Seiko 5KXvsThorn Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Diver

Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Diver
ThornVintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Diver

Ref. thorn-vintage-50-fathoms-hygrometer-cusn8-tin-bronze-dive-watch·MSRP $209

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Seiko 5KX at true scale

5KX

Thorn Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Diver at true scale

Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Diver

Diameter

42.5mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

lowest

50.4mm

Thickness

13.4mm

lowest

14.2mm

Water Resistance

100m

200m

highest

Power Reserve

41h

n/a

MSRP

$350

$209

lowest

Movement

Seiko 4R36

Seiko NH35

Case

6 specs
Diameter
42.5mm
40mm
Thickness
13.4mm
14.2mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
50.4mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
CUSN8 tin bronze material
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Hardlex
Sapphire
Dial Color
Blue
n/a
Lume
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Seiko 4R36
Seiko NH35
Power Reserve
41h
0h
Jewels
24
0

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$350
$209
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Seiko 5KX

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.

Thorn Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Diver

Owners widely praise the Thorn Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Dive Watch for its bead-blasted bronze case finishing and retro styling, with many finding it a lovable and satisfying retro diver at its price point. Some owners appreciate the improved font over previous models and note good construction and detailing, while others find the dial marred by unnecessary symbols or silly text. Concerns have been raised regarding potential improvements in dial and bezel alignment, and one owner describes the watch as chunky with an unsuitable stock NATO strap. Overall, owners rate the Thorn Vintage 50-Fathoms Bronze Dive Watch highly for its attractive bronze case finishing and retro appeal at the price.