Side by side

Christopher Ward C1 MoonglowvsFormex Essence Fortythree

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

C1 Moonglow
Christopher WardC1 Moonglow
MSRP $3,050
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.

Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow

The Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow is widely praised for its comfort, wearability at 40.5mm, and impressive lume, with owners calling it gorgeous, unique, and the coolest moonphase for the money. The moonphase complication is noted as constantly rotating, and one owner reports it accurate to within 1 day every 128 years. Some criticism exists regarding the dual moon phase display, where the inactive moon is visible through a translucent cover, and the lume on the date ring is less bright and fades faster than other luminous elements. One owner specifically loves the opaque blue moonphase dial of the LE Celestial Blue variant. Overall, owners and reviewers find the Christopher Ward C1 Moonglow a visually engaging and comfortable watch, particularly for its price point, with its unique dial design and strong lume being significant draws.

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

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
C1 Moonglow40mm
Essence Fortythree43mm
Power Reserve
C1 Moonglow38h
Essence Fortythree38h
Water Resistance
C1 Moonglow30m
Essence Fortythree100m
MSRP
C1 Moonglow$3,050
Essence Fortythree$1,850

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Dress
Diameter
40mm
43mm
Thickness
12.9mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
47.9mm
49mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
30m
100m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Lume
SLN X1 WL C1
Super-LumiNova

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
SW220-1
Sellita SW200-1
Beat Rate
4 vph
28,800 vph
Jewels
26
25
Complications
Moonphase, Day-date
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$3,050
$1,850
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