Side by side

Formex Essence FortythreevsFortis Novonaut N-42

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
Novonaut N-42
FortisNovonaut N-42
MSRP $5,230

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence Fortythree43mm
Novonaut N-4242mm
Power Reserve
Essence Fortythree38h
Novonaut N-4260h
Water Resistance
Essence Fortythree100m
Novonaut N-42300m
MSRP
Essence Fortythree$1,850
Novonaut N-42$5,230

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Dress
Chronograph
Diameter
43mm
42mm
Thickness
10.6mm
14.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
Lug Width
22mm
21mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Titanium / Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
300m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
Titanium Legacy
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Manufacture Caliber WERK 17
Power Reserve
38h
60h
Jewels
25
36

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$5,230

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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.

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.

Fortis Novonaut N-42

Owners widely praise the Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonauts for its stunning fit and finish, excellent legibility, and a precise, grippy bezel, with one owner calling its bracelet the nicest they've ever owned. The Fortis Novonaut N-42 is described as a flawless beast with a WERK 17 column-wheel chronograph movement, featuring enhanced shock resistance and COSC adjustment, and is noted as a handsome tool watch with a beautiful dial and nice pusher action. However, the 42mm case of the B-42 wears larger than expected, and the Novonaut's 44mm case and chunky bracelet make it too large and heavy for many. The Fortis Titanium Legacy is a modern pilot's watch with a titanium case and bracelet, featuring a Kenissi WERK 13 movement with a 70-hour power reserve and three time zones. Overall, owners and reviewers highly regard the Fortis Titanium Legacy for its robust tool watch design and advanced movement technology, despite some concerns about case size and bracelet adjustability.

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