Side by side

Formex Essence ThirtyNinevsTissot PR516

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

Add a watch

Some links are affiliate links — lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

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.

Tissot PR516

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Tissot PR516 for its vintage-inspired dial, robust case finishing, and the horological substance offered at its price point, with some noting its 38mm size and historical connections as highlights. The manual-wind movement is frequently cited for its 68-hour power reserve and modern technology. However, the watch's 14mm thickness and substantial lug-to-lug distance are noted as potentially making it wear large on smaller wrists. Some owners find the dial bland and the fixed bezel disappointing, while others criticize the basic stamped clasp and simplistic movement finishing visible through the display caseback. On balance, owners and reviewers consider the Tissot PR516 a compelling heritage-inspired sports watch, particularly for its value and vintage motorsport aesthetic.

From video reviewers

The value proposition against competitors is a shared strength. Reviewers did not agree on the case size, with mentions of 40mm and 38mm.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
PR51638mm
Power Reserve
Essence ThirtyNine41h
PR51680h
Water Resistance
Essence ThirtyNine100m
PR516100m
MSRP
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390
PR516$825

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Category
Dress
Sport
Diameter
39mm
38mm
Thickness
10mm
11.18mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
37mm

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Space Ghost
White
Indices
Indexes
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Tissot Powermatic 80
Power Reserve
41h
80h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,390
$825
Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

DiscussionNot started
Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.