Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGJ237?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $7,600 for the Grand Seiko SBGJ237 — a $5,186 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGJ237?

The Grand Seiko SBGJ237 wears larger at 44.2mm versus 42mm for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a 2.2mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGJ237?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 200m for the Grand Seiko SBGJ237.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGJ237?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 55 hours on the Grand Seiko SBGJ237.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Grand Seiko SBGJ237?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Grand Seiko SBGJ237 uses the 9S86.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGJ237

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 SBGJ237

sbgj237g

MSRP $7,600

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGJ23744.2mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGJ23755h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGJ237200m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGJ237$7,600

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9S86

Power Reserve

56h

55h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$7,600

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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.

Grand Seiko SBGJ237 owners and reviewers praise its impeccable finishing, Hi-Beat 36,000vph movement, and functional GMT complication. The watch is noted for its good value at €7,000, featuring a stainless steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished surfaces, and a sapphire bezel with a day/night indicator. Reviewers highlight the lovely lume and the bezel's vintage-inspired, asymmetric color split, which uses LumiBrite for low-light legibility. The 9S86 Hi-Beat movement offers impressive accuracy of -5 to +3 seconds per day and a 55-hour power reserve. The SBGJ237 boasts 200-meter water resistance. However, the 44.2mm case size, measuring 14.4mm thick, may require slightly larger wrists, and its elevated crystal and less prominent bezel contribute to a thickness that might feel less substantial in person. Overall, owners and reviewers highly regard the Grand Seiko SBGJ237 for its combination of finishing, movement technology, and GMT functionality at its price point.

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