Side by side

Formex Essence FortythreevsCWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
CWC1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
MSRP $2,458
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 Fortythree

Owners widely praise the Formex Essence Fortythree for its comfortable wearability, excellent finishing for its price point, and a dial that plays well with light, with one owner noting the blue dial's variable appearance. The bracelet's micro-adjust system is functional, and the leather strap and deployant are considered exceptional. Reviewers highlight the watch's legible design and slim 10mm case, noting its significant value under $1,300. Some find the dial design derivative and the hardware-style logo out of place, while others consider the white dial stark. Consumer confusion exists regarding COSC versus non-COSC movement options. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Essence Fortythree highly for its luxury-level finishing and comfortable, value-driven design.

CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

The CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is widely praised for its faithful recreation of vintage details, including its dial layout with markers touching the chapter ring and pointed crown guards. Owners and reviewers note its reasonable size and the original minute hand design. However, the lume is a point of contention: some find the "faux patina" tint too gold and glossy, while others specifically criticize the mismatched lume color between hands and hour markers, with the hour marker lume described as overly shiny and convex. On balance, the CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is highly regarded for its authentic vintage aesthetic and wearability, despite mixed opinions on the lume application.

From video reviewers

The watch's accurate movement is a notable strength. A potential weakness is its relatively high price point. Reviewers disagree on the watch's water-resistance, with one reviewer suggesting it could be improved and the other not mentioning any issues with water-resistance.

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence Fortythree43mm
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch41mm
Power Reserve
Essence Fortythree38h
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Water Resistance
Essence Fortythree100m
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
MSRP
Essence Fortythree$1,850
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$2,458

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Dress
Diver
Diameter
43mm
41mm
Thickness
10.6mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
47mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
100m
300m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Black
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
ETA 2824-2
Power Reserve
38h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$2,458
Keep exploring

More watches worth a look

Matched to the watches above on size, movement, style and price — microbrands first. Open any one to dig in.

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Formex Essence Fortythree vs CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

Adjacent matchups

People also compared

Comparisons nearby in the catalog — alternatives to the watches above paired against the matchup.