Side by side

Dan Henry 1939vsFormex Essence Fortythree

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

1939
Dan Henry1939
MSRP $290
Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
193941mm
Essence Fortythree43mm
Power Reserve
193940h
Essence Fortythree38h
Water Resistance
1939
Essence Fortythree100m
MSRP
1939$290
Essence Fortythree$1,850

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Chronograph
Dress
Diameter
41mm
43mm
Thickness
13.9mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.2mm
49mm
Material
316L Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Standard
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Type
Quartz
Automatic
Power Reserve
40h
38h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$290
$1,850

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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.

Dan Henry 1939

Owners widely praise the Dan Henry 1939 for its striking, art-like design, detailed multi-layered dial with glossy black background and gold raised markers, and the solid clicking feel of its chronograph buttons. The gorgeous domed crystal and smooth chrono sweep back are also noted positives, contributing to a feeling of sturdiness and exceptional value at $220. Some owners express disappointment it uses a quartz movement, and one owner found it surprisingly heavy. After two years of daily wear, the watch has sustained abuse with only minor bezel nicks and barely visible scratches on the glass, while its chronograph pushers retain an audible click. On balance, owners rate the Dan Henry 1939 highly for its detailed design and exceptional value at the price point.

From video reviewers

The dial finishing and classic aesthetic are consistently praised. The lack of lume is a significant drawback for legibility in low light.

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.

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