Side by side

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue WatchvsFormex Reef 39.5 mm

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

Reef 39.5 mm
FormexReef 39.5 mm
MSRP $2,230
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch for its faithful homage to vintage military divers, highlighting details like the dial markings, luminous acrylic bezel, vintage logo, and well-proportioned hands. One owner reports accuracy under +2 seconds per day. However, some find the "faux patina" lume too gold and glossy, and the polished case unusual for a military watch. The fixed lugs are noted as a potential drawback for some, though others appreciate them as a tool watch feature. Opinions on the value are split, with some questioning the $2.5k price point due to the ETA movement, while others see it as a strong alternative to more expensive watches. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the CWC (Cabot Watch Company) 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch well for its vintage aesthetic and tool watch capabilities, despite some reservations about its price and specific execution details.

Formex Reef 39.5 mm

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm is widely praised for its refined finishing, comfortable and well-proportioned case design, and impressive specifications for its price point, including COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 movement and 300m water resistance. Owners and reviewers highlight the tool-less micro-adjust clasp and quick-release spring bars as practical features. Some reviewers note that the 22mm lug width feels slightly disproportionate to the smaller case, and the bracelet could benefit from more taper, though this is a point of contention for some owners who value the overall package. A prototype crown protrusion issue is noted as being addressed for production. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 39.5 mm highly for its excellent value and well-executed design.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch45mm
Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm
Power Reserve
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Reef 39.5 mm56h
Water Resistance
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
Reef 39.5 mm300m
MSRP
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$3,747
Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Diver
Diameter
45mm
39.5mm
Thickness
12.7mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
45.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Bahama Blue
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
ETA 2824
Sellita SW300-1
Power Reserve
40h
56h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,230
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