Seiko 5 Sports SKX seriesvsVario 1918 Trench Brass

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is widely praised for its value, robust build, and powerful lume, with owners appreciating its comfortable bracelets and improved movement featuring hacking and hand-winding. Some owners find the original SKX models heavy and bulky, while others praise their ruggedness and iconic dive watch design. Reviewers note the 38mm models offer great value at around €350 and are exemplary gateway watches, though their 100m water resistance without a screw-down crown makes them unsuitable for diving. The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series is seen as a decent watch, especially under £200, but lacks the tool watch capabilities of the original SKX, missing a screw-down crown, bezel pip, and ISO rating. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series well for its blend of value, improved movement, and tool-watch aesthetic, despite some missing dive certifications.

Owners widely praise the Vario 1918 Trench Brass for its attractive, precisely made dial and case, with the evolving brass patina noted as a positive feature. The bund strap is considered comfortable and well-fitting by some, though others find it stiff and short for larger wrists. The lume is considered poor. The Miyota 82s5 movement is described as adequate, with accuracy ranging from about -10 seconds per day to simply running slow. On balance, owners rate the Vario 1918 Trench Brass highly for its fantastic looks and the unique character of its brass case.