Which is cheaper, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench?

At MSRP the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench is the cheaper of the two at $428, against $599 for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze — a $171 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench?

The Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench wears larger at 37mm versus 35mm for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze — a 2mm difference across the dial.

Which has a longer power reserve, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench?

The KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze carries a 41-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench.

What movement does the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze run compared to the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench?

Both watches run automatic movements — the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze uses the NH38 and the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench uses the Miyota 82s5.

Side by side

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 BronzevsVario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench

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

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

os90002nd-bz-br

MSRP $599

Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench

vario-1918-merlion-trench-limited-edition

MSRP $428

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze35mm

1918 SG60 Merlion Trench37mm

Power Reserve

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze41h

1918 SG60 Merlion Trench40h

Water Resistance

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze100m

1918 SG60 Merlion Trench100m

MSRP

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze$599

1918 SG60 Merlion Trench$428

Full specifications

Case

4 specs

Diameter

35mm

37mm

Thickness

12.35mm

10mm

Lug-to-Lug

42mm

45mm

Material

Bronze

Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

4 specs

Crystal Shape

Dome

Flat

AR Coating

Yes

Inner

Dial Color

Brown

—

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

NH38

Miyota 82s5

Power Reserve

41h

40h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$599

$428

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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.

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

Owners widely praise the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze for its vintage military aesthetic and comfortable 35mm wearability, noting the lug design allows it to fit well on wrists around 7 inches. The Seiko NH-35 movement is reported to be reliable, keeping time within +2 to +3 seconds per day. Some owners dislike the 18mm lug width and the PVD coating on the NATO strap hardware, which does not match the bronze case. Overall, owners rate the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze highly for its vintage appeal and comfortable wearability.

From video reviewers

The watch's bronze case finish is a notable strength, with reviewers highlighting its unique patina and subtle aging effect. A weakness is the lume brightness, which may be a drawback for those who prioritize nighttime readability. Reviewers agree on the watch's movement accuracy, citing the reliable and accurate Seiko NH38 caliber.

WatchCrunch

WatchUSeek

Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench

The Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench is widely seen as a commemorative keepsake, particularly for those celebrating Singapore's 60th anniversary or born in 1965. Reviewers note its vibrant red enamel dial and 37mm steel case with fixed wire lugs, along with 100m water resistance. One owner reported the watch is "patina-ing well" after three years, and the Miyota 82S5 movement is considered a reliable, cost-effective base. Overall, owners and reviewers appreciate the Vario 1918 SG60 Merlion Trench as a unique souvenir and tribute piece, with its distinctive enamel dial being a key draw.

WatchCrunch

Time + Tide

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