Side by side

Formex Essence FortythreevsFormex Reef GMT

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
Reef GMT
FormexReef GMT
MSRP $2,235
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.

Formex Reef GMT

The Formex Reef GMT is widely praised for its unique porthole case shape, COSC-certified Sellita SW330-2 movement with good finishing, and comfortable quick-release bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment. Reviewers note its robust construction, impressive specifications, and strong value proposition, with a slim 11.4mm profile accommodating 300m water resistance and an exhibition caseback. However, owners widely report the 53mm lug-to-lug span with male endlinks makes it too large for smaller wrists. Some find the bezel action stiff and potentially slippery, and a reviewer desired sharper finishing and edges, deeming the aesthetic too modernist. The GMT variant sacrifices a timing bezel unless swapped, and one owner notes sharp edges on the crown and crown guard. Overall, owners and reviewers highly rate the Formex Reef GMT for its exceptional value and well-executed features, particularly its bracelet system and COSC-certified movement.

From video reviewers

The watch features a COSC-certified SW330-2 GMT movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal display case back and beautifully decorated. The watch's water-resistance of up to 300m/1000ft is a notable feature. The 42mm diameter may be too large for smaller wrists.

At a glance

8 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence Fortythree43mm
Reef GMT42mm
Power Reserve
Essence Fortythree38h
Reef GMT56h
Water Resistance
Essence Fortythree100m
Reef GMT300m
MSRP
Essence Fortythree$1,850
Reef GMT$2,235

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Dress
GMT
Diameter
43mm
42mm
Thickness
10.6mm
11.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
47mm
Water Resistance
100m
300m

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Sellita SW330-2
Power Reserve
38h
56h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$2,235
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