Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Vaer Tactical Field?

At MSRP the Vaer Tactical Field is the cheaper of the two at $199, against $2,414 for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a $2,215 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Vaer Tactical Field?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 36mm for the Vaer Tactical Field — a 6mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Vaer Tactical Field?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 100m for the Vaer Tactical Field.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Vaer Tactical Field?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Vaer Tactical Field.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Vaer Tactical Field?

The Formex Reef 42 mm runs a automatic caliber (Sellita SW300-1), while the Vaer Tactical Field runs a quartz (Miyota 2035).

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsVaer Tactical Field

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

Vaer Tactical Field

vaer-tactical-field

MSRP $199

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

Tactical Field36mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

Tactical Field40h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

Tactical Field100m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

Tactical Field$199

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

Dial Color

Black

36mm

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

Miyota 2035

Type

Automatic

Quartz

Power Reserve

56h

40h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$199

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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.

Owners widely praise the Vaer Tactical Field's exceptionally bright and long-lasting C3 SuperLuminova, supple straps that break in well, and thin case that avoids snagging. The watch is described as a reliable beater for outdoor activities and a welcome change from smartwatches, with some commenters calling it a "thing of beauty" and "good looking." However, some owners report issues with the second hand occasionally missing indicators due to hand assembly, and one owner experienced a misaligned watch face. A power reserve indicator is also missed by some. Overall, owners rate the Vaer Tactical Field highly for its excellent lume and wearability at the price point.

From video reviewers

The 36mm case size is a great fit for smaller wrists. The watch's 200m water resistance is a standard for this type. The quartz movement is a compromise for the watch's overall design and feel.

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