Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH263?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $6,200 for the Grand Seiko SBGH263 — a $3,786 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH263?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 39.5mm for the Grand Seiko SBGH263 — a 2.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH263?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 30m for the Grand Seiko SBGH263.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGH263?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 55 hours on the Grand Seiko SBGH263.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Grand Seiko SBGH263?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Grand Seiko SBGH263 uses the 9S85.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGH263

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

Formex Reef 42 mm

reef-42mm-automatic-cosc-300m-black

MSRP $2,414

Grand Seiko SBGH263

sbgh263g

MSRP $6,200

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGH26339.5mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGH26355h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGH26330m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGH263$6,200

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9S85

Power Reserve

56h

55h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$6,200

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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.

Formex Reef 42 mm

The Formex Reef 42 mm is widely praised for its comfortable bracelet featuring a micro-adjust clasp, COSC-certified Sellita movement, and excellent build quality. Owners appreciate the gradient dial's visual appeal and the overall wearability. Some owners note the seconds hand does not perfectly align with markers, and one owner found the lugs' taper hinders third-party strap fit. The bracelet's length and sporty design are noted as limiting versatility by some. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Formex Reef 42 mm highly for its impressive wearability and value at the price point.

The Grand Seiko SBGH263 is praised for its excellent finishing for the price, with reviewers comparing it to Jaeger-LeCoultre. Owners and reviewers highlight the stunning 'Shironeri' dial and gold hands/numerals, and the 39.5mm case size is considered a perfect fit, referencing vintage Grand Seiko models. The watch features a 55-hour power reserve from its 36,000 BPH movement, though one reviewer felt the date aperture was unnecessary. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SBGH263 highly for its exceptional dial and finishing at its price point.

Fratello

WatchUSeek

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