Formex have been teasing us with the idea of a new Essence collection at 41mm in stainless steel for months at this point. It started with the Space Ghost limited edition back in August, which was the first 41mm Essence but that sold out within three days. Then September saw the launch of a full 41mm in high tech ceramic, which was cool but carries with it the price tag of a ceramic watch. Now though, at long last, Formex have released the Essence 41mm Automatic COSC in stainless steel.
This is their new mid-size core collection, sitting between the existing 43mm and 39mm versions. Occupying that goldilocks zone of sports watch design that isn’t too large or too small. The case design is identical to its companions with a circular bezel featuring brushed and polished surfaces that overlaps with four visible screws attaching it to a round case with angled lugs. In steel it carries with it more of that utilitarian, quasi-industrial vibe that is popular in sports watches from the late 20th century. I also personally think it looks better than the black ceramic as the silver tone gives it a brighter appearance.
For the dials, Formex has copied the homework from their ceramic collection and we have deep blue, wine-toned gamaret, dégradé brown and arctic white. Each with the characteristic horizontal groove pattern of the Essence line. I’ve always been a fan of the understated nature of the dials, especially in white where it reminds me of old timey cinema signage, as if the latest showing is ‘Essence Chronometer’.
Speaking of chronometer, the collection is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 COSC, a staple of the industry. It’s also the modern, upgraded version with 41-hour power reserve which is nice to see. You can view it though the exhibition caseback with its openworked automatic rotor.
As I briefly alluded to in the introduction, one of the major benefits of this new Essence 41mm Automatic COSC core collection is that it finally gives us a 41mm Essence at a more accessible price. Specifically it’s £1,500 on steel bracelet or £1,400 on any of the strap options which includes leather, nylon or rubber. That’s practically half the price of the ceramic models and a few hundred less than the original meteorite limited edition. It’s now in the region where even collectors on a budget can seriously consider it as a daily wearer.
Price and Specs:
More details at Formex.
Lovely release from Formex. Unashamedly a sports watch without being too “utility’ looking.
Hit the attached link and check the website for more details and strap choices. My personal vote would be for he ted dial version with the rubber strap, very stylish but also meeting the criteria of the arena in which it sits. Great price for all of that.
My only criticism (as a small one), is the faux hex screws on the bezel – WHY.
They are not fake, and not part of the bezel. They are actually in the case and are part of the case suspension system. They hold the spring loaded system together. For anyone thinking of unscrewing them, dont. They are a b@s£ard to get back in. Hth.