Side by side

Formex Essence FortyOnevsGrand Seiko SLGB001

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 SLGB001

The Grand Seiko SLGB001 is a limited edition platinum watch in the Evolution 9 collection, featuring a 37mm case and the new Calibre 9RB2 Spring Drive U.F.A. movement, rated to ±20 seconds per year. It has an "Ice Forest" dial with a deep blue hue and a silver seconds hand, but notably lacks lume. A criticism is the absence of a micro-adjustment clasp on its leather strap. Overall, reviewers highlight the watch's advanced movement and distinctive dial as key features.

From video reviewers

The watch's Spring Drive 9RB2 movement is praised for its Ultra Fine Accuracy of ±20 seconds per year. Reviewers noted the 37mm platinum case and the "Ice Forest" dial as key features. No shared weaknesses were identified.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence FortyOne41mm
SLGB00137mm
Power Reserve
Essence FortyOne41h
SLGB00172h
Water Resistance
Essence FortyOne100m
SLGB001100m
MSRP
Essence FortyOne$1,890
SLGB001$39,000

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41mm
37mm
Thickness
10.6mm
11.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.5mm
44.3mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Platinum

Crystal & Dial

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

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Grand Seiko 9RB2
Type
Automatic
Spring Drive
Power Reserve
41h
72h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,890
$39,000
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