Formex Essence FortythreevsGrand Seiko SLGH017

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 SLGH017 owners and reviewers widely praise its impeccable finishing on applied markers and handset, the mesmerizing "Night Birch" dial that comes alive under light, and the lightweight titanium construction. The high-beat 9SA5 movement is also noted as beautiful, with one owner reporting approximately 80 hours power reserve and accuracy within spec at +4 sec/day, while another saw +5 to -3 seconds per day. However, some find the SLGH017 appears thick or wide, and a few prefer the classic case design and dial of other models. Concerns are raised about the handset's proportions and the lack of lume, with some owners reporting accuracy issues with the 9SA5 movement. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SLGH017 highly for its stunning dial and finishing, despite some reservations about its case proportions and lume.