Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH349?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $7,800 for the Grand Seiko SBGH349 — a $5,386 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH349?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 40mm for the Grand Seiko SBGH349 — a 2mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH349?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 100m for the Grand Seiko SBGH349.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH349?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 55 hours on the Grand Seiko SBGH349.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Grand Seiko SBGH349?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Grand Seiko SBGH349 uses the 9S85.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGH349

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

Formex Reef 42 mm

reef-42mm-automatic-cosc-300m-black

MSRP $2,414

Grand Seiko SBGH349

sbgh349g

MSRP $7,800

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGH34940mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGH34955h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGH349100m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGH349$7,800

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9S85

Power Reserve

56h

55h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$7,800

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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.

The Grand Seiko SBGH349 "Icefall" is widely praised for its stunning, deeply finished light blue dial, sharp case lines, and lightweight 40mm titanium construction. Owners and reviewers consistently highlight its understated, over-engineered finishing and practical yet obsessive build, making it suitable for daily wear and special occasions. The 13mm thickness is noted to work well with the 40mm case size, softened by the titanium material. The watch houses the automatic hi-beat 9S85 movement, offering a 55-hour power reserve and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, with accuracy rated at +5 to -3 seconds per day. One reviewer notes that while the five-row bracelet is visually impressive, its clasp lacks micro-adjustability. The Grand Seiko SBGH349 is priced at $7,400 or €8,000. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH349 highly for its exceptional finishing and comfortable, lightweight titanium build.

Fratello

Hodinkee

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