Formex Essence FortythreevsLongines ULTRA-CHRON CLASSIC

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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

Longines ULTRA-CHRON CLASSIC at true scale

ULTRA-CHRON CLASSIC

Diameter

43mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

49mm

47.2mm

lowest

Thickness

10.6mm

lowest

10.9mm

Water Resistance

100m

highest

30m

Power Reserve

38h

72h

highest

MSRP

$1,850

lowest

$4,000

Movement

Sellita SW200-1

Longines L836.6

Case

6 specs
Diameter
43mm
40mm
Thickness
10.6mm
10.95mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
47.2mm
Lug Width
22mm
21mm
Water Resistance
100m
30m
Caseback
n/a
Transparent case back with sapphire crystal

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Both sides
Dial Color
Black
Silver
Indices
n/a
Applied indexes

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Longines L836.6
Beat Rate
0 vph
25,200 vph
Power Reserve
38h
72h
Complications
None
Hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase display and date indicated by small hand at

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$4,000
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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.

Longines ULTRA-CHRON CLASSIC

The Longines ULTRA-CHRON CLASSIC is widely praised for its high-beat 5Hz L836.6 movement, which offers exceptional accuracy and a smooth seconds hand, with some owners considering it a bargain for these features. Reviewers highlight its successful retro design, faithful to 1960s aesthetics with modern updates like a sapphire crystal and micro-adjustment clasp. Owners note the comfortable bracelet and striking, sparkling indices against a sunray silver dial. Some find the 40mm case wears larger than expected, with several suggesting the 37mm version offers superior wearability. One owner desires a version without a date window, and the dial is described as stark. The 30m water resistance is noted as not exceptional. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Longines ULTRA-CHRON CLASSIC highly for its blend of vintage charm and modern high-frequency movement performance at its price point.

From video reviewers

The watch's high-beat movement, certified by TimeLab Geneva as an Ultra-Chronometer, is a notable feature. The relatively high price compared to its competitors is a drawback. Reviewers disagree on the optimal case size, with one reviewer mentioning 41mm and 43mm, and the other mentioning 37mm and 40mm.

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