Borealis Watch Co. LusitanovsFormex Essence ThirtyNine
lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures
Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Lusitano

Essence ThirtyNine
Diameter
39mm
39mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
45mm
lowest
Thickness
12.6mm
10mm
lowest
Water Resistance
n/a
100m
Power Reserve
60h
highest
41h
MSRP
$350
lowest
$2,390
Movement
Miyota 8315
Sellita SW200-1
Case
4 specsCrystal & Dial
2 specsMovement
2 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the Borealis Lusitano for its outstanding lume and high-quality bracelet, with one owner noting a comfortable fit. The Miyota 8315 movement is a point of discussion, with one owner finding it disappointing while another considers it superior to Seiko's 6R series. A single owner reported misaligned bezel indices and the need to regulate the Miyota 9015 movement. On balance, owners find the Borealis Lusitano offers good value, with its strong lume and bracelet being key selling points.
The Formex Essence ThirtyNine is widely praised for its build quality and value, featuring a patented case suspension system for comfort and protection. Reviewers note its 39mm case with a 10mm thickness and 45mm lug-to-lug distance, housing a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement. It includes a tool-free strap quick-release system and a patented micro-adjusting bracelet for comfort, with pricing around $1,280-$1,390. One minor inconvenience noted is the clasp's specific closing order. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence ThirtyNine highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value proposition.
The case suspension system enhances comfort and the COSC-certified movement is a strong feature. The bracelet exhibits noticeable rattle. Reviewers disagreed on the ideal case size, with some preferring the 39mm and others the 41mm.
Similar watches
Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price, microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.
Also compared
Comparisons nearby in the catalog: alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.









![DIYWATCH Club [Modding Starter Combo] DIY Watchmaking Kit](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fwatches%2Foriginals%2Fdiywatch-club--monthly-combo-diy-watchmaking-kit-pilot-watch-with-date-sapphire-crystal-2-extra-strap-included-8215-or-8315-miyota-movement.png%3Fv%3D1792320804662&w=1536&q=55)
