Formex Dresses its Bestseller in Full-Ceramic with the New Essence Ceramica

Formex, founded in 2000, is renowned for its rugged action watches. The brand’s bestselling Essence, a sporty, all-terrain model with sharp case architecture, a patented suspension system, and COSC-certified movements, made its debut in 2018 and was refreshed in 2021 with a wider range of dial colours. Marking its 25^th anniversary, Formex released its first full-ceramic Essence model with a skeletonised dial and the world’s first micro-adjustable ceramic bracelet, a treatment that is now extended to the closed-dial models. Not only are the cases and bracelets made of ceramic, but the four new Ceramica Essence models also debut a bespoke automatic Soprod calibre.

Just over a month ago, Formex introduced a new 41mm case size for the Essence, joining the existing 43mm and 39mm models. The 41mm diameter Essence case has been selected for the four new Ceramica Essence references. Sharing a thickness of 11.2mm and a 46.2mm lug-to-lug distance, the case and bracelet are made from black, scratch-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic. Lightweight yet resilient, the case weighs just 56 grams, and with the bracelet, it weighs 137 grams.

Produced in collaboration with Dexel, a reference in high-tech materials, the ceramic case and bracelet feature a medley of different finishes. The signature bezel with four bolts plays with polished and brushed surfaces, while the sharp lines of the case and bracelet reveal vertically brushed surfaces with sleek, diamond-polished bevels. As a robust sports watch, the crown screws down to ensure the 100m water-resistance, and it features the brand’s patented Case Suspension System. Protected by a titanium container, the movement is shielded from knocks and blows.

Another strong selling point regards the patented micro-adjustment system integrated into the ceramic bracelet. According to the brand, it is a world first, allowing for on-the-fly fine-tuning of 5mm in increments of 1.25mm in both directions without needing to remove the watch from your wrist, even with the clasp closed. Furthermore, the ceramic bracelet features a quick-release system, allowing you to switch it for a rubber, nylon, or leather strap in seconds with no tools required.

Offered in four colours – Gamaret, Degradé, Blue and White – the dials feature razor-sharp CNC-machined horizontal grooves and are crafted by reputable dial-maker Cadranor. The indices, applied by hand, are multifaceted to catch the light. Also revealing attention to detail, the hands have brushed tops and mirror-polished bevels, and like the indices, are filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova. Placed at 6 o’clock, the bevelled and recessed date window indicates the date on a disc matching the dial colour.

The other major news concerns the bespoke Soprod automatic calibre, the Newton P092, developed over three years to Formex specifications. Its symmetrical architecture, with the balance at 6 o’clock beneath a transverse bridge, further enhances its resistance to shocks and vibrations. Tested by Chronofiable and officially COSC chronometer certified, the 4Hz movement has a 44-hour power reserve.

No doubt about it, the Essence Ceramica is a comprehensive package, and its price of CHF 2,990 or EUR 3,490 (incl. tax) feels entirely justified. Pre-orders open today with first deliveries at the end of October 2025. More information at formexwatch.com.