Formex Essence FortyOnevsGrand Seiko SLGH017

Owners and reviewers widely praise the Formex Essence FortyOne for its excellent bracelet comfort and quality, often considered best in its price class, along with good finishing and slim wearability. The watch is seen as a compelling value, offering a sporty-chic aesthetic and build quality that punches above its weight. Some owners dislike the brand name and logo, and the bolts around the dial are polarizing. A point of contention for some is the non-screw-down crown, raising concerns about swimming, despite its 100m water resistance rating. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence FortyOne highly for its exceptional bracelet comfort and finishing at its price point.

Grand Seiko SLGH017 owners and reviewers widely praise its impeccable finishing on applied markers and handset, the mesmerizing "Night Birch" dial that comes alive under light, and the lightweight titanium construction. The high-beat 9SA5 movement is also noted as beautiful, with one owner reporting approximately 80 hours power reserve and accuracy within spec at +4 sec/day, while another saw +5 to -3 seconds per day. However, some find the SLGH017 appears thick or wide, and a few prefer the classic case design and dial of other models. Concerns are raised about the handset's proportions and the lack of lume, with some owners reporting accuracy issues with the 9SA5 movement. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SLGH017 highly for its stunning dial and finishing, despite some reservations about its case proportions and lume.