Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2vsPagani Design PD-1723

The Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2 is widely praised for its balanced design, excellent legibility, and strong GADA (go-anywhere, do-anything) capabilities, featuring 300m water resistance and a scratch-resistant coating. Reviewers note its comfortable 40mm case size and good lume, though one source describes it as good but not great. The movement is a Sellita SW200 adjusted by the brand, with accuracy reported around ±8 seconds per day. The pre-order price is $650, with a standard price of $850. On balance, reviewers find the Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2 to be a compelling option due to its functional design and robust specifications.

Pagani Design PD-1723 is praised for its attractive dial, sapphire crystal, and overall finishing, with owners appreciating its vintage-inspired aesthetics and minimalist logo. The watch is noted to wear larger than its 37mm case size due to a thin bezel and 20mm lugs, feeling closer to 39mm on a 7-inch wrist. Lume is a point of contention, with some finding it surprisingly good on the indices and 12 o'clock position, while others describe it as poor, particularly on the hands. The bracelet is widely considered to be of low quality, though some find it comfortable with a nice taper, and many owners prefer using aftermarket straps. Discrepancies between product listings and received watches, particularly regarding movement branding and the PT5000 movement's potential winding issues and rotor rattle, have been noted. The V2 update features an exhibition caseback and a clasp swap, which some owners prefer over the V1, while others favor the V1's hands and dial proportions.