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 silk and elegantly curved hands. Owners and reviewers highlight the value proposition under $1,000, the comfortable wearability due to case proportions and slim appearance, and the robust 100m water resistance on several models. The 72-hour power reserve from the 6R51 or 6R55 automatic movements is a consistent positive note. However, one owner criticizes the pin and collar bracelet system as awful, and the 24-hour subdial is noted as potentially annoying by another. Accuracy figures for the 6R55 movement range from +25/-15 seconds per day to within -15/+25 seconds per day. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko Presage Classic Series highly for its exquisite dial work and strong value at its price point.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Presage Classic Series36mm
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

4 specs
Diameter
39mm
36mm
Thickness
10mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
41.4mm
Lug Width
20mm
18mm

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
6R51
Power Reserve
41h
72h
Jewels
0
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,390
$950
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