Side by side

Breitling Navitimer AutomaticvsFormex Essence ThirtyNine

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

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Breitling Navitimer Automatic

Owners widely praise the Breitling Navitimer Automatic for its gorgeous design, historical appeal, and versatility for daily wear. Reviewers and owners alike highlight its comfortable 41mm size and thin profile, making it suitable for both dressy and casual occasions. The legibility of the dial is frequently mentioned as a strong point, with some appreciating the slide rule bezel for practical or decorative use. Accuracy is generally reported as good, with one owner noting +4 seconds per day. However, the 30m water resistance is a point of concern for owners, who advise avoiding any water contact. Some owners find the dial busy, though others embrace this characteristic. The high-polished case is noted to scratch easily, but some owners prefer this as it contributes to a worn aesthetic. Overall, owners rate the Breitling Navitimer Automatic highly for its attractive design, comfortable wearability, and value as a more accessible alternative to chronograph Navitimers.

Formex Essence ThirtyNine

The Formex Essence ThirtyNine is praised for its impressive build quality and value, featuring a patented case suspension system for comfort and protection. It houses a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38-hour power reserve and a tool-free strap quick-release system. A minor inconvenience noted is the specific closing order of the clasp. On balance, reviewers rate the Formex Essence ThirtyNine highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value at its price point.

From video reviewers

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.

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Navitimer Automatic41mm
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Power Reserve
Navitimer Automatic38h
Essence ThirtyNine41h
Water Resistance
Navitimer Automatic30m
Essence ThirtyNine100m
MSRP
Navitimer Automatic$5,550
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Chronograph
Dress
Diameter
41mm
39mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
Lug Width
0mm
20mm
Finish
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
30m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Space Ghost
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Breitling 17 (ETA 2824-2 base)
Sellita SW200-1
Power Reserve
38h
41h
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$5,550
$2,390
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