Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM245?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $6,100 for the Grand Seiko SBGM245 — a $3,686 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM245?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 40.5mm for the Grand Seiko SBGM245 — a 1.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM245?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 200m for the Grand Seiko SBGM245.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGM245?

The Grand Seiko SBGM245 carries a 72-hour power reserve against 56 hours on the Formex Reef 42 mm.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Grand Seiko SBGM245?

Both watches run automatic movements — the Formex Reef 42 mm uses the Sellita SW300-1 and the Grand Seiko SBGM245 uses the 9S66.

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGM245

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 SBGM245

sbgm245g

MSRP $6,100

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGM24540.5mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGM24572h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGM245200m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGM245$6,100

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

2 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9S66

Power Reserve

56h

72h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$6,100

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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.

Owners widely appreciate the Grand Seiko SBGM245 for its blend of sport and luxury, with one enthusiast highlighting its superior workmanship over quartz movements. However, opinions on its size vary, as one owner found the SBGM245 too large, preferring the comfort of a different variant. Overall, owners value the Grand Seiko SBGM245 for its refined craftsmanship, though its wearability is a point of personal preference.

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