Side by side

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm AutomaticvsFormex Essence Fortythree

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 Fortythree

Owners widely praise the Formex Essence Fortythree for its comfortable wearability, excellent finishing for its price point, and a dial that plays well with light, with one owner noting the blue dial's variable appearance. The bracelet's micro-adjust system is functional, and the leather strap and deployant are considered exceptional. Reviewers highlight the watch's legible design and slim 10mm case, noting its significant value under $1,300. Some find the dial design derivative and the hardware-style logo out of place, while others consider the white dial stark. Consumer confusion exists regarding COSC versus non-COSC movement options. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence Fortythree highly for its luxury-level finishing and comfortable, value-driven design.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Antarctic 38mm Automatic38mm
Essence Fortythree43mm
Power Reserve
Antarctic 38mm Automatic36h
Essence Fortythree38h
Water Resistance
Antarctic 38mm Automatic200m
Essence Fortythree100m
MSRP
Antarctic 38mm Automatic$945
Essence Fortythree$1,850

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Tool
Dress
Diameter
38mm
43mm
Thickness
10.1mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
49mm
Lug Width
0mm
22mm
Finish
Brushed + Polished + Satin
Water Resistance
200m
100m
Caseback
Display

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Brown
Black

Movement

2 specs
Power Reserve
36h
38h
Complications
GMT
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$945
$1,850
Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm Automatic vs Formex Essence Fortythree gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.