Side by side

CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz WatchvsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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

SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch
CWCSBS Black Ice Quartz Watch
MSRP $666
D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

9 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch40mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch40h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch300m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch$666
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
40mm
39mm
Thickness
12mm
12.5mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Ronda 517
Miyota 9015
Type
Quartz
Automatic

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$666
$699

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch for its legible, uncluttered dial, excellent Super-LumiNova lume, and robust build quality, noting its comfortable 12mm thickness and durable PVD coating. The bezel action is described as having zero back play, and the fixed lugs are appreciated for easy strap changes. One owner reported the lume is readable throughout the night, while another flagged a faulty mechanism requiring replacement and poor retailer customer service. The £700 price is considered high by some compared to similar quartz divers, leading to questions about its value. Overall, owners rate the CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch highly for its bombproof, toolish design and practical aesthetics.

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.

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