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.

Essence Fortythree

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 specsCrystal & Dial
3 specsMovement
4 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
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.
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.
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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