When it comes to affordable watches, the options are endless. Truly, endless. But what enthusiasts often end up with is a highly margined watch in a style they like. Not necessarily a bad thing, but a lack of what you pay for is always disappointing. This is sort of where RATIO comes into play. RATIO has historically made decently specced dive watches at a really reasonable price. Typically less than $200. RATIO just launched their next collection of aviation inspired Pilot watches called the Skysurfer.

CASE and MOVEMENT
The 40mm case sits well on the wrist, which isn't often the case when opening a new watch and “breaking-in” the leather. In fact, many affordable watches tend to slip and slide around the wrist for the first 30-days or so. It does'nt happen with this watch - a testament to the strap, and the case. The oversized crown feels great and is easy to use. One thing we look for in affordable watches is whether the crown is “crunchy” or not - On many cheap off-the-shelf movements, the crown is smooth and difficult or inconsistent. Since RATIO opted to go with the reliable Japanese movement-NH38A, the crown had the proper amount of Crunch, and it feels high end.

DIAL and HANDS
The dial is what should draw enthusiasts to this watch. There's just something about that sunbursts dial that catches in the right light and simply dazzles.The Handset features two components, a thicker silver piece, and a lumed sword-shaped extension on top of it. This overlap is really unique, and often found on more high end watches.

Overall this Ratio Pilot Style Watch is a solid offering from Ratio. For less than $200, it checks a lot of boxes and for someone looking for a more affordable pilot watch then Ratio has got quite an offering that looks and feels great, doesn't break the bank, and punches well above it's weight class.