Side by side

Formex Essence FortyOnevsGrand Seiko SBGX353

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.

Grand Seiko SBGX353

The Grand Seiko SBGX353 is widely praised for its mesmerizing "Skyflake" textured blue dial, considered by owners to be "perfect art." Reviewers and owners alike highlight the watch's elegant 34mm case size and the advanced 9F61 quartz movement, noting its exceptional ±10 seconds per year accuracy and precise second-hand alignment. Some owners find the dial's aesthetic appeal slightly diminished when worn compared to other options, and one owner replaced the quick-release buckle for a Hirsch clasp. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGX353 highly for its exquisite dial finishing and the precision of its quartz movement at its price point.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence FortyOne41mm
SBGX35334mm
Power Reserve
Essence FortyOne41h
SBGX353
Water Resistance
Essence FortyOne100m
SBGX35330m
MSRP
Essence FortyOne$1,890
SBGX353$4,100

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41mm
34mm
Thickness
10.6mm
10.7mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.5mm
41.5mm
Lug Width
22mm
18mm
Water Resistance
100m
30m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Dial Color
Arctic White
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Grand Seiko 9F61
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Power Reserve
41h
0h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,890
$4,100
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