Side by side

CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue WatchvsGrand Seiko SBGW281

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

1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
CWC1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
MSRP $2,458
SBGW281
Grand SeikoSBGW281
MSRP $4,900

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch41mm
SBGW28137.3mm
Power Reserve
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
SBGW28172h
Water Resistance
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
SBGW28130m
MSRP
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$2,458
SBGW281$4,900

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Dress
Diameter
41mm
37.3mm
Thickness
12mm
11.7mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
44.3mm
Lug Width
20mm
19mm
Water Resistance
300m
30m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
ETA 2824-2
9S64
Type
Automatic
Manual
Power Reserve
40h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,458
$4,900

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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.

CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

The CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is widely praised for its faithful recreation of vintage details, including its dial layout with markers touching the chapter ring and pointed crown guards. Owners and reviewers note its reasonable size and the original minute hand design. However, the lume is a point of contention: some find the "faux patina" tint too gold and glossy, while others specifically criticize the mismatched lume color between hands and hour markers, with the hour marker lume described as overly shiny and convex. On balance, the CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is highly regarded for its authentic vintage aesthetic and wearability, despite mixed opinions on the lume application.

From video reviewers

The watch's accurate movement is a notable strength. A potential weakness is its relatively high price point. Reviewers disagree on the watch's water-resistance, with one reviewer suggesting it could be improved and the other not mentioning any issues with water-resistance.

Grand Seiko SBGW281

Grand Seiko SBGW281 owners and reviewers alike praise its classic 37mm size and timeless, no-bezel design, with enthusiasts calling these manual-wind models "perfect Grand Seikos" for their thin profile, accessible price, and dial symmetry. The champagne dial is noted for its evocative, melting snow aesthetic, complemented by a gold seconds hand and a box crystal. The winding action is described as exceptionally smooth with satisfying clicky feedback, and the lug-to-lug measurement is approximately 45mm. This timepiece is splash resistant and retails for US$4,800. On balance, enthusiasts and reviewers highly regard the Grand Seiko SBGW281 for its elegant proportions and refined dial presentation.

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