Side by side

Formex Reef GMTvsLongines LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME

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

Reef GMT
FormexReef GMT
MSRP $2,235
LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME
LonginesLONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME
MSRP $5,200

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Reef GMT42mm
LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME39mm
Power Reserve
Reef GMT56h
LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME40h
Water Resistance
Reef GMT300m
LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME100m
MSRP
Reef GMT$2,235
LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME$5,200

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
42mm
39mm
Thickness
11.4mm
13.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46.8mm
Lug Width
22mm
21mm
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Black
Anthracite
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW330-2
L844.4
Power Reserve
56h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,235
$5,200

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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.

LONGINES SPIRIT ZULU TIME

Owners widely praise the Longines Spirit Zulu Time for its superb finishing, smooth crown action, and mesmerizing ceramic bezel, with many noting its premium pilot/sporty design and unique dial details. The movement is consistently lauded for its extreme accuracy, running at 0 to +1 second per day, and the watch is considered to offer remarkable value that punches above its price point. However, the bracelet is criticized by multiple sources for its push-pin adjustment and limited micro-adjustment holes, and the 42mm case size with a 49.3mm lug-to-lug is noted as potentially large for smaller wrists, though some users express a preference for the 39mm size. One owner reported their movement failed within the first year and found setting the date a "nightmare," while another owner notes minor criticisms like the date window being slightly off-center. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Longines Spirit Zulu Time highly for its impressive finishing and accuracy at its price point.

From video reviewers

The 39mm case size is a significant strength, addressing previous concerns about thickness. The value proposition within the GMT market is also a shared positive point. No consensus on weaknesses was reached.

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