Squale 1521vsSeiko 5KX

Owners widely praise the Squale 1521 for its classic look and robust build, with specific mentions of its wearable 12.5mm thickness and refined case finishing. The 42mm case is noted by some to wear smaller, closer to 40mm, due to short lugs, feeling solid without being too large. However, opinions on the bracelet vary, with some finding it too flashy or stiff, and one owner reported moisture ingress after a shower due to a loose case back. The crown can be difficult to operate due to deep integration, and the 38-hour power reserve is considered old-school but reliable. Overall, owners rate the Squale 1521 highly for its classic design and wearability, despite some reservations about the bracelet and crown.

Owners widely praise the Seiko 5KX for its strong lume and value, with many reporting accuracy within +/-5 to 10 seconds per day, though some experience +/-1 second. The 42.5mm case is noted to wear smaller, and the watch offers a comfortable feel for many. Some owners are split on the bracelet quality, with opinions ranging from "cheaper side" with hollow links to "flimsy-feeling" jubilee. A few quality control issues have been reported, including a failed bezel clickspring and misaligned components. The Seiko 5KX is seen by some as a worthy successor to the original SKX, offering an upgraded movement with hacking and hand-winding capabilities, though others lament the loss of ISO certification and a screw-down crown. Overall, owners rate the Seiko 5KX highly for its excellent lume and value proposition, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.