Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Formex Essence Splash Chronometer Limited Collection
Summer or not, colourful dials are the thing this year.
Introduced in 2018, the Essence watch collection by Formex represents a remarkable blend of intelligent design, technical prowess, and craftsmanship. With a direct-to-consumer distribution model, the Essence series offers timepieces known for their performance, contemporary style, and sensible prices. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or simply searching for a fairly-priced, fully-equipped timepiece, the new and vibrant Formex Essence Splash collection is worth considering.
The Splash collection, released in limited production, comprises two versions: the Essence 39mm Chronometer with a stainless steel case and bezel and the Essence 43mm Leggera featuring a carbon fibre composite case with a zirconium oxide ceramic bezel. Both models feature Formex’s Case Suspension system, incorporating four integrated springs that adapt to the wearer’s wrist movement, providing enhanced comfort and protecting the movement from shocks. Additionally, both watches are impressively thin, measuring 10mm and 11mm in height, and boast a water resistance of 100 meters. The Essence 43mm Leggera, with its carbon fibre construction, exudes a slightly more aggressive aesthetic compared to the Essence 39mm in steel, but the playful dials balance the boldness.
The dials in the Essence collection have always garnered attention for their cool design, with the signature horizontal lines meticulously CNC-machined into the dial base. For the Splash collection, Formex adds a spray-painted finish, offering an array of vibrant colours such as Sunflower Yellow, Jungle Green, Sunset Orange, Baby Blue, and Lavender Purple, and don’t think Formex made these pretty names up; these colours are Hex and RGB coded.
The hand-applied gun-metal finished hour indices and the brushed hour and minute hands featuring polished chamfers are filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility day or night against the vivid backgrounds. At 6 o’clock, the date window exhibits its characteristic slope, displaying a disc matching the dial colour with sleek black date digits. The inner bezel, with minute ring markings, creates a raised, three-dimensional effect. The Formex logo below the double index at 12 o’clock, the Essence collection’s name, and the chronometer designation above the date aperture complete the dial’s markings, not forgetting the Swiss-made stamp.
Powering the watches in the Essence Splash collection is the reliable Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, certified by COSC for its chronometer-grade precision. Formex goes the extra mile by decorating the calibres with perlage on the bridges, employing heat-blued screws, and incorporating a custom-made rotor, ensuring an interesting caseback presentation. The SW200-1 movement, equipped with 26 jewels, provides a power reserve of 41 hours.
The new Essence Splash Automatic Chronometer models can be fitted with various strap options. These include the NATO strap designed by WatchGecko with a pin buckle and Italian calf leather, nylon, and rubber straps, all featuring a carbon fibre composite clasp with Formex’s patented gradual 7mm fine adjustment system. For those preferring a stainless steel bracelet, Formex offers a fully integrated option with screwed links, a 1.5x link piece, and a stainless steel butterfly clasp with a patented 4mm micro-extension. Importantly, all straps can be changed without tools, providing easy customization options.
Prices start at EUR 1,410 or USD 1,480 for the Essence 39mm on leather or rubber strap and at EUR 1,650 or USD 1,640 for the Essence Leggera 43 mm on NATO strap with pin buckle. The Splash series will be available only during the summer months and through the brand’s website, so please visit www.formexwatch.com for more information or to place an order.
