Which is cheaper, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $4,180 for the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax — a $1,766 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax wears larger at 43mm versus 42mm for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a 1mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 200m for the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax or the Formex Reef 42 mm?

The Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax carries a 58-hour power reserve against 56 hours on the Formex Reef 42 mm.

What movement does the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax run compared to the Formex Reef 42 mm?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax uses the Sellita SW510 BH a and the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1.

Side by side

Fortis Flieger F-43 BicompaxvsFormex Reef 42 mm

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

Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax

F-43 Bicompax

MSRP $4,180

Formex Reef 42 mm

reef-42mm-automatic-cosc-300m-black

MSRP $2,414

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Flieger F-43 Bicompax43mm

Reef 42 mm42mm

Power Reserve

Flieger F-43 Bicompax58h

Reef 42 mm56h

Water Resistance

Flieger F-43 Bicompax200m

Reef 42 mm300m

MSRP

Flieger F-43 Bicompax$4,180

Reef 42 mm$2,414

Full specifications

Case

5 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

Dial Color

Original

Black

Lume

None

Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW510 BH a

Sellita SW300-1

Power Reserve

58h

56h

Jewels

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$4,180

$2,414

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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.

Fortis Flieger F-43 Bicompax

Owners widely praise the Fortis Original for its tool-watch aesthetic, legibility, and robust construction, with many noting excellent lume that lasts all night and precise day/date changes at midnight. The brushed stainless steel case is well-finished, and the 38mm size is considered comfortable and well-weighted despite being smaller than modern watches. Accuracy figures range from +2 seconds/day to +8 seconds/day, and some owners compare Fortis quality favorably to Omega. However, some users find the MSRP too high compared to brands like Sinn and Damasko, and one owner reported internal parts dislodging from a limited edition model. Concerns have also been raised about stripped lug screws on B-42 models and potential parts shortages due to past bankruptcy protection filings. Overall, owners rate the Fortis Original highly for its durable construction and tool-watch functionality at a competitive price point.

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Formex Reef 42 mm

The Formex Reef 42 mm is widely praised for its comfortable bracelet featuring a micro-adjust clasp, COSC-certified Sellita movement, and excellent build quality. Owners appreciate the gradient dial's visual appeal and the overall wearability. Some owners note the seconds hand does not perfectly align with markers, and one owner found the lugs' taper hinders third-party strap fit. The bracelet's length and sporty design are noted as limiting versatility by some. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 42 mm highly for its impressive wearability and value at the price point.

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