Formex Essence FortythreevsSeiko Presage Style60's

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.

The Seiko Presage Style60's collection is praised for its pleasing retro aesthetic, with reviewers highlighting the box-shaped crystal and applied indexes. Specific models like the 39.5mm SRPL07 and SRPL09 are noted for their smaller case size, comfortable new bracelet, and charming steel bezel, which is decorative rather than functional. The GMT model features a clean dial layout and a polished 40.8mm case, while open-heart versions integrate a 24-hour sub-dial cleverly. The watches utilize the 4R35 or 4R39 automatic movements, offering a 41-hour power reserve. The claimed accuracy of +45/-35 seconds per day for the 4R35 movement is mentioned as a potential drawback for some. Prices range from €490 to €670. Overall, reviewers consider the Seiko Presage Style60's a well-executed retro-inspired watch, with the smaller 39.5mm models and the GMT version being particularly well-received for their design and wearability.