Side by side

Breitling Navitimer AutomaticvsFormex Essence Fortythree

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 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

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Navitimer Automatic41mm
Essence Fortythree43mm
Power Reserve
Navitimer Automatic38h
Essence Fortythree38h
Water Resistance
Navitimer Automatic30m
Essence Fortythree100m
MSRP
Navitimer Automatic$5,550
Essence Fortythree$1,850

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Chronograph
Dress
Diameter
41mm
43mm
Thickness
10mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
Lug Width
0mm
22mm
Finish
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
30m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Breitling 17 (ETA 2824-2 base)
Sellita SW200-1
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$5,550
$1,850
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