classic dial and durable, tool-like PVD-coated case that shows remarkable resilience. The Ronda 517 quartz movement is appreciated for grab-and-go reliability and good seconds hand accuracy, with one owner noting it aligns closely with indices. The 45mm case size and fixed spring bars are seen by some as positive for NATO strap wear. Some owners find the £700 price steep for a quartz watch, comparing it unfavorably to similarly specified alternatives. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch highly for its rugged military aesthetics and reliable tool-watch functionality at its price point.

Vaer D5 Tropic Auto

Owners widely praise the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto for its excellent value, vintage aesthetic, and comfortable 39mm size that wears larger. Specific highlights include the bezel's satisfying click action and subtle shine, beautifully finished lugs that pair well with a jubilee bracelet, and a dynamic black and cream dial with a unique date feature. The incorporation of brushed steel, quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and good timekeeping are also frequently mentioned positives. The Vaer D5 Tropic Auto is considered good value with excellent water resistance, making it a great daily wear, and its fit and finish are often compared favorably to brands like Hamilton and Tissot. On balance, owners rate the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto highly for its blend of vintage styling, practical features, and strong value proposition.

From video reviewers

The dial design is a standout feature. The Miyota automatic movement is also noted.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch45mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch40h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch300m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch$1,142
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
45mm
39mm
Thickness
12mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Ronda 517
Miyota 9015
Type
Quartz
Automatic

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$699
Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Follow this matchup

Get a note when CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1987 SBS Quartz Diver Re-Issue Watch vs Vaer D5 Tropic Auto gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.