Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM221?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $5,400 for the Grand Seiko SBGM221 — a $2,986 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM221?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 39.5mm for the Grand Seiko SBGM221 — a 2.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM221?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 30m for the Grand Seiko SBGM221.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM221?

The Grand Seiko SBGM221 carries a 72-hour power reserve against 56 hours on the Formex Reef 42 mm.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Grand Seiko SBGM221?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Grand Seiko SBGM221 uses the 9S66.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGM221

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 SBGM221

sbgm221g

MSRP $5,400

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGM22139.5mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGM22172h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGM22130m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGM221$5,400

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9S66

Power Reserve

56h

72h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$5,400

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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 SBGM221 is widely praised for its exceptional dial finish, highly polished hands and indices, and elegant design. Owners consistently highlight the stunning craftsmanship, with specific mention of the up to 11 hand-polished facets on its rectangular markers. The reliable 9S66 movement is noted for its 72-hour power reserve and true GMT functionality, tested beyond Chronometer specifications. Some enthusiasts desire a bidirectional 24-hour bezel, which the Grand Seiko SBGM221 lacks, and its 13.7mm thickness and 19mm lug width are noted as potential limitations. On balance, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGM221 highly for its exquisite finishing and elegant, comfortable design.

From video reviewers

The SBGM221 is praised for its value within the Grand Seiko lineup. The lug width is cited as a weakness.

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