The New Formex Essence 41mm Automatic COSC in Steel

Formex extends its Essence line with a new 41mm COSC-certified model, a permanent addition that bridges the gap between the existing 39mm and 43mm editions. First presented in the Space Ghost limited edition and later added to ceramic variants, this mid-size case now arrives in stainless steel as part of the regular collection. The 41mm Essence is not just resizing; the watch comes with several engineering improvements that enhance comfort, precision, and durability while preserving the design codes that define the collection.

The new Essence 41mm COSC features a 316L stainless steel case with a titanium container. It measures 10.6mm in height and 46.5mm lug-to-lug, keeping the balanced proportions that made the limited models successful. It retains the brand’s patented Case Suspension System, designed to improve shock absorption and wrist comfort, and now introduces a screw-down crown, a long-standing fanbase request, engineered to integrate with the floating case architecture. Water resistance is rated at 100m; the sapphire crystals feature internal anti-reflective treatment on both sides. 

Produced in Formex’s family-owned Cadranor dial manufacture in the Swiss Jura, each dial displays the Essence’s signature horizontal grooves, a bevelled date window at 6 o’clock, and applied indices and logo. The hands and markers are vertically brushed with diamond-polished bevels and filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova for legibility in low light. Four dial variations are available. Classic Blue is vertically brushed and shifts from near-black to navy depending on the light. Gamaret, a gradient burgundy tone inspired by the Swiss wine grape, is bright at the centre and deepens towards the edges. Then there’s Dégradé, a warm brown sunburst with a hand-applied fade to near-black at the perimeter. Lastly, Arctic White, as photographed for our hands-on session, is lacquered and highly contrasted with gunmetal accents for maximum readability.

The Essence 41mm COSC is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, chronometer-certified by COSC for accuracy. The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and provides a 41-hour power reserve. 

A significant part of this update lies in the bracelet and fastening systems. The stainless steel bracelet comes with a newly patented butterfly clasp, offering three micro-adjustment positions (0mm, 3mm, 6mm) which can be made on the wrist without opening the clasp. The bracelet also features re-engineered link screws with an offset thread and a free-spinning pin, eliminating the need for threadlocker compounds and improving durability over time.

Alternative options include leather, rubber, or nylon straps, each fitted with Formex’s carbon fibre deployant clasp offering 7mm of gradual fine adjustment. All attachment systems use the quick-release mechanism, allowing tool-free interchangeability between the strap and bracelet.

The Formex Essence 41mm COSC becomes part of the permanent collection and will be available for pre-order from October 16, 2025, with deliveries scheduled for mid-November 2025. Prices are set at EUR 1,590 on the strap and EUR 1,690 on the stainless steel bracelet. The price includes international shipping, and the watches come with a 3-year warranty. For further details, visit formexwatch.com.