CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic WatchvsSeiko 5KX

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch at true scale

RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch

Seiko 5KX at true scale

5KX

Diameter

41mm

42.5mm

Lug-to-Lug

47mm

46mm

lowest

Thickness

12.7mm

lowest

13.4mm

Water Resistance

300m

highest

100m

Power Reserve

n/a

41h

MSRP

$1,875

$350

lowest

Movement

Sellita SW200-1

Seiko 4R36

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41mm
42.5mm
Thickness
12.7mm
13.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hardlex
Dial Color
CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch
Blue
Lume
Super-LumiNova
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Seiko 4R36
Power Reserve
0h
41h
Jewels
0
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,875
$350
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Reviews

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

CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch for its build quality and comfortable wear, with some appreciating the fixed springbars and historical significance as a tool watch. However, reviewers and owners note the "faux patina" lume color is considered too gold and glossy, and some find the polished case and dial text/logo less appealing. The CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch is also seen as overpriced by some, with concerns raised about the acrylic bezel's durability and import taxes for US buyers. On balance, owners and reviewers value the CWC RN81 Clearance Diver Automatic Watch for its faithful reissue design and historical connection, though price and specific aesthetic choices are points of contention.

Seiko 5KX

Owners widely praise the Seiko 5KX for its strong lume and value, with many reporting accuracy within +/-5 to 10 seconds per day, though some experience +/-1 second. The 42.5mm case is noted to wear smaller, and the watch offers a comfortable feel for many. Some owners are split on the bracelet quality, with opinions ranging from "cheaper side" with hollow links to "flimsy-feeling" jubilee. A few quality control issues have been reported, including a failed bezel clickspring and misaligned components. The Seiko 5KX is seen by some as a worthy successor to the original SKX, offering an upgraded movement with hacking and hand-winding capabilities, though others lament the loss of ISO certification and a screw-down crown. Overall, owners rate the Seiko 5KX highly for its excellent lume and value proposition, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.