Which is cheaper, the Halios Universa II or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

At MSRP the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze is the cheaper of the two at $599, against $995 for the Halios Universa II — a $396 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Halios Universa II or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

The Halios Universa II wears larger at 38mm versus 35mm for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze — a 3mm difference across the dial.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Halios Universa II or the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

The KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze carries a 41-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Halios Universa II.

What movement does the Halios Universa II run compared to the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Halios Universa II uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze uses the NH38.

Side by side

Halios Universa IIvsKUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

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

Halios Universa II

universa-ii-5n-gold

MSRP $995

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

os90002nd-bz-br

MSRP $599

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Universa II38mm

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze35mm

Power Reserve

Universa II40h

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze41h

Water Resistance

Universa II100m

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze100m

MSRP

Universa II$995

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze$599

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

5 specs

Crystal

Sapphire (double-domed)

Sapphire

Crystal Shape

Flat

Dome

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Dial Color

Gold

Brown

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

NH38

Power Reserve

40h

41h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$995

$599

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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.

Halios Universa II

Owners widely praise the Halios Universa II for its applied indices, excellent finishing for the price, and comfortable 38mm dimensions. The integrated bracelet design with a satisfying micro-adjust clasp and case architecture are described as masterclasses. However, some find the bracelet clasp chunkier than the overall design, and the angular lug design is noted as not being for everyone. One owner reported unexpected pastel dial colors and a poor winding action. On balance, owners rate the Halios Universa II highly for its applied indices and excellent finishing at the price point.

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KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

Owners widely praise the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze for its vintage military aesthetic and comfortable 35mm wearability, noting the lug design allows it to fit well on wrists around 7 inches. The Seiko NH-35 movement is reported to be reliable, keeping time within +2 to +3 seconds per day. Some owners dislike the 18mm lug width and the PVD coating on the NATO strap hardware, which does not match the bronze case. Overall, owners rate the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze highly for its vintage appeal and comfortable wearability.

From video reviewers

The watch's bronze case finish is a notable strength, with reviewers highlighting its unique patina and subtle aging effect. A weakness is the lume brightness, which may be a drawback for those who prioritize nighttime readability. Reviewers agree on the watch's movement accuracy, citing the reliable and accurate Seiko NH38 caliber.

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