Side by side

Formex Essence FortythreevsVario 1945 D12 Bronze Fumé

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
1945 D12 Bronze Fumé
Vario1945 D12 Bronze Fumé
MSRP $428

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence Fortythree43mm
1945 D12 Bronze Fumé37mm
Power Reserve
Essence Fortythree38h
1945 D12 Bronze Fumé40h
Water Resistance
Essence Fortythree100m
1945 D12 Bronze Fumé100m
MSRP
Essence Fortythree$1,850
1945 D12 Bronze Fumé$428

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Dress
Field
Diameter
43mm
37mm
Thickness
10.6mm
10.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
45mm
Lug Width
22mm
18mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
Grey
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Miyota 82s5
Power Reserve
38h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$428

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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.

Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Fumé

Owners widely appreciate the Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Fumé for its historical representation and the use of two lume colors. The blended branding is considered tasteful by some, though one owner expressed indecision about the logo and crown position. The 37mm bronze case is designed to develop a patina, as are the bronze hands, complementing the gradient matte black dial with faux-patina lume. The Miyota 82S5 automatic movement, however, is noted by owners to be noisy and rattly, with one owner reporting +7 seconds per day accuracy and a 40-hour power reserve. Overall, owners rate the Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Fumé positively for its aesthetic appeal and historical narrative, despite the noisy movement.

From video reviewers

The bronze case developing a patina is a key aesthetic feature. Reviewers found the value proposition to be good at $428 USD.

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