Side by side

Henry Archer AkvavsFormex Reef GMT

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

Akva
Henry ArcherAkva
MSRP $4,299
Reef GMT
FormexReef GMT
MSRP $2,235

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Akva40mm
Reef GMT42mm
Power Reserve
Akva40h
Reef GMT56h
Water Resistance
Akva200m
Reef GMT300m
MSRP
Akva$4,299
Reef GMT$2,235

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
Diver
GMT
Diameter
40mm
42mm
Thickness
10.5mm
11.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
Lug Width
22mm
Water Resistance
200m
300m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Dial Color
Grey
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
Sellita SW330-2
Power Reserve
40h
56h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$4,299
$2,235

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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.

Henry Archer Akva

Owners widely praise the Henry Archer Akva for its excellent build and finish quality, compact 40mm dimensions, and versatile no-date dial, with many finding its timekeeping perfect. The watch's blue wave dial and slender design are frequently highlighted as particularly attractive features, and the bracelet with on-the-fly adjustment receives positive remarks. Some owners note the Miyota movement and find the Akva's aesthetic comparable to significantly more expensive timepieces. However, reviewers consistently flag the bezel action as slippery with strong ratcheting, and one owner disliked the available bracelet option. Overall, owners rate the Henry Archer Akva highly for its impressive build quality and attractive wave dial at its price point.

Formex Reef GMT

The Formex Reef GMT is widely praised for its unique porthole case shape, COSC-certified Sellita SW330-2 movement with good finishing, and comfortable quick-release bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment. Reviewers note its robust construction, impressive specifications, and strong value proposition, with a slim 11.4mm profile accommodating 300m water resistance and an exhibition caseback. However, owners widely report the 53mm lug-to-lug span with male endlinks makes it too large for smaller wrists. Some find the bezel action stiff and potentially slippery, and a reviewer desired sharper finishing and edges, deeming the aesthetic too modernist. The GMT variant sacrifices a timing bezel unless swapped, and one owner notes sharp edges on the crown and crown guard. Overall, owners and reviewers highly rate the Formex Reef GMT for its exceptional value and well-executed features, particularly its bracelet system and COSC-certified movement.

From video reviewers

The watch features a COSC-certified SW330-2 GMT movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal display case back and beautifully decorated. The watch's water-resistance of up to 300m/1000ft is a notable feature. The 42mm diameter may be too large for smaller wrists.

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