Side by side

Formex Reef 39.5 mmvsCWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

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

Reef 39.5 mm
FormexReef 39.5 mm
MSRP $2,230
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
CWC1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
MSRP $2,458

At a glance

8 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch41mm
Power Reserve
Reef 39.5 mm56h
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Water Resistance
Reef 39.5 mm300m
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
MSRP
Reef 39.5 mm$2,230
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$2,458

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Diameter
39.5mm
41mm
Thickness
11mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
45.5mm
47mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Dial Color
Bahama Blue
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW300-1
ETA 2824-2
Power Reserve
56h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,230
$2,458

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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 Reef 39.5 mm

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm is widely praised for its refined finishing, comfortable and well-proportioned case design, and impressive specifications for its price point, including COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 movement and 300m water resistance. Owners and reviewers highlight the tool-less micro-adjust clasp and quick-release spring bars as practical features. Some reviewers note that the 22mm lug width feels slightly disproportionate to the smaller case, and the bracelet could benefit from more taper, though this is a point of contention for some owners who value the overall package. A prototype crown protrusion issue is noted as being addressed for production. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 39.5 mm highly for its excellent value and well-executed design.

CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

The CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is widely praised for its faithful recreation of vintage details, including its dial layout with markers touching the chapter ring and pointed crown guards. Owners and reviewers note its reasonable size and the original minute hand design. However, the lume is a point of contention: some find the "faux patina" tint too gold and glossy, while others specifically criticize the mismatched lume color between hands and hour markers, with the hour marker lume described as overly shiny and convex. On balance, the CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is highly regarded for its authentic vintage aesthetic and wearability, despite mixed opinions on the lume application.

From video reviewers

The watch's accurate movement is a notable strength. A potential weakness is its relatively high price point. Reviewers disagree on the watch's water-resistance, with one reviewer suggesting it could be improved and the other not mentioning any issues with water-resistance.

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