Side by side

Airain Watches Type 20vsFormex Essence ThirtyNine

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

Type 20
Airain WatchesType 20
MSRP $3,650
Essence ThirtyNine
FormexEssence ThirtyNine
MSRP $2,390
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Airain Watches Type 20

Owners widely praise the Airain Watches Type 20 for its beautiful and faithful recreation of a classic model, highlighting its easily wearable 39mm case sizing and the pleasure of its manual winding movement. Reviewers note the pleasing "old radium" lume and the vintage military watch experience offered by modern construction. Some owners find the design timeless and clean, with one owner calling it "just perfect." However, reviewers point out that the vintage-style sapphire crystal can add glare, and the case is still considered a bit thick despite the manual movement. Strap hardware required swapping between included straps for one reviewer. One owner noted a small scratch on the crystal near the 12-hour mark. The movement's appearance is considered less attractive than many hand-wound chronographs by one reviewer. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Airain Watches Type 20 highly for its faithful vintage design and enjoyable manual winding action.

Formex Essence ThirtyNine

The Formex Essence ThirtyNine is praised for its impressive build quality and value, featuring a patented case suspension system for comfort and protection. It houses a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38-hour power reserve and a tool-free strap quick-release system. A minor inconvenience noted is the specific closing order of the clasp. On balance, reviewers rate the Formex Essence ThirtyNine highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value at its price point.

From video reviewers

The case suspension system enhances comfort and the COSC-certified movement is a strong feature. The bracelet exhibits noticeable rattle. Reviewers disagreed on the ideal case size, with some preferring the 39mm and others the 41mm.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Type 2039mm
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Power Reserve
Type 2063h
Essence ThirtyNine41h
Water Resistance
Type 2050m
Essence ThirtyNine100m
MSRP
Type 20$3,650
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Dress
Thickness
14.77mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
47.7mm
45mm
Lug Width
20mm
Water Resistance
50m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
Space Ghost
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
AM2
Sellita SW200-1
Type
Manual
Automatic
Power Reserve
63h
41h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$3,650
$2,390
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