Side by side

Formex Reef GMTvsVario 1918 Medic Brass

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

Reef GMT
FormexReef GMT
MSRP $2,235
1918 Medic Brass
Vario1918 Medic Brass
MSRP $388

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Reef GMT42mm
1918 Medic Brass40mm
Power Reserve
Reef GMT56h
1918 Medic Brass40h
Water Resistance
Reef GMT300m
1918 Medic Brass100m
MSRP
Reef GMT$2,235
1918 Medic Brass$388

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
GMT
Field
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
11.4mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
48mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Black
White
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW330-2
Seiko NH38A
Power Reserve
56h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,235
$388

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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 GMT

The Formex Reef GMT is widely praised for its unique porthole case shape, COSC-certified Sellita SW330-2 movement with good finishing, and comfortable quick-release bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment. Reviewers note its robust construction, impressive specifications, and strong value proposition, with a slim 11.4mm profile accommodating 300m water resistance and an exhibition caseback. However, owners widely report the 53mm lug-to-lug span with male endlinks makes it too large for smaller wrists. Some find the bezel action stiff and potentially slippery, and a reviewer desired sharper finishing and edges, deeming the aesthetic too modernist. The GMT variant sacrifices a timing bezel unless swapped, and one owner notes sharp edges on the crown and crown guard. Overall, owners and reviewers highly rate the Formex Reef GMT for its exceptional value and well-executed features, particularly its bracelet system and COSC-certified movement.

From video reviewers

The watch features a COSC-certified SW330-2 GMT movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal display case back and beautifully decorated. The watch's water-resistance of up to 300m/1000ft is a notable feature. The 42mm diameter may be too large for smaller wrists.

Vario 1918 Medic Brass

Owners widely praise the Vario 1918 Medic Brass for its crisp enamel dial, easy-to-read numerals, and cathedral hands, noting the brass case develops an attractive patina over time. However, the soft brass scratches easily, and one owner found the lume to be poor. Accuracy varies, with one example running slow by about 10 seconds per day and another owner deeming the Miyota 82s5 movement just okay. On balance, owners rate the Vario 1918 Medic Brass highly for its unique dial and the evolving character of its brass case.

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