Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006?

At MSRP the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006 is the cheaper of the two at $795, against $2,230 for the Formex Reef 39.5 mm — a $1,435 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006?

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm wears larger at 39.5mm versus 35mm for the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006 — a 4.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006?

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm is rated to 300m versus 100m for the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006?

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 42 hours on the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006.

What movement does the Formex Reef 39.5 mm run compared to the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 39.5 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006 uses the Miyota 9039.

Side by side

Formex Reef 39.5 mmvsKUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006

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

Formex Reef 39.5 mm

reef-39.5-automatic-chronometer-cosc-300m-bahama-blue

MSRP $2,230

KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006

rs90006c-sv-iv-it

MSRP $795

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm

ROYAL SMITH 90-00635mm

Power Reserve

Reef 39.5 mm56h

ROYAL SMITH 90-00642h

Water Resistance

Reef 39.5 mm300m

ROYAL SMITH 90-006100m

MSRP

Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

ROYAL SMITH 90-006$795

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

3 specs

Crystal Shape

Flat

Dome

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Dial Color

Bahama Blue

Ivory

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

Miyota 9039

Power Reserve

56h

42h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,230

$795

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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 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.

Fratello·2

A Blog to Watch

Time + Tide

KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006

Owners widely praise the KUOE ROYAL SMITH 90-006 for its visual appeal and sapphire crystal with AR coating. The watch functions correctly and keeps time at approximately +5 seconds per day on the wrist, powered by a Miyota 9039 movement. On balance, owners value the watch's aesthetics and specifications, though some question its overall value proposition.

From video reviewers

The watch's unique blend of modern and retro elements is a notable strength, with a textured ivory waffle dial and Breguet numerals giving it the look of a vintage watch from the 1950s and 1960s. A potential drawback is the ~$770 USD price point, which is significant for a microbrand. Reviewers disagree on the movement's accuracy, with one reviewer noting it is noisy and another describing it as a "Japanese-manufactured high beat premium automatic movement".

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