Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsBrew Retrograph

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

Reef 42 mm
FormexReef 42 mm
MSRP $2,414
Retrograph
BrewRetrograph
MSRP $375

At a glance

22 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Reef 42 mm42mm
Retrograph38mm
Power Reserve
Reef 42 mm56h
Retrograph
Water Resistance
Reef 42 mm300m
Retrograph50m
MSRP
Reef 42 mm$2,414
Retrograph$375

Full specifications

Case

8 specs
Category
Diver
Chronograph
Diameter
42mm
38mm
Thickness
11.4mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
41.5mm
Material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel 316L
Finish
Brushed and polished
Water Resistance
300m
50m
Caseback
Solid
Stainless Steel 316L

Crystal & Dial

5 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
AR Coating
Inner
Dial Color
Black
Cobalt Blue Sunburst
Indices
Applied
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

8 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW300-1
VK64
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
56h
0h
Jewels
25
0
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
None
Chronograph

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,414
$375

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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 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.

Brew Retrograph

The Brew Retrograph is widely praised for its unique 1970s "TV Dial" aesthetic, thin profile, and comfortable wearability, with owners appreciating its well-finished rectangular case featuring alternating polishing and brushing, and its sunburst dials with contrasting matte subdials. Reviewers and owners consistently highlight the Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement for its solid performance, instantaneous chronograph reset with good tactile feel, and quartz accuracy, all at an affordable price point. Some owners note the lack of a running second hand and that the date change is not instant, while one owner found the strap needed improvement. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Brew Retrograph highly for its distinctive design and excellent value, particularly praising its comfortable wearability and the satisfying meca-quartz chronograph function.

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