Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Formex Essence 39mm Automatic COSC, Upgraded Where It Counts
A new movement, screw-down crown, and smarter clasp bring more power and practicality to the 39mm Essence.
Formex is giving its best-selling, compact Essence 39mm a refresh, bringing in technical and ergonomic improvements. The 39mm Essence was first showcased in 2020 as the smaller sibling to the original 43mm model, and we have since seen it in everything from the regular collection to the meteorite-dial Essence 39 Space Gold and wine-toned Gamaret. Now, the Essence 39 gets a new movement, a screw-down crown, and a redesigned bracelet clasp, all while keeping the same case architecture that made it such a popular Formex in the first place. The new Formex Essence 39mm Automatic COSC comes with three dial options: Blue, Alpine White, and Radiant Bronze.
Its stainless-steel case measures 39mm across, 45.5mm from lug to lug, and 10.5mm thick. The usual mix of brushed surfaces, polished bevels, and four corner screws is still here, along with the patented Case Suspension System and its titanium inner container. The big change on the outside of the Essence 39mm Automatic COSC is the crown, which is now screw-down. Formex has worked it into the suspension system without changing the case profile, while keeping the 100m water resistance.
There are three dial options for the Essence 39mm Automatic COSC. The signature Blue returns, while Alpine White gets blued hands and indexes for a sharper contrast. New to this collection is Radiant Bronze, a warmer option already seen on the Reef. All three keep the Essence’s horizontal grooves, individually CNC-milled into the dial, plus the applied indexes, faceted hands, and a colour-matched date wheel at 6 o’clock. Both hands and indexes are filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9.
If the crown update is big, this is even bigger. Say goodbye to the old SW200-1, as the Essence 39mm Automatic COSC now uses Sellita’s new SW200-2 Power+ COSC. The new calibre keeps the same frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour but stretches the power reserve from 42 hours to 65 hours. It also brings improvements to winding efficiency, shock resistance, and the movement’s regulating system.
But wait a second, because there is another update in store: the bracelet. Developed in collaboration with Dexel, its new butterfly clasp offers tool-free adjustment directly on the wrist in 3mm steps, for up to 6mm of extra length. The new Formex Essence 39 Automatic COSC is available on leather, nylon, and rubber straps, including options in black, blue, brown, green, and red, or on a stainless-steel bracelet.
Prices start at CHF 1,470 on a strap and CHF 1,570 on the stainless-steel bracelet. Orders open August 27, 2026, with deliveries starting in October. For more information, please visit formexwatch.com.
