Side by side

Fortis Novonaut N-42vsFormex Reef 39.5 mm

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

Novonaut N-42
FortisNovonaut N-42
MSRP $5,230
Reef 39.5 mm
FormexReef 39.5 mm
MSRP $2,230

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Novonaut N-4242mm
Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm
Power Reserve
Novonaut N-4260h
Reef 39.5 mm56h
Water Resistance
Novonaut N-42300m
Reef 39.5 mm300m
MSRP
Novonaut N-42$5,230
Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Chronograph
Diver
Diameter
42mm
39.5mm
Thickness
14.6mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
Lug Width
21mm
22mm
Material
Titanium / Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Titanium Legacy
Bahama Blue
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Manufacture Caliber WERK 17
Sellita SW300-1
Power Reserve
60h
56h
Jewels
36
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$5,230
$2,230

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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 Novonaut N-42

Owners widely praise the Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonauts for its stunning fit and finish, excellent legibility, and a precise, grippy bezel, with one owner calling its bracelet the nicest they've ever owned. The Fortis Novonaut N-42 is described as a flawless beast with a WERK 17 column-wheel chronograph movement, featuring enhanced shock resistance and COSC adjustment, and is noted as a handsome tool watch with a beautiful dial and nice pusher action. However, the 42mm case of the B-42 wears larger than expected, and the Novonaut's 44mm case and chunky bracelet make it too large and heavy for many. The Fortis Titanium Legacy is a modern pilot's watch with a titanium case and bracelet, featuring a Kenissi WERK 13 movement with a 70-hour power reserve and three time zones. Overall, owners and reviewers highly regard the Fortis Titanium Legacy for its robust tool watch design and advanced movement technology, despite some concerns about case size and bracelet adjustability.

Formex Reef 39.5 mm

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm is widely praised for its refined finishing, comfortable and well-proportioned case design, and impressive specifications for its price point, including COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 movement and 300m water resistance. Owners and reviewers highlight the tool-less micro-adjust clasp and quick-release spring bars as practical features. Some reviewers note that the 22mm lug width feels slightly disproportionate to the smaller case, and the bracelet could benefit from more taper, though this is a point of contention for some owners who value the overall package. A prototype crown protrusion issue is noted as being addressed for production. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 39.5 mm highly for its excellent value and well-executed design.

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