Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGX353?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $4,100 for the Grand Seiko SBGX353 — a $1,686 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGX353?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 34mm for the Grand Seiko SBGX353 — a 8mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGX353?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 30m for the Grand Seiko SBGX353.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SBGX353?

The Formex Reef 42 mm carries a 56-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Grand Seiko SBGX353.

What movement does the Formex Reef 42 mm run compared to the Grand Seiko SBGX353?

The Formex Reef 42 mm runs a automatic caliber (Sellita SW300-1), while the Grand Seiko SBGX353 runs a quartz (9F61).

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SBGX353

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 SBGX353

sbgx353g

MSRP $4,100

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SBGX35334mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SBGX35340h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SBGX35330m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SBGX353$4,100

Full specifications

Case

6 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9F61

Type

Automatic

Quartz

Power Reserve

56h

40h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$4,100

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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.

The Grand Seiko SBGX353 is widely praised for its mesmerizing "Skyflake" textured blue dial, considered by owners to be "perfect art." Reviewers and owners alike highlight the watch's elegant 34mm case size and the advanced 9F61 quartz movement, noting its exceptional ±10 seconds per year accuracy and precise second-hand alignment. Some owners find the dial's aesthetic appeal slightly diminished when worn compared to other options, and one owner replaced the quick-release buckle for a Hirsch clasp. Overall, owners rate the Grand Seiko SBGX353 highly for its exquisite dial finishing and the precision of its quartz movement at its price point.

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