Formex Essence FortythreevsGrand Seiko SBGR299

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

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 SBGR299 at true scale

SBGR299

Diameter

43mm

42mm

Lug-to-Lug

49mm

47.9mm

lowest

Thickness

10.6mm

lowest

13.1mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

38h

72h

highest

MSRP

$1,850

lowest

$4,300

Movement

Sellita SW200-1

Grand Seiko 9S61

Case

4 specs
Diameter
43mm
42mm
Thickness
10.6mm
13.1mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
47.9mm
Lug Width
22mm
21mm

Crystal & Dial

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

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Grand Seiko 9S61
Power Reserve
38h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$4,300
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

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 SBGR299

Grand Seiko SBGR299 owners praise its blue second hand, silver rhodium dial, no-date design, and elegant power reserve complication. The watch is noted for its outstanding high-polish finishing, described as being like a polished samurai sword, and offers solid value. Some owners express concern that silver hands on a silver dial may reduce legibility, though others found it acceptable, and the 42mm case size is considered potentially large for some wrists. One owner found the appearance a bit too derivative. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGR299 highly for its finishing and value.