Side by side

Fortis Novonaut N-42vsGrand Seiko SBGH281

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
SBGH281
Grand SeikoSBGH281
MSRP $6,300

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Novonaut N-4242mm
SBGH28140mm
Power Reserve
Novonaut N-4260h
SBGH28155h
Water Resistance
Novonaut N-42300m
SBGH281100m
MSRP
Novonaut N-42$5,230
SBGH281$6,300

Full specifications

Case

7 specs
Category
Chronograph
Dress
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Thickness
14.6mm
13.3mm
Lug-to-Lug
46.2mm
Lug Width
21mm
19mm
Material
Titanium / Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
100m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Titanium Legacy
Black

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Manufacture Caliber WERK 17
9S85
Power Reserve
60h
55h
Jewels
36
25

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$5,230
$6,300

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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 SBGH281

The Grand Seiko SBGH281 is lauded for its 44GS-style case, which exemplifies the brand's "Grammar of Design" with its sharp facets and broad case band, and its Hi-Beat 36000vph Caliber 9S85 movement, noted for an ultra-smooth second hand. Reviewers highlight the exceptional finishing, including Zaratsu polishing and hand-polished markers, as offering significant value at its €6,200 price point. The watch features an accuracy rating of +5/–3 seconds per day, a 55-hour power reserve, and 100-meter water resistance, all executed to Grand Seiko's high standards, and is limited to 1,500 pieces. Overall, reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH281 highly for its iconic case design and superb finishing at its price.

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