Side by side

Timefactors SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATICvsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Timefactors SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC

Owners widely praise the Timefactors SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC for its unique, "badass," rugged, and futuristic design, with some finding its "ugly" aesthetic appealing for its bombproof nature. The Seiko 6R15 movement winds smoothly and operates quietly, and the watch features 100m water resistance and a flat sapphire crystal. The 12 o'clock crown is noted as easy to use by rolling, and the fixed lugs necessitate NATO straps. Some owners report issues with Timefactors' ordering system and customer service, and one found a speck of dust under the crystal, though another noted no imperfections. Overall, owners rate the Timefactors SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC highly for its distinctive "beater" watch build and unique aesthetic at the price.

Vaer D5 Tropic Auto

Owners widely praise the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto for its excellent value, vintage aesthetic, and comfortable 39mm size that wears larger. Specific highlights include the bezel's satisfying click action and subtle shine, beautifully finished lugs that pair well with a jubilee bracelet, and a dynamic black and cream dial with a unique date feature. The incorporation of brushed steel, quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and good timekeeping are also frequently mentioned positives. The Vaer D5 Tropic Auto is considered good value with excellent water resistance, making it a great daily wear, and its fit and finish are often compared favorably to brands like Hamilton and Tissot. On balance, owners rate the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto highly for its blend of vintage styling, practical features, and strong value proposition.

From video reviewers

The dial design is a standout feature. The Miyota automatic movement is also noted.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC40.2mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC50h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC100m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
SMITHS NATO PRS-40 AUTOMATIC$315
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
40.2mm
39mm
Thickness
12.25mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
54.7mm
46mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
6R15
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
50h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$315
$699
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