Chronopolis is a new independent watch show taking place during Geneva Watch Week on April 14 – 18 later this month, the perfect place for brands to showcase their latest creations. One such brand and one such creation is Formex and the new Reef “Forged Carbon” edition. A technical rendition of their signature dive watch with an interchangeable bezel.
Forged carbon is typically a material associated with high performance sports watches from the likes of Richard Mille. However, with the Reef “Forged Carbon” it’s more about showing the material and the aesthetic it provides rather than its performance. Rather than long carbon fibres that are woven together in a regular pattern, forged carbon uses short carbon fibres that are bound together in resin and heated under high pressure to create a composite material.
It makes for a highly durable lightweight material, but as we’ve established that’s not the primary reason Formex are using it. The forging process creates an irregular pattern across the surface like a chaotic ripple where no two dials are identical. Not only does it make each watch personal to the owner, but also it creates a visual that reminds me of underwater currents blasting through the hidden alcoves and corals of a reef.
One of the most distinctive features of the Formex Reef collection is that they have interchangeable bezels. You can take the bezel off without a tool and swap it for another with a click. The same is true for the Reef “Forged Carbon” with its carbon bezel, which is cool because I like the idea that if you own another 39.5mm Reef, you can give it this carbon bezel for a unique look.
Beneath the dial is the Sellita calibre SW300-1 COSC certified chronometer with 56-hour power reserve. It’s protected by a solid caseback with a wave motif and an inscription noting the watch’s 300m water resistance rating.
When viewing the caseback you can also see the quick-release strap or bracelet that makes it easy to swap too. On strap it’s priced at £1,820 and on bracelet it’s £1,990. For a chronometer dive watch with elements of forged carbon, which is a material typically reserved for much higher price points, that seems reasonable.
Price and Specs:
More details at Formex.
