Side by side

Formex Essence FortythreevsSeiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
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.

Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial for its stunning, inky black urushi lacquer dial, noting its deep visual depth and soft sheen with gold accents or Roman numerals. The 40.2mm stainless steel case, rated for 100 meters of water resistance, is considered classy and elegant, with one owner appreciating the interplay of light on the dial's textured hands and glossy second hand. The 72-hour power reserve of the 6R5H or 6R54 movement is a consistent highlight, and the accessible price point is frequently mentioned. Some owners note visible pores on the white logo and Roman numerals, and visible scratches from polishing in bright light, while one reviewer flags the GMT function's dial setting as slightly wonky. Accuracy is rated at +25 to -15 seconds per day by multiple sources.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence Fortythree43mm
Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial40.2mm
Power Reserve
Essence Fortythree38h
Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial72h
Water Resistance
Essence Fortythree100m
Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial100m
MSRP
Essence Fortythree$1,850
Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Urushi Lacquer Dial$1,650

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
43mm
40.2mm
Thickness
10.6mm
12.1mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
48mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
Curved
AR Coating
Inner
Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
6R5H
Power Reserve
38h
72h
Jewels
25
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$1,650
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