Side by side

CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz WatchvsFormex Reef 39.5 mm

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

SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch
CWCSBS Black Ice Quartz Watch
MSRP $666
Reef 39.5 mm
FormexReef 39.5 mm
MSRP $2,230

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch40mm
Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm
Power Reserve
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch40h
Reef 39.5 mm56h
Water Resistance
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch300m
Reef 39.5 mm300m
MSRP
SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch$666
Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
40mm
39.5mm
Thickness
12mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
45.5mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch
Bahama Blue
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Ronda 517
Sellita SW300-1
Type
Quartz
Automatic
Power Reserve
40h
56h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$666
$2,230

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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.

CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch

Owners widely praise the CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch for its legible, uncluttered dial, excellent Super-LumiNova lume, and robust build quality, noting its comfortable 12mm thickness and durable PVD coating. The bezel action is described as having zero back play, and the fixed lugs are appreciated for easy strap changes. One owner reported the lume is readable throughout the night, while another flagged a faulty mechanism requiring replacement and poor retailer customer service. The £700 price is considered high by some compared to similar quartz divers, leading to questions about its value. Overall, owners rate the CWC SBS Black Ice Quartz Watch highly for its bombproof, toolish design and practical aesthetics.

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.

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