Astor + Banks Sea Ranger M2vsSeiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial

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.

The Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial is widely praised for its beautiful, deep urushi lacquer dial, with reviewers noting its remarkable depth and soft sheen. Owners are captivated by the craftsmanship and appearance, with one calling it a grail watch. The dial's color palette is inspired by traditional crafts, making them accessible at a price point around $1,650. However, some owners find the watch substantial in thickness and case size, with one noting it wears taller than divers. A reviewer also found triple-retrograde dials too busy, and one owner observed faint scratches from polishing and pores on the white logo and Roman numerals under bright light. Overall, owners and reviewers highly regard the Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial for its accessible traditional craft dial and unique aesthetic.