Side by side

Archimede Watches Pilot 39vsFormex Essence Fortythree

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

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Archimede Watches Pilot 39

Archimede Watches Pilot 39 owners praise its clean design, craftsmanship, and value, with the 39mm case size noted as suitable for smaller wrists. One owner reported a unit stopped keeping time within months and experienced poor customer service regarding warranty. Accuracy varies, with one owner noting +10 seconds per day, while another prefers the utilitarian look of the flat crystal and the patina potential of bronze on the 39H Bronze variant. Overall, owners rate the Archimede Watches Pilot 39 highly for its unpretentious pilot watch design and strong value proposition.

From video reviewers

The 39mm case size is a key strength, offering ideal proportions for a daily wear flieger. Sharpness on the bracelet link corners is a comfort trade-off. Reviewers agree on the value proposition compared to competitors.

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

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Pilot 3939mm
Essence Fortythree43mm
Power Reserve
Pilot 39
Essence Fortythree38h
Water Resistance
Pilot 39100m
Essence Fortythree100m
MSRP
Pilot 39$924
Essence Fortythree$1,850

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Dress
Diameter
39mm
43mm
Thickness
11.4mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
49mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
ETA 2824-2
Sellita SW200-1
Power Reserve
38h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$924
$1,850
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