Which is cheaper, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SLGW003?

At MSRP the Formex Reef 42 mm is the cheaper of the two at $2,414, against $11,600 for the Grand Seiko SLGW003 — a $9,186 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SLGW003?

The Formex Reef 42 mm wears larger at 42mm versus 38.6mm for the Grand Seiko SLGW003 — a 3.4mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SLGW003?

The Formex Reef 42 mm is rated to 300m versus 30m for the Grand Seiko SLGW003.

Which has a longer power reserve, the Formex Reef 42 mm or the Grand Seiko SLGW003?

The Grand Seiko SLGW003 carries a 80-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 SLGW003?

The Formex Reef 42 mm runs a automatic caliber (Sellita SW300-1), while the Grand Seiko SLGW003 runs a manual (9SA4).

Side by side

Formex Reef 42 mmvsGrand Seiko SLGW003

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 SLGW003

slgw003g

MSRP $11,600

At a glance

13 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

Reef 42 mm42mm

SLGW00338.6mm

Power Reserve

Reef 42 mm56h

SLGW00380h

Water Resistance

Reef 42 mm300m

SLGW00330m

MSRP

Reef 42 mm$2,414

SLGW003$11,600

Full specifications

Case

7 specs

Crystal & Dial

2 specs

AR Coating

Inner

Yes

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

3 specs

Caliber

Sellita SW300-1

9SA4

Type

Automatic

Manual

Power Reserve

56h

80h

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$2,414

$11,600

Follow this matchup

Get a note when Formex Reef 42 mm vs Grand Seiko SLGW003 gets more votes, a community discussion, or a price drop. No account needed.

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 SLGW003 is praised for its comfortable, lightweight Brilliant Hard Titanium case, meticulous finishing, and a clean, modern dial. Reviewers highlight the new 9SA4 manual-wind movement, noting its attractive finishing, 80-hour power reserve, and accuracy of -3/+5 seconds per day. It is considered a versatile dress watch blending vintage and future Grand Seiko spirit. The €11,700 price is noted as expensive, with some questioning its value. Overall, reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SLGW003 highly for its elegant design and impressive manual-wind movement at its flagship price point.

Fratello·2

Keep exploring