Formex Reef 39.5 mmvsTissot Seastar 1000

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Formex Reef 39.5 mm at true scale

Reef 39.5 mm

Tissot Seastar 1000 at true scale

Seastar 1000

Diameter

39.5mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

45.5mm

n/a

Thickness

11mm

lowest

12.5mm

Water Resistance

300m

300m

Power Reserve

56h

80h

highest

MSRP

$2,230

$875

lowest

Movement

Sellita SW300-1

Tissot Powermatic 80

Case

4 specs
Diameter
39.5mm
40mm
Thickness
11mm
12.48mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
n/a
Lug Width
22mm
20mm

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
Bahama Blue
Graded grey-black
Indices
n/a
Indexes
Lume
Super-LumiNova
Super-LumiNova ®

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW300-1
Tissot Powermatic 80
Power Reserve
56h
80h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,230
$875
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

Reviews

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, improved proportions, and compelling value under €2,000. Owners and reviewers highlight its comfortable wearability on smaller wrists, unique aesthetic, and impressive specifications including 300m water resistance and a COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 movement. Some note the 22mm lug width feels slightly disproportionate and the bracelet could benefit from more taper. A prototype crown protrusion issue is expected to be resolved in production. Overall, owners rate the Formex Reef 39.5 mm highly for its excellent build quality and tool-like features at its price point.

Tissot Seastar 1000

Owners widely praise the Tissot Seastar 1000 for its value and solid build, with one reviewer calling it a comfortable, sporty, and affordable everyday watch with a great case and dial ratio. However, some owners find the Tissot Seastar 1000 too large and poorly proportioned, citing small indices on larger dials and a difficult-to-read bezel. Criticisms also include a non-reflective crystal causing glare, mediocre lume, and a subpar bracelet, with some feeling it is underwhelming for the price compared to other divers. Overall, owners rate the Tissot Seastar 1000 highly for its value and solid build at the price point.

From video reviewers

The 80-hour power reserve from the Powermatic 80 movement is a significant strength. Reviewers did not reach a consensus on any weaknesses.

Similar watches

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price, microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

DiscussionNot started

Also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog: alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.