Geckota Pioneer AutomaticvsPraesidus A-5 UDT

Owners widely praise the Geckota Pioneer Automatic for its retro-futuristic design, impressive lume, and unique dial finishing. The red dial variants are particularly favored for their brushed fumee appearance and vintage feel. Accuracy is noted as surprisingly good for an NH35 movement, though one owner reports +/- 20 seconds per day. The watch is considered a bargain by some at $259, while others find the $519 price for the NH35 movement in a 14mm thick case excessive. The 42mm cushion case is noted to wear large due to its lack of a prominent bezel. A minor phantom date position on the crown is reported, and the crystal is very reflective despite an anti-reflective coating. Some find the gold accents look a bit cheap, and one instance of a loose fleck of lume was observed. Overall, owners rate the Geckota Pioneer Automatic highly for its distinctive vintage aesthetic and value, particularly on sale.

The Praesidus A-5 UDT is noted for its historically inspired design, featuring an oversized crown cap and chain that pays homage to WW2 canteen watches. Reviewers highlight its functional dial with embossed, Super-LumiNova filled numerals and markers for legibility, alongside 200m water resistance and a 38mm brushed stainless steel case. Some owners find the 11.7mm thickness problematic, describing it as disproportionately tall. The watch's ana/digi functionality and connection to special operations forces are also praised. On balance, owners and reviewers appreciate the Praesidus A-5 UDT for its unique historical design elements and functional dial.