Side by side

Formex Essence FortythreevsVario 1918 Medic Brass

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

Essence Fortythree
FormexEssence Fortythree
MSRP $1,850
1918 Medic Brass
Vario1918 Medic Brass
MSRP $388

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Essence Fortythree43mm
1918 Medic Brass40mm
Power Reserve
Essence Fortythree38h
1918 Medic Brass40h
Water Resistance
Essence Fortythree100m
1918 Medic Brass100m
MSRP
Essence Fortythree$1,850
1918 Medic Brass$388

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Dress
Field
Diameter
43mm
40mm
Thickness
10.6mm
10mm
Lug-to-Lug
49mm
48mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Black
White
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Seiko NH38A
Power Reserve
38h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,850
$388

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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 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.

Vario 1918 Medic Brass

Owners widely praise the Vario 1918 Medic Brass for its crisp enamel dial, easy-to-read numerals, and cathedral hands, noting the brass case develops an attractive patina over time. However, the soft brass scratches easily, and one owner found the lume to be poor. Accuracy varies, with one example running slow by about 10 seconds per day and another owner deeming the Miyota 82s5 movement just okay. On balance, owners rate the Vario 1918 Medic Brass highly for its unique dial and the evolving character of its brass case.

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