Side by side

Formex Reef GMTvsVaer DS4 Meridian Solar

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

Reef GMT
FormexReef GMT
MSRP $2,235
DS4 Meridian Solar
VaerDS4 Meridian Solar
MSRP $279

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Reef GMT42mm
DS4 Meridian Solar42mm
Power Reserve
Reef GMT56h
DS4 Meridian Solar40h
Water Resistance
Reef GMT300m
DS4 Meridian Solar200m
MSRP
Reef GMT$2,235
DS4 Meridian Solar$279

Full specifications

Case

6 specs
Category
GMT
Diver
Thickness
11.4mm
10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
46mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW330-2
Type
Automatic
Quartz
Power Reserve
56h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,235
$279

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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 GMT

The Formex Reef GMT is widely praised for its unique porthole case shape, COSC-certified Sellita SW330-2 movement with good finishing, and comfortable quick-release bracelet with on-the-fly micro-adjustment. Reviewers note its robust construction, impressive specifications, and strong value proposition, with a slim 11.4mm profile accommodating 300m water resistance and an exhibition caseback. However, owners widely report the 53mm lug-to-lug span with male endlinks makes it too large for smaller wrists. Some find the bezel action stiff and potentially slippery, and a reviewer desired sharper finishing and edges, deeming the aesthetic too modernist. The GMT variant sacrifices a timing bezel unless swapped, and one owner notes sharp edges on the crown and crown guard. Overall, owners and reviewers highly rate the Formex Reef GMT for its exceptional value and well-executed features, particularly its bracelet system and COSC-certified movement.

From video reviewers

The watch features a COSC-certified SW330-2 GMT movement, which is visible through a sapphire crystal display case back and beautifully decorated. The watch's water-resistance of up to 300m/1000ft is a notable feature. The 42mm diameter may be too large for smaller wrists.

Vaer DS4 Meridian Solar

Owners widely praise the Vaer DS4 Meridian Solar for its exceptional value, solar-powered functionality, and attractive sunburst dials, with one owner reporting perfect timekeeping at 0 seconds per day. Reviewers and owners alike note the sapphire crystal with AR coating and 200m water resistance as key strengths. However, the premium steel bracelet is criticized by some for a jangly feel and sharp edges, and the crown's sharp edges can dig into the wrist. The second hand's alignment between markers is reported as slightly off by multiple owners, a trait Vaer attributes to the watch's price point. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Vaer DS4 Meridian Solar highly for its excellent value and robust specifications, particularly its solar movement and durable crystal.

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