Geckota Pioneer AutomaticvsLongines LONGINES AVIGATION BIGEYE

Owners widely praise the Geckota Pioneer Automatic for its retro-futuristic design, impressive lume, and unique dial finishing. The red dial variants are particularly favored for their brushed fumee appearance and vintage feel. Accuracy is noted as surprisingly good for an NH35 movement, though one owner reports +/- 20 seconds per day. The watch is considered a bargain by some at $259, while others find the $519 price for the NH35 movement in a 14mm thick case excessive. The 42mm cushion case is noted to wear large due to its lack of a prominent bezel. A minor phantom date position on the crown is reported, and the crystal is very reflective despite an anti-reflective coating. Some find the gold accents look a bit cheap, and one instance of a loose fleck of lume was observed. Overall, owners rate the Geckota Pioneer Automatic highly for its distinctive vintage aesthetic and value, particularly on sale.

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Longines Avigation Bigeye for its unique, asymmetric dial, vintage military aesthetic, and cohesive design, with one reviewer noting its GPHG Best Revival prize win. The tactile chronograph pusher action and reliable L688.2 column wheel movement are highlighted, as is the watch's legibility and versatile strap-swapping potential due to its 20mm lug width. However, criticisms include the 30-minute sub-dial's three-minute hash marks, which some find compromise reading speed, and the lack of drilled lugs. The watch's thickness, around 14.45mm, is noted as typical for its movement, and some owners mention minor QC issues with chronograph hand alignment and a loud rotor. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Longines Avigation Bigeye highly for its distinctive vintage-inspired design and solid chronograph performance at its price point.