Which is cheaper, the Sternglas Berlin Automatik or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

At MSRP the Sternglas Berlin Automatik is the cheaper of the two at $485, against $2,414 for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a $1,929 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Sternglas Berlin Automatik or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 38mm for the Sternglas Berlin Automatik — a 4mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Sternglas Berlin Automatik or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 50m for the Sternglas Berlin Automatik.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Sternglas Berlin Automatik or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 42 hours on the Sternglas Berlin Automatik.

What movement does the Sternglas Berlin Automatik run compared to the Formex Reef 42 mm?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Sternglas Berlin Automatik uses the Miyota 8215 and the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1.

Side by side

Sternglas Berlin AutomatikvsFormex Reef 42 mm

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

Sternglas Berlin Automatik

berlin-automatik-kupferbeige

MSRP $485

Formex Reef 42 mm

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

MSRP $2,414

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Berlin Automatik38mm

Reef 42 mm42mm

Power Reserve

Berlin Automatik42h

Reef 42 mm56h

Water Resistance

Berlin Automatik50m

Reef 42 mm300m

MSRP

Berlin Automatik$485

Reef 42 mm$2,414

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

Dial Color

—

Black

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Miyota 8215

Sellita SW300-1

Power Reserve

42h

56h

Jewels

—

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$485

$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.

Sternglas Berlin Automatik

Owners widely praise the Sternglas Berlin Automatik for its handsome, clean dial and a 38mm size that fits smaller wrists well, making it a comfortable daily wearer. The case is described as solid and well-finished. However, the Miyota 8205 movement is noted as reliable but noticeably loud, and the exhibition caseback is unadorned. Some owners find the watch too simple and question the value, citing basic movement and strap choices for the price, with a few feeling the proportions and day/date complication are off. Overall, owners appreciate the Sternglas Berlin Automatik for its classic design and wearability, though some debate its value proposition.

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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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