Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGR261?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $4,900 for the Grand Seiko SBGR261 — a $2,486 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGR261?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 39.5mm for the Grand Seiko SBGR261 — a 2.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGR261?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 30m for the Grand Seiko SBGR261.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGR261?

The Grand Seiko SBGR261 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 SBGR261?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Grand Seiko SBGR261 uses the 9S65.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGR261

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 SBGR261

sbgr261g

MSRP $4,900

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGR26139.5mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGR26172h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGR26130m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGR261$4,900

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9S65

Power Reserve

56h

72h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$4,900

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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 SBGR261 owners praise its perfect 39.5mm dimensions, beautiful cream lacquered dial with a silver date disc, and blued second hand, noting the excellent finishing for its price point and its suitability for formal events. Some find the design too safe and the cream dial with leather strap less appealing, while others flag its over 13mm thickness as too tall for a dress watch. The movement finishing is described as rudimentary, though the 9S65 automatic is considered well-made and a terrific value. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGR261 highly for its classic design and excellent finishing at its price.

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