Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph?

At MSRP the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph is the cheaper of the two at $1,799, against $2,230 for the Formex Reef 39.5 mm — a $431 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph?

The Zelos Starfighter Chronograph wears larger at 41mm versus 39.5mm for the Formex Reef 39.5 mm — a 1.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph?

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm is rated to 300m versus 50m for the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 39.5 mm or the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph?

The Formex Reef 39.5 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph.

What movement does the Formex Reef 39.5 mm run compared to the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 39.5 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph uses the ETA 2894 Élaboré.

Side by side

Formex Reef 39.5 mmvsZelos Starfighter Chronograph

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

Formex Reef 39.5 mm

reef-39.5-automatic-chronometer-cosc-300m-bahama-blue

MSRP $2,230

Zelos Starfighter Chronograph

starfighter-chronograph-spitfire

MSRP $1,799

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 39.5 mm39.5mm

Starfighter Chronograph41mm

Power Reserve

Reef 39.5 mm56h

Starfighter Chronograph40h

Water Resistance

Reef 39.5 mm300m

Starfighter Chronograph50m

MSRP

Reef 39.5 mm$2,230

Starfighter Chronograph$1,799

Full specifications

Case

5 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

Dial Color

Bahama Blue

Spitfire LE

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

ETA 2894 Élaboré

Power Reserve

56h

40h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,230

$1,799

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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.

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A Blog to Watch

Time + Tide

Zelos Starfighter Chronograph

Owners find the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph appealing, with one noting the beauty of the Aventurine dial and another praising the blue dial and lumed subdials. One owner is selling the watch to acquire other chronographs. Overall, owners appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the Zelos Starfighter Chronograph, particularly its dial options and lumed subdials.

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