Breitling Premier Automatic Day Date 40vsFormex Essence ThirtyNine
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Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.
Premier Automatic Day Date 40
Essence ThirtyNine
Diameter
40mm
39mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
45mm
Thickness
11.4mm
10mm
lowest
Water Resistance
100m
100m
Power Reserve
38h
41h
highest
MSRP
$5,950
$2,390
lowest
Movement
Breitling 45
Sellita SW200-1
Case
5 specsCrystal & Dial
2 specsMovement
5 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners praise the Breitling Premier Automatic Day Date 40 for its refined, timeless design and perceived value. The anthracite dial is noted as a specific attractive feature. Some owners expressed a desire for an in-house movement over the Breitling 45. On balance, owners view the Breitling Premier Automatic Day Date 40 as an underrated watch appreciated for its simple, elegant aesthetic.
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.
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