Farr + Swit VicevsSeiko 5 Sports SKX series

The Farr + Swit Vice is widely praised for its vibrant, 1980s-inspired colorways and unique dial designs, with owners frequently highlighting its fun aesthetic and legibility. Reviewers and owners alike note its comfortable wearability and good value, especially considering the included straps. The watch features extensive lume applications, which are described as great by one owner. Some owners express a desire for an automatic movement option or the removal of the date function. The Farr + Swit Vice is a solar quartz chronograph with a simulated "mecha" chronograph function, which some find lacks the tactile feel of true mechaquartz. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Farr + Swit Vice highly for its distinctive style and value proposition.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised for its value, robust build, and powerful lume, with owners appreciating its comfortable bracelets and improved movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others praise their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. Reviewers note the 38mm models offer great value at around €350 and are exemplary gateway watches, though their 100m water resistance without a screw-down crown makes them unsuitable for diving. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is seen as a decent watch, especially under £200, but lacks the tool watch capabilities of the original SKX, missing a screw-down crown, bezel pip, and ISO rating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series well for its blend of value, improved movement, and tool-watch aesthetic, despite some missing dive certifications.