I buy both to be honest. I am willing to pay more for a brand with history and a reputation (and a well respected service depart Mebt) so I can maybe pass the watch down, or sell it, way in the future. I would own an independent if it checked all the boxes, was at the right price point, and didn’t seem like a cash grab.

Unfortunately they just don’t have the brand prestige anymore. They went bankrupt in the 90s. Now they’re owned by Fossil and use relatively cheap Soprod movements. I do like the vintage Seawolf styling.

I think they get hate because they make a lot of homage/rolex copies, and they don't make movements. They also could be accused of exaggerating their history and heritage a bit. Steinhart is another brand that seems to be polarizing. 

I love that dial. 

For me personally I prefer the 36mm size. I guess my only negative thoughts about it are:

1 They have ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200 movements. 

2 They made a polarizing style choice by using large diver style lume plots in a field watch style case. 

For the right price I would buy one.