Formex Essence FortythreevsGrand Seiko SBGA375

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Formex Essence Fortythree at true scale

Essence Fortythree

Grand Seiko SBGA375 at true scale

SBGA375

Diameter

43mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

49mm

46.2mm

lowest

Thickness

10.6mm

lowest

12.5mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

38h

72h

highest

MSRP

$1,850

lowest

$5,600

Movement

Sellita SW200-1

Grand Seiko 9R65

Case

4 specs
Diameter
43mm
40mm
Thickness
10.6mm
12.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
46.2mm
Lug Width
22mm
19mm

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
Black
n/a
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Grand Seiko 9R65
Type
Automatic
Spring Drive
Power Reserve
38h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$5,600
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Reviews

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, and the value it offers, with reviewers highlighting its attractive and legible design. The bracelet's micro-adjust system is functional, though not on-the-fly, and the dial's play with light is a consistent positive, though some find the design derivative or the white dial stark. One owner notes the leather strap and deployant are exceptional. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence Fortythree highly for its luxury-level finishing and comfortable wearability at its price point.

Grand Seiko SBGA375

Grand Seiko SBGA375 owners praise its dial, Spring Drive movement, design, and finishing, with one owner mesmerized by the totality of the piece. Reviewers note the dial's legibility, even in low light, and the polished bevels on the hour markers that catch light well. One owner scuffed the bezel within a week of ownership. Some find other Grand Seiko models more appealing, and one user questioned if a lug was missing. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGA375 highly for its subtle design and the engineering of its Spring Drive movement.

From video reviewers

The Spring Drive movement's smooth sweep is a key strength. The bracelet's taper and clasp were cited as areas for improvement.