Which is cheaper, the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

At MSRP the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite is the cheaper of the two at $650, against $2,414 for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a $1,764 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 38.5mm for the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite — a 3.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 200m for the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite.

What movement does the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite run compared to the Formex Reef 42 mm?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite uses the Miyota 9039 and the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1.

Side by side

Astor + Banks Fortitude LitevsFormex Reef 42 mm

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

Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite

fortitude-lite-maiz

MSRP $650

Formex Reef 42 mm

reef-42mm-automatic-cosc-300m-black

MSRP $2,414

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Fortitude Lite38.5mm

Reef 42 mm42mm

Power Reserve

Fortitude Lite40h

Reef 42 mm56h

Water Resistance

Fortitude Lite200m

Reef 42 mm300m

MSRP

Fortitude Lite$650

Reef 42 mm$2,414

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

Dial Color

Maíz

Black

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Miyota 9039

Sellita SW300-1

Power Reserve

40h

56h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$650

$2,414

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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.

Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite

The Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite is praised for its reduced 10.9mm thickness and redesigned lugs that turn down, along with the removal of the date complication. One owner finds the white dial Fortitude Lite a good watch but not worth $650, suggesting better value from other brands, while another simply states it looks better than a specific alternative. Overall, owners praise the Astor + Banks Fortitude Lite for its wearability due to its thinner case and redesigned lugs.

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Formex Reef 42 mm

The Formex Reef 42 mm is widely praised for its comfortable bracelet featuring a micro-adjust clasp, COSC-certified Sellita movement, and excellent build quality. Owners appreciate the gradient dial's visual appeal and the overall wearability. Some owners note the seconds hand does not perfectly align with markers, and one owner found the lugs' taper hinders third-party strap fit. The bracelet's length and sporty design are noted as limiting versatility by some. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 42 mm highly for its impressive wearability and value at the price point.

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