Cincinnati Watch Company Guild Mechanical SteelvsVario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

The Cincinnati Watch Company Guild Mechanical Steel is praised for its sharp, vintage-inspired dial with ornate Breguet numerals and textured center, and its comfortable, solid-link bracelet. Owners widely report good legibility and a classy design. Some find its 10mm thickness too much for a dressy manual wind watch, and the acrylic crystal and quartz movement are noted as compromises for the price, with one owner stating they would not pay more than $150 for a watch with these features. On balance, owners rate the Cincinnati Watch Company Guild Mechanical Steel highly for its beautiful dial and vintage design at a budget price point.

Owners widely praise the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound for its detailed, multi-layered dial featuring applied numerals and guilloche patterns, its elegant Art Deco-inspired design, and the enjoyable winding feel of the Miyota 6T33 handwound movement, often visible through an exhibition case back. The 38mm case size is considered a positive by many, and the included leather strap is noted for its comfort and quality. Some owners find the differing fonts on the sub-dials and perimeter less appealing, and the absence of a constant seconds sub-dial is flagged as a drawback. On balance, owners rate the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound highly for its distinctive Art Deco styling and detailed dial at its price point.