Side by side

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm AutomaticvsFormex Essence ThirtyNine

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

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm Automatic

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm Automatic owners widely praise its excellent quality for the price, with reviewers highlighting its authentic tropical dial recreation and attractive 38mm case proportions. Owners report accuracy ranging from +6 to +9 seconds per day, and one reviewer notes the Soprod P024 movement has a 38-hour power reserve. The included rally strap is considered mismatched by one reviewer, and the beige Super-LumiNova on a 35mm variant was described as too yellow. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm Automatic highly for its authentic design and excellent quality at its $750 price point.

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

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Antarctic 38mm Automatic38mm
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Power Reserve
Antarctic 38mm Automatic36h
Essence ThirtyNine41h
Water Resistance
Antarctic 38mm Automatic200m
Essence ThirtyNine100m
MSRP
Antarctic 38mm Automatic$945
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Tool
Dress
Diameter
38mm
39mm
Thickness
10.1mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
45mm
Lug Width
0mm
20mm
Finish
Brushed + Polished + Satin
Water Resistance
200m
100m
Caseback
Display

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Brown
Space Ghost

Movement

2 specs
Power Reserve
36h
41h
Complications
GMT
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$945
$2,390
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