Side by side

Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic 41vsFormex Essence Fortythree

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic 41

The Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic 41 is widely praised for its wearable 41mm size and slim profile, making it comfortable under sleeves. Owners appreciate its classic styling, unobtrusive date window at six o'clock, and the overall feel, with some noting it stands out as a military-style watch. The bezel is described as looking better in person, and the watch features a sapphire crystal with AR coating. Accuracy is reported within 2 seconds per day by one owner. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic 41 highly for its comfortable, slim wearability and classic aviation-inspired design at its price point.

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

16 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Aviator 8 Automatic 4141mm
Essence Fortythree43mm
Power Reserve
Aviator 8 Automatic 4138h
Essence Fortythree38h
Water Resistance
Aviator 8 Automatic 41100m
Essence Fortythree100m
MSRP
Aviator 8 Automatic 41$4,750
Essence Fortythree$1,850

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Mechanical
Dress
Diameter
41mm
43mm
Thickness
10.74mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
21mm
49mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Finish
Stainless steel
Brushed and polished
Caseback
Solid

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
AR Coating
Inner
Dial Color
Black
Indices
Applied
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Breitling 17 (ETA 2824-2 base)
Sellita SW200-1
Beat Rate
0 vph
28,800 vph
Jewels
0
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$4,750
$1,850
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