Which is cheaper, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 or the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38?

At MSRP the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38 is the cheaper of the two at $4,599, against $5,230 for the Fortis Novonaut N-42 — a $631 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 or the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38?

The Fortis Novonaut N-42 wears larger at 42mm versus 38mm for the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38 — a 4mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 or the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38?

The Fortis Novonaut N-42 is rated to 300m versus 200m for the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Fortis Novonaut N-42 or the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38?

The Fortis Novonaut N-42 carries a 60-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38.

What movement does the Fortis Novonaut N-42 run compared to the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Fortis Novonaut N-42 uses the Manufacture Caliber WERK 17 and the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38 uses the Miyota 9019.

Side by side

Fortis Novonaut N-42vsHenry Archer Vesterhav 38

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

Fortis Novonaut N-42

N-42

MSRP $5,230

Henry Archer Vesterhav 38

vesterhav-38-celsius-blue

MSRP $4,599

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Novonaut N-4242mm

Vesterhav 3838mm

Power Reserve

Novonaut N-4260h

Vesterhav 3840h

Water Resistance

Novonaut N-42300m

Vesterhav 38200m

MSRP

Novonaut N-42$5,230

Vesterhav 38$4,599

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

1 specs

Dial Color

Titanium Legacy

Blue

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Manufacture Caliber WERK 17

Miyota 9019

Power Reserve

60h

40h

Jewels

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$5,230

$4,599

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Fortis Novonaut N-42 vs Henry Archer Vesterhav 38 gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Fortis Novonaut N-42

Owners widely praise the Fortis B-42 Official Cosmonauts for its stunning fit and finish, excellent legibility, and a precise, grippy bezel, with one owner calling its bracelet the nicest they've ever owned. The Fortis Novonaut N-42 is described as a flawless beast with a WERK 17 column-wheel chronograph movement, featuring enhanced shock resistance and COSC adjustment, and is noted as a handsome tool watch with a beautiful dial and nice pusher action. However, the 42mm case of the B-42 wears larger than expected, and the Novonaut's 44mm case and chunky bracelet make it too large and heavy for many. The Fortis Titanium Legacy is a modern pilot's watch with a titanium case and bracelet, featuring a Kenissi WERK 13 movement with a 70-hour power reserve and three time zones. Overall, owners and reviewers highly regard the Fortis Titanium Legacy for its robust tool watch design and advanced movement technology, despite some concerns about case size and bracelet adjustability.

WatchUSeek·6

Hodinkee·2

A Blog to Watch·2

Henry Archer Vesterhav 38

Owners widely praise the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38 for its superb finishing, striking mother-of-pearl and other dials, and thin profile, with some calling it the best Henry Archer model and exceptional value under $500. The bracelet quality is noted as outstanding for a microbrand, and dimensions are considered perfect for smaller wrists. One owner notes it is an "Asian branded watch" with implied low resale value. Overall, owners rate the Henry Archer Vesterhav 38 highly for its striking dials and superb finishing at its price point.

WatchUSeek

Keep exploring