Which is cheaper, the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $5,715 for the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow — a $3,301 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow wears larger at 44.5mm versus 42mm for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a 2.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 100m for the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow carries a 120-hour power reserve against 56 hours on the Formex Reef 42 mm.

What movement does the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow run compared to the Formex Reef 42 mm?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow uses the CW-001 and the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1.

Side by side

Christopher Ward Twelve X Black ShadowvsFormex Reef 42 mm

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

Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow

C12-41A5D1-SD0K0-RK

MSRP $5,715

Formex Reef 42 mm

reef-42mm-automatic-cosc-300m-black

MSRP $2,414

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Twelve X Black Shadow44.5mm

Reef 42 mm42mm

Power Reserve

Twelve X Black Shadow120h

Reef 42 mm56h

Water Resistance

Twelve X Black Shadow100m

Reef 42 mm300m

MSRP

Twelve X Black Shadow$5,715

Reef 42 mm$2,414

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Movement

5 specs

Caliber

CW-001

Sellita SW300-1

Beat Rate

4 vph

28,800 vph

Power Reserve

120h

56h

Jewels

Complications

Moonphase

None

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$5,715

$2,414

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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 Twelve X Black Shadow

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow for its exceptional titanium finishing, dynamic case design, and skeletonized COSC-certified SH21 movement with a 120-hour power reserve. Some owners note sharp edges on bracelet links and unfinished interior clasp surfaces, while reviewers mention legibility issues common to skeletonized watches and a thickness of 12.3mm making it feel chunkier than other models. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Christopher Ward Twelve X Black Shadow highly for its impressive in-house movement and titanium finishing at its price point.

The Formex Reef 42 mm is widely praised for its comfortable bracelet featuring a micro-adjust clasp, COSC-certified Sellita movement, and excellent build quality. Owners appreciate the gradient dial's visual appeal and the overall wearability. Some owners note the seconds hand does not perfectly align with markers, and one owner found the lugs' taper hinders third-party strap fit. The bracelet's length and sporty design are noted as limiting versatility by some. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 42 mm highly for its impressive wearability and value at the price point.

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