The Golden Meteorite Dial of the new Formex Essence 39 Space Gold

Within Formex’s catalogue lie various collections, among which the Essence reigns supreme in versatility. Ranging from 39mm to 43mm in case diameter, the Essence collection offers timepieces of great quality, consistently delivering excellent value for money. With technical ingenuity, aesthetic appeal, and practical solutions, it caters to both seasoned enthusiasts and novice buyers alike. The latest addition to the Essence 39 series retains the hallmark features of its predecessors while introducing a Space Gold meteorite dial, and it emerges as a standout piece, seamlessly blending the trendy allure of steel and salmon dial hues.

The latest iteration of the Formex Essence, the 39mm Space Gold model, comes in a sleek stainless steel case adorned with a vertical brushed finish across most surfaces, accentuated by polished chamfered edges, creating a lovely contrast that catches the eye. Noteworthy are the four screws, a defining characteristic of the collection, which serve a functional purpose. They secure the inner titanium container with integrated springs, forming a shock absorption system that safeguards the movement. The Essence 39mm maintains a slim profile of just 10mm and features scratch-resistant sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment on both the dial and the caseback, ensuring clarity from any angle. With a water resistance of 100m, this timepiece combines style with durability, making it suitable for various occasions.

While Muonionalusta meteorite dials have graced Essence timepieces before, the brand has taken a new approach this time around. Instead of the traditional PVD coating, Formex opted for a rose gold deposition through electroplating, resulting in a striking salmon-coloured dial accentuating the distinctive Widmanstätten pattern, making each dial a naturally unique piece. Also, substantial thickness sets this dial apart, deliberately designed to accommodate a bevelled date aperture. Unlike the typical method of glueing the meteorite plate to a brass base, Formex has implemented soldering feet that directly attach the dial to the movement.

Time reading is effortless with the Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold, thanks to the contrasting baton indices adorned with a gunmetal finish and filled with Super-LumiNova. The hour and minute hands, fashioned in the same way, also feature luminous material for enhanced readability. The inner flange, inclined, serves as a minutes track, while the date window seamlessly blends in with the dial’s colour scheme.

A COSC chronometer-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement powers this new edition, a trusted Essence series staple. It operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offers a 41-hour power reserve. Through the exhibition caseback, secured by eight screws, the movement, complete with a skeletonized rotor, reveals a nice finish in harmony with the series’ design ethos.

The Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold is worn on a stainless steel bracelet with screwed links, closed with a stainless steel buckle with a patented 4mm micro extension. The bracelet incorporates a quick-release system for added convenience, facilitating effortless strap changes. Whether opting for a leather or rubber strap with a carbon fibre deployant clasp, the wearer can easily switch – no tools required. On the straps, the clasp with the gradual fine-adjustment system offers up to 7mm of flexibility. 

The Formex Essence 39 Space Rock Automatic Chronometer is priced at USD 1,890 on the leather/rubber strap with a deployant clasp and USD 1,990 on the stainless steel bracelet; the first 100 pieces will be numbered. Orders are now open, with deliveries expected to start in early July. For further details, visit formexwatch.com.