Side by side

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 38mm AutomaticvsFormex Essence FortyOne

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 FortyOne

Owners widely praise the Formex Essence for its comfortable bracelet, excellent finishing, and slim wearability, with some considering it the best in its price range. Reviewers highlight its compelling value, sporty-chic aesthetic, and build quality that suggests a more expensive product, noting the patented suspension system and chronometer-certified movement. Some owners dislike the brand name and logo, and the dial design is considered derivative by some. The 43mm case wears well due to its 10mm thickness and 49mm lug-to-lug, though some find it large on smaller wrists. A point of contention for some is the non-screw-down crown, despite its 100m water resistance. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence highly for its exceptional comfort and build quality at its price point.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Antarctic 38mm Automatic38mm
Essence FortyOne41mm
Power Reserve
Antarctic 38mm Automatic36h
Essence FortyOne41h
Water Resistance
Antarctic 38mm Automatic200m
Essence FortyOne100m
MSRP
Antarctic 38mm Automatic$945
Essence FortyOne$1,890

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Tool
Dress
Diameter
38mm
41mm
Thickness
10.1mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
0mm
46.5mm
Lug Width
0mm
22mm
Finish
Brushed + Polished + Satin
Water Resistance
200m
100m
Caseback
Display

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Brown
Arctic White

Movement

2 specs
Power Reserve
36h
41h
Complications
GMT
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$945
$1,890
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