Vario 1918 Trench BrassvsZelos Skyraider 2

Owners widely praise the Vario 1918 Trench Brass for its attractive, precisely made dial and case, with the evolving brass patina noted as a positive feature. The bund strap is considered comfortable and well-fitting by some, though others find it stiff and short for larger wrists. The lume is considered poor. The Miyota 82s5 movement is described as adequate, with accuracy ranging from about -10 seconds per day to simply running slow. On balance, owners rate the Vario 1918 Trench Brass highly for its fantastic looks and the unique character of its brass case.

The Zelos Skyraider 2 is praised for its value, particularly offering unique dial materials like meteorite at a fraction of luxury prices, and its bronze case is noted for a warm glow. Reviewers and owners highlight the Flieger-inspired design and the use of a manual-wind ETA 6498 movement, with BGW9 and C3 Super-LumiNova lume. Some owners find the skeletonized variant ideal for style over everyday legibility, while others note the brand's past designs have sometimes been hard to read or bulky. The Zelos Skyraider 2 is available in various materials and dial options, with prices ranging from $699 to $1,399. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Skyraider 2 highly for its distinctive materials and design at a competitive price point.