Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Zelos Helica Moonphase?

At MSRP the Zelos Helica Moonphase is the cheaper of the two at $1,049, against $2,414 for the Formex Reef 42 mm — a $1,365 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Zelos Helica Moonphase?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 39mm for the Zelos Helica Moonphase — a 3mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Zelos Helica Moonphase?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 100m for the Zelos Helica Moonphase.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Zelos Helica Moonphase?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Zelos Helica Moonphase.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Zelos Helica Moonphase?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Zelos Helica Moonphase uses the Sellita SW288 Moonphase.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsZelos Helica Moonphase

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

Zelos Helica Moonphase

helica-moonphase-meteorite

MSRP $1,049

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

Helica Moonphase39mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

Helica Moonphase40h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

Helica Moonphase100m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

Helica Moonphase$1,049

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

Dial Color

Black

Meteorite

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

Sellita SW288 Moonphase

Power Reserve

56h

40h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$1,049

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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.

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Zelos Helica Moonphase

Owners widely praise the Zelos Helica Moonphase for its gorgeous aventurine dial, unique industrial-dress aesthetic, and comfortable wearability, with one owner calling it spectacular and another their favorite Zelos. The moonphase complication is frequently highlighted as beautiful, though some find the double moon distracting or the dial cluttered. A manual-wind movement combined with a screw-down crown is noted as a drawback by some, requiring adjustment and potentially feeling fragile when fully wound, while one owner reports a 43-hour power reserve. On balance, owners rate the Zelos Helica Moonphase highly for its stunning aventurine dial and unique design at its price point.

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