Side by side

Islander Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278vsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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

Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278
IslanderIslander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278
MSRP $395
D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-27838mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278200m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278$395
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
38mm
39mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
46mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Finish
Brushed and polished

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Underside
Inner
Dial Color
Black
Indices
Applied

Movement

5 specs
Caliber
Miyota 2070
Miyota 9015
Type
Quartz
Automatic
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Power Reserve
0h
40h
Jewels
0
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$395
$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.

Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278

The Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278 is lauded for its appealing color and 38mm size, with owners calling it a keeper. Reviewers and owners alike praise its impressive specifications for the price and good finishing. However, some owners express a desire for a date complication, and one owner found the 38mm size too small, despite preferring smaller watches. The bezel is noted to be mineral crystal, not sapphire. Overall, owners rate the Islander Saltaire 38mm Solar Dive Watch with Ink Black Dial #ISL-278 highly for its value and wearability, with the primary praise centering on its color and compact dimensions.

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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