The Swiss watchmaking industry is a realm steeped in tradition, precision, and a relentless pursuit of horological excellence. While numerous brands have etched their mark on this prestigious landscape, one name that has been steadily gaining recognition for its innovative approach and engineering prowess is Formex. With a history rooted in high-end watch component manufacturing,
Formex has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in watch design and functionality. Their latest creation, the Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine, is a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and a touch of whimsical charm.
Founded in 1999, Formex is a family-owned and operated independent watch manufacturer based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. From its inception, the brand has distinguished itself through a unique blend of cutting-edge engineering and distinctive design. The owner's extensive experience in high-end watch component manufacturing has allowed Formex to integrate innovative features and materials into their timepieces, resulting in watches that offer unparalleled functionality, comfort, and durability.
Courtesy of Formex
Over the years, Formex has garnered a dedicated following among watch enthusiasts who appreciate their commitment to quality and their willingness to challenge conventional norms. The brand's patented case suspension system, a hallmark of Formex watches for the past 25 years, exemplifies their dedication to both form and function. This innovative system acts as a shock absorber, protecting the delicate mechanical movement within while also enhancing the wearer's comfort by allowing for flexibility as the wrist moves.
The Essence collection, Formex's flagship line, embodies the brand's philosophy of combining technical excellence with refined aesthetics. Each Essence timepiece is a testament to Formex's meticulous attention to detail and their unwavering commitment to using only the finest materials and components. The watches in this collection are not merely instruments for telling time; they are wearable works of art that reflect the passion and expertise of the artisans who create them.
The Essence ThirtyNine, the latest addition to this esteemed collection, takes this philosophy to new heights. With its 39mm stainless steel case, the watch strikes a perfect balance between robustness and elegance. The case's vertical brush finish and hand-finished mirror polished bevels exude a sense of understated luxury, while the curved lugs ensure a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.
Courtesy of Formex
The dial of the Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine is a true masterpiece, a mesmerizing canvas that captures the essence of the night sky over the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The aventurine glass dial, with its shimmering copper shavings and a kaleidoscope of colors, evokes the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Borealis. The luminous drops that adorn the dial, glowing green from 10 to 2 o'clock and blue from 3 to 9 o'clock under ultraviolet light, further enhance the celestial theme.
The creation of this dial is a testament to Formex's mastery of dial craftsmanship. The delicate aventurine material requires precise techniques at every stage of production, from milling and machining to flattening and finishing. The result is a dial that is not only visually stunning but also a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality.
In the world of horology, collaborations between watch brands and influential figures or organizations are not uncommon. However, the partnership between Formex and Scottish Watches, a renowned online platform and podcast dedicated to all things horological, is a unique and exciting endeavor.
The Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine is the fruit of this collaboration, a timepiece that seamlessly blends the technical expertise of Formex with the creative vision of Scottish Watches. Rikki Daman, the CEO and Co-Founder of Scottish Watches, envisioned a watch that would capture the magic of the night sky over the Isle of Skye, and Formex rose to the challenge, creating a dial that is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative.
Courtesy of Formex
This collaboration is not just about creating a beautiful watch; it's about fostering a sense of community and shared passion. The inclusion of a special UV resin-infused drawing of Dunvegan Castle, which appears when illuminated by the included ultraviolet torch, adds a personal touch to this limited edition piece. This enchanting artwork, created by Matt Webster, a talented tattoo artist and Scottish Watches podcast listener, brings a unique element of community connection to the watch.
At the heart of this watch beats a Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement, a powerhouse that ensures precision and reliability. But Formex didn't stop there; they opted for the highest quality grade "Chronometer," a testament to their commitment to excellence. This means the movement is equipped with premium components like a Glucydur balance wheel, known for its exceptional hardness, stability, and resistance to deformation, magnetism, and corrosion. Every tick and tock is a testament to Swiss precision, and the movement's 41-hour power reserve ensures that the watch keeps running even when you're not wearing it.
The case of the Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine is a marvel of engineering, measuring a versatile 39mm in diameter. This size strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for both formal occasions and everyday wear. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case is not only durable but also boasts a luxurious finish. The vertical brush finish on the case and bezel, coupled with the hand-finished mirror polished bevels, exudes an air of sophistication. The curved lugs, a design element that enhances comfort, ensure the watch sits snugly on the wrist, regardless of your wrist size.
Courtesy of Formex
One of the standout features of this watch is Formex's patented case suspension system. This innovative system, a cornerstone of Formex watches for over two decades, acts as a shock absorber, shielding the delicate movement from impacts. But it's not just about protection; the system also enhances comfort by allowing the watch to flex with your wrist's natural movements. It's a testament to Formex's dedication to both form and function, ensuring that the watch not only looks good but feels good too.
The Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine doesn't just stop at a captivating dial and innovative case design; it goes the extra mile in terms of wearability and functionality. Formex understands that a watch should be more than just an accessory; it should be an extension of your personality and lifestyle. That's why they've equipped this watch with a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience.
The watch comes with a choice of straps, including Italian calf leather straps, a black rubber strap, or a stainless steel bracelet. Each strap is designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring both style and comfort. The leather and rubber straps feature curved spring bars and Formex's patented quick-release function, allowing you to change straps effortlessly without any tools.
The stainless steel bracelet is a work of art in its own right, boasting the same flawless finishing as the Essence's case. It's equipped with a hidden micro-extension system, allowing you to adjust the bracelet's length on the fly for a perfect fit in any condition. Whether you're wearing it on a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, the bracelet will always feel just right.
And let's not forget the clasp. The Formex Deployant clasp with a gradual fine-adjustment system is a marvel of engineering. It's more intuitive to operate than traditional clasps and allows for precise adjustments to the strap length while the watch is on your wrist. This means you can always achieve a perfect fit, no matter how your wrist size fluctuates throughout the day.
Courtesy of Formex
The Formex Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of horological excellence. It's a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story, a story of passion, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the art of watchmaking. With its limited availability of only 100 numbered pieces, this watch is not just a timepiece; it's a collector's item, a piece of history that will be cherished for years to come.
The Formex Essence ThirtyNine Skye Aventurine is available for pre-order at the Formex Online Boutique with prices starting at $1,890 on a leather or rubber strap and $1,990 on the solid-link stainless-steel bracelet. This price includes shipping, taxes, and duties for the US, UK, Australia, and most countries within the European Union.