Side by side

Fortis Novonaut N-42vsGrand Seiko SBGC253

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

Novonaut N-42
FortisNovonaut N-42
MSRP $5,230
SBGC253
Grand SeikoSBGC253
MSRP $13,200

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Novonaut N-4242mm
SBGC25344.5mm
Power Reserve
Novonaut N-4260h
SBGC25372h
Water Resistance
Novonaut N-42300m
SBGC253200m
MSRP
Novonaut N-42$5,230
SBGC253$13,200

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Diameter
42mm
44.5mm
Thickness
14.6mm
16.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
50mm
Lug Width
21mm
23mm
Material
Titanium / Stainless Steel
Titanium
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Titanium Legacy
Black

Movement

4 specs
Caliber
Manufacture Caliber WERK 17
9R86
Type
Automatic
Spring Drive
Power Reserve
60h
72h
Jewels
36
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$5,230
$13,200

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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.

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.

Grand Seiko SBGC253

The Grand Seiko SBGC253 is praised for its substantial yet surprisingly light feel due to high-intensity titanium, a captivating dial with polished accents, and an exceptionally smooth chronograph action. Its dual-color lume is noted as visually striking, though its distinction fades in low light, and the exceptional anti-reflective coating makes the sapphire crystal nearly disappear. Some find the pushers unappealing and the dial's asymmetry with an off-center logo unconvincing, though others praise its gorgeous case shape and consider it a beautiful showcase of Grand Seiko's capabilities. One owner swapped to a leather strap for enhanced comfort and aesthetics. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGC253 highly for its unique case material and smooth chronograph execution, despite some polarizing design elements.

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