Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsBorealis Watch Co. Porto Covo

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

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
Porto Covo
Borealis Watch Co.Porto Covo
MSRP $415

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
Porto Covo40mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
Porto Covo40h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
Porto Covo300m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
Porto Covo$415

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
12.6mm
11.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
42.5mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
100m
300m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
BGW9

Movement

1 specs
Power Reserve
42h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$415

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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.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

Borealis Watch Co. Porto Covo

The Borealis Porto Covo is widely praised for its 39mm size and unique cantilevered indices that create a 3D effect and depth. Owners note the indices' floating appearance is a well-executed design. One owner reported poor accuracy and a terse customer service response, while another wished for a 42mm size option. The $395 price is considered reasonable for a microbrand, though some feel it does not compare favorably to AliExpress options. Overall, owners appreciate the Borealis Porto Covo for its distinctive dial design and wearable 39mm case size.

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