Today, we’re taking a closer look at a brand I’ve been eager to explore ever since it made its debut in the microbrand scene. Founded in 2017 in Singapore, Ratio was launched to offer well-crafted, no-nonsense tool watches without the premium markup. Watchmaking often revolves around status symbols and inflated price tags, Ratio stakes its ground on purpose and practicality. Born out of frustration with the overpriced, overhyped watch market, Ratio’s founding team comprises divers, adventurers, and watch enthusiasts united by a vision: craft rugged timepieces that prioritize function and form. These watches confidently balance performance specifications—Japanese automatic or quartz movements, sapphire crystals, solid water resistance—with clean, purposeful design. The brand embraces sturdy materials and legible dials over flash and frills. Inspired by the utilitarian heritage of classic dive watches, Ratio emphasizes clarity and durability. From ISO-certified dive models to everyday beaters, each watch embodies a straightforward goal: to do the job it was built for. Ratio doesn’t chase hype, instead, they build quietly for a community that values honesty, mechanical integrity, and real-world utility without breaking a bank!
When Ratio offered me the opportunity to review two of their watches, I selected one dive watch (which I’ll keep under wraps until the next review goes live) and paired it with a pilot-style timepiece. The watch we’re focusing on today comes from their Skysurfer collection—a lineup of 12 aviation-inspired models featuring blue, black, and full-lume dials in various layouts, all paying tribute to classic pilot’s watches. Notably, the full-lume dial version commands a slightly higher price than its blue and black counterparts. Still, it immediately caught my eye. I’ve always been drawn to the concept of fully luminous dials, though in practice, the execution often falls short (yes, I’m looking at you, AVI-8).
The Skysurfer arrived in a compact, rectangular black clamshell-style box containing just the watch and a warranty card. It’s straightforward and fuss-free, which I appreciate—but a travel case or reusable pouch would be a more sustainable and practical choice. That said, the minimal packaging is easy to store and doesn’t add to closet clutter, so no real complaints there. As for first impressions? Genuinely positive. The overall build quality is solid, and the finishing appears well-executed. Nothing jumped out as a flaw or a personal dealbreaker, which is a rare thing for me to say this early on. Ratio seems to have delivered a well-balanced, purpose-driven pilot’s watch—and I’m excited to dive deeper into what makes the Skysurfer tick.
The round case of the Ratio Skysurfer is the first indication that you’re getting significantly more than what the price tag suggests. Constructed from 316L stainless steel, it measures a versatile 38mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug span of 46.2mm and a slim thickness of just 11.8mm. These dimensions make it an exceptionally wearable watch—compact enough for smaller wrists, yet with enough presence to suit a broader range. It also slips effortlessly under a cuff, making it ideal for both casual and slightly more formal settings. The finishing is particularly noteworthy. The brushed surfaces are even and consistent throughout. What truly elevates the Skysurfer is its 200 meters of water resistance, an uncommon feature in aviation-style watches—especially in this price category. While most fliegers are limited to 30 to 50 meters, the Skysurfer’s screw-down case and crown allow it to double as a capable tool watch, suitable for swimming, showering, and even light diving.
The screw-down crown is another highlight. It engages cleanly, threads smoothly, and offers a satisfyingly tactile experience. It’s also signed with the Ratio logo, adding a subtle touch of branding. Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, ensuring both durability and clarity in a variety of lighting conditions. It’s a well-considered design that balances form and function impressively. The solid screw-down caseback features a refined satin-brushed finish complemented by polished outer edges, adding a touch of contrast and depth. At the center, an engraved depiction of a literal sky surfer gives the watch a playful and distinctive character. Surrounding the central artwork are the watch’s core specifications, neatly engraved around the perimeter.
The dial of the Skysurfer is, without question, one of its standout features. The version reviewed here adopts the classic Type A Flieger layout, distinguished by bold Arabic numerals, a prominent triangle marker at 12 o’clock, and a clean, no-date presentation that stays true to its aviation roots. This particular model features a full-lume dial, offering a striking dual personality—crisp and understated in daylight, and vibrant green and highly legible in low light. The luminous coating is applied evenly and performs impressively, noticeably outlasting comparable models, including recent full-lume releases from AVI-8.
All numerals and minute markers are sharply printed in glossy black, delivering excellent contrast and readability. The sword-shaped hands, also in glossy black, maintain the strong legibility while reinforcing the watch’s utilitarian character. A slender needle-like seconds hand extends cleanly to the outer minute track and features a subtle Ratio “R” logo as a counterbalance—an elegant branding touch that adds a hint of personality without disrupting the traditional flieger aesthetic. Overall, the dial delivers clarity, balance, and functionality, remaining highly legible in all lighting conditions. It’s a refined execution of a historic design, with thoughtful updates that make it both modern and practical.
Powering the Ratio Skysurfer is the Seiko NH38A automatic movement — a workhorse caliber known for its reliability and ease of servicing. The NH38 is essentially the no-date version of the widely used NH35, which means no phantom date position when pulling out the crown — a smart choice that helps the watch feel cleaner and more intentional. Specs-wise, the NH38 beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 ticks per second), features 24 jewels, a hacking seconds hand, and manual winding capability, with a power reserve of around 40 hours.
Accuracy is generally solid out of the box. My sample ran at +5 to +7 seconds per day, well within the expected range for this movement and more than acceptable for a watch in this price range. It’s not a luxury movement, and the finishing is industrial, but it’s tough, consistent, and dependable — the kind of movement that can go for years without needing service. It’s also widely supported, meaning replacements and repairs are easy and affordable if needed down the line.
The Skysurfer comes equipped with a black leather strap in a classic Flieger style. Crafted from soft, supple leather, the strap features clean white contrast stitching that adds a touch of character without overwhelming the overall design. The underside is also lined in smooth black leather, this time with matching black stitching for a more understated finish. Although the strap itself is unsigned, this is understandable at this price point and not something I find concerning. It tapers subtly from 20mm at the lugs to 18mm at the buckle, offering a refined profile on the wrist. The tang-style buckle, however, is signed and showcases a tasteful combination of brushed finishing with polished edges, giving it a premium feel. A practical highlight is the inclusion of quick-release spring bars, which make swapping straps a breeze. Out of the box, the strap is remarkably comfortable and requires virtually no break-in time. I’ve also experimented with pairing the Skysurfer with a variety of other straps, and it handles them all with ease — it’s a true strap monster.
The Ratio Skysurfer is a compelling example of what happens when a microbrand gets the fundamentals right. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks, inflated branding, or borrowed prestige—instead, it delivers honest value through solid construction, functional design, and thoughtful execution. From the robust 200 meters of water resistance (a rare feature in pilot-style watches) to the reliable NH38A movement and standout full-lume dial, the Skysurfer punches well above its weight. What impressed me most is how cohesively the watch comes together. Every component—from the case finishing to the legible dial layout—feels intentional. It’s clear that Ratio made this piece with utility and everyday wearability in mind, not just to check boxes on a spec sheet. Add in quick-release spring bars, a comfortable leather strap, and wearable dimensions, and you get a timepiece that’s not just affordable, but genuinely enjoyable to wear.
Of course, it’s not a luxury piece, and it’s not trying to be. But in a world where watches often lean heavily on heritage marketing and unnecessary markup, the Skysurfer is refreshingly grounded. It’s an accessible, well-executed pilot’s watch that delivers excellent value and character without pretense. If you’re looking for a dependable daily driver with aviation inspiration and tool watch capability, the Skysurfer is well worth your attention.
KaminskyBlog 