Side by side

Formex Essence ThirtyNinevsZelos Helmsman 3

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

Essence ThirtyNine
FormexEssence ThirtyNine
MSRP $2,390
Helmsman 3
ZelosHelmsman 3
MSRP $529

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence ThirtyNine39mm
Helmsman 340mm
Power Reserve
Essence ThirtyNine41h
Helmsman 340h
Water Resistance
Essence ThirtyNine100m
Helmsman 3200m
MSRP
Essence ThirtyNine$2,390
Helmsman 3$529

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Dress
Diver
Diameter
39mm
40mm
Thickness
10mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
40mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Space Ghost
SS - Frost
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Miyota 9015
Power Reserve
41h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,390
$529

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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 Essence ThirtyNine

The Formex Essence ThirtyNine is praised for its impressive build quality and value, featuring a patented case suspension system for comfort and protection. It houses a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38-hour power reserve and a tool-free strap quick-release system. A minor inconvenience noted is the specific closing order of the clasp. On balance, reviewers rate the Formex Essence ThirtyNine highly for its comfortable wearability and excellent value at its price point.

Zelos Helmsman 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Helmsman 3 for its exceptional finishing and polishing on the titanium case, with some noting it feels nicer than previous models. The unique Titanium Crystalline Dial and Damascus Titanium dial are frequently highlighted as aesthetically pleasing and head-turning features, especially considering the price point. The brushed beads of rice bracelet is described as fitting well, and the on-the-fly clasp is considered amazing. Lume is also noted as great, with lumed crowns being a positive observation. However, some owners report the watch can feel top-heavy with sharp edges, making it uncertain as a daily driver for some. The meteorite bezel is seen by one owner as not adding significant value, and the stock strap's keepers and stitching were considered to detract from the watch's appearance.

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