Side by side

Formex Essence ThirtyNinevsSeiko Presage Classic Series

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.

Formex Essence ThirtyNine

The Formex Essence ThirtyNine is praised for its impressive build quality and value, featuring a patented case suspension system for comfort and protection. It houses a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38-hour power reserve and a tool-free strap quick-release system. A minor inconvenience noted is the specific closing order of the clasp. On balance, reviewers rate the Formex Essence ThirtyNine highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value at its price point.

From video reviewers

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.

Seiko Presage Classic Series

The Seiko Presage Classic Series is widely praised for its sublime dial and hand finishing, with textured dials inspired by Japanese silk fabrics and aesthetically pleasing curved hands. Owners and reviewers highlight the clean dials with applied indices and the robust elegance of the watches, noting the comfortable wearability of the cases, particularly the 36mm variants, and the practical 100m water resistance. The 6R movements provide a 72-hour power reserve, a notable improvement for the price point. However, the pin and collar bracelet system is criticized by one owner as subpar for the cost, and the quoted accuracy of the 6R55 movement is -15/+25 seconds per day, though one forum user reports better performance. The exhibition caseback's finish is described as entry-industrial, and the open-heart and 24-hour subdial configurations may not appeal to all.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Presage Classic Series40.2mm
Power Reserve
Essence ThirtyNine41h
Presage Classic Series72h
Water Resistance
Essence ThirtyNine100m
Presage Classic Series100m
MSRP
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390
Presage Classic Series$950

Full specifications

Case

3 specs
Diameter
39mm
40.2mm
Thickness
10mm
13mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
46mm

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Curved
AR Coating
Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Dial Color
Space Ghost
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
6R55
Power Reserve
41h
72h
Jewels
0
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,390
$950
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