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Formex Essence FortyOnevsKUOE OLD SMITH 90-001

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

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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 FortyOne

Owners widely praise the Formex Essence for its comfortable bracelet, excellent finishing, and slim wearability, with some considering it the best in its price range. Reviewers highlight its compelling value, sporty-chic aesthetic, and build quality that suggests a more expensive product, noting the patented suspension system and chronometer-certified movement. Some owners dislike the brand name and logo, and the dial design is considered derivative by some. The 43mm case wears well due to its 10mm thickness and 49mm lug-to-lug, though some find it large on smaller wrists. A point of contention for some is the non-screw-down crown, despite its 100m water resistance. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence highly for its exceptional comfort and build quality at its price point.

From video reviewers

The COSC-certified automatic movement is a shared strength. Reviewers did not agree on any weaknesses.

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-001

KUOE OLD SMITH is widely praised for its vintage aesthetic and comfortable 35mm wearability, with owners noting its attractive bronze case and dial contrast. Reviewers and owners alike highlight its excellent accuracy. However, the case finishing is considered average for the price, and the lume fades quickly. Some find the small date window difficult to read, and the Seiko NH38 movement is described as noisy. The 18mm lug width and PVD-coated strap hardware are also noted as drawbacks. Overall, owners and reviewers find the KUOE OLD SMITH to be a compelling vintage field watch offering good value, particularly for its aesthetic appeal and accuracy.

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence FortyOne41mm
OLD SMITH 90-00135mm
Power Reserve
Essence FortyOne41h
OLD SMITH 90-001
Water Resistance
Essence FortyOne100m
OLD SMITH 90-00150m
MSRP
Essence FortyOne$1,890
OLD SMITH 90-001$405

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41mm
35mm
Thickness
10.6mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.5mm
42mm
Lug Width
22mm
18mm
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Dome
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Arctic White
Gold
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Seiko VD78
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Power Reserve
41h
0h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,890
$405
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