Side by side

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 BronzevsVaer D5 Tropic Auto

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

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze
KUOEOLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze
MSRP $599
D5 Tropic Auto
VaerD5 Tropic Auto
MSRP $699

At a glance

14 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze35mm
D5 Tropic Auto39mm
Power Reserve
OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze41h
D5 Tropic Auto40h
Water Resistance
OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze100m
D5 Tropic Auto200m
MSRP
OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze$599
D5 Tropic Auto$699

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Field
Diver
Diameter
35mm
39mm
Thickness
12.35mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
42mm
46mm
Lug Width
18mm
20mm
Material
Bronze
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Dome
Flat
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Brown
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
NH38
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
41h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$599
$699

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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.

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.

Vaer D5 Tropic Auto

Owners widely praise the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto for its excellent value, vintage aesthetic, and comfortable 39mm size that wears larger. Specific highlights include the bezel's satisfying click action and subtle shine, beautifully finished lugs that pair well with a jubilee bracelet, and a dynamic black and cream dial with a unique date feature. The incorporation of brushed steel, quick-release spring bars for easy strap changes, and good timekeeping are also frequently mentioned positives. The Vaer D5 Tropic Auto is considered good value with excellent water resistance, making it a great daily wear, and its fit and finish are often compared favorably to brands like Hamilton and Tissot. On balance, owners rate the Vaer D5 Tropic Auto highly for its blend of vintage styling, practical features, and strong value proposition.

From video reviewers

The dial design is a standout feature. The Miyota automatic movement is also noted.

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