Side by side

Nivada Grenchen DepthmastervsFormex Reef 39.5 mm

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

Reef 39.5 mm
FormexReef 39.5 mm
MSRP $2,230
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster

Owners widely report terrific build quality and a feel similar to the 1960s original, with some appreciating its reasonable lug-to-lug and better-than-expected appearance in person. The compact 39mm case is praised for its wearability, especially on smaller wrists, and offers impressive 1,000m water resistance. However, the Soprod P024 movement's 38-hour power reserve is a point of criticism, as is a bezel that can be difficult to grip and weak lume. Some owners find the watch wears on the smaller side, and the date complication is seen by one owner as detracting from the design. The "Pacman" variant is noted as polarizing, with one owner questioning their purchase, while the "Ghost Purple" variant's 30 and 45 numerals are described as having a rushed aesthetic. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster highly for its faithful reissue, impressive water resistance, and comfortable wearability at a competitive price.

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.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Depthmaster39mm
Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm
Power Reserve
Depthmaster38h
Reef 39.5 mm56h
Water Resistance
Depthmaster1,000m
Reef 39.5 mm300m
MSRP
Depthmaster$1,050
Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Diameter
39mm
39.5mm
Thickness
13mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
39mm
45.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
1000m
300m
Caseback
Stainless Steel 316
Solid

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Black
Bahama Blue

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Sellita SW300-1
Power Reserve
38h
56h
Complications
GMT
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,050
$2,230
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