Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsHELM Vanuatu

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

Reef 42 mm
FormexReef 42 mm
MSRP $2,414
Vanuatu
HELMVanuatu
MSRP $285

At a glance

8 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Reef 42 mm42mm
Vanuatu42mm
Power Reserve
Reef 42 mm56h
Vanuatu40h
Water Resistance
Reef 42 mm300m
Vanuatu300m
MSRP
Reef 42 mm$2,414
Vanuatu$285

Full specifications

Case

2 specs
Thickness
11.4mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
50mm

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW300-1
Seiko Instruments NH35
Power Reserve
56h
40h
Jewels
25
24
Complications
None
Date

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,414
$285

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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.

HELM Vanuatu

Owners widely praise the HELM Vanuatu for its exceptional comfort, with the titanium bracelet frequently cited as "uber-comfortable" and the watch itself being less overbearing on the wrist than comparable dive watches. Reviewers note its great bezel action and overall quality, with one owner finding the purchase satisfactory despite a nearly two-year wait. On balance, owners rate the HELM Vanuatu highly for its wearability and solid build at the price.

From video reviewers

The case finishing is consistently praised. The bracelet is noted as having significant rattle.

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