Formex is known for packing a large amount of punches into relatively affordable watches. Branded products are rich in features and are well made at very competitive prices. Nothing illustrates this better than the Formex Field Automatic, the brand’s entry-level model. Today I am pleased to introduce the second generation of watches.
Now, ironic readers might say, “These are just three new dials. It’s not a new watch!” I usually agree, but not today. The second generation Formex fields take on completely different characters, even if they “just” house a new dial. Let’s take a closer look!
Formex Field Automatic
Starting with the basics, these watches come in a 40mm grade 2 titanium case with a thickness of 10.6mm and length of 46.6mm. Several leather or velcro straps are chosen for the 20mm gap between the lugs. Grade 2 Titanium usually has a Vickers surface hardness of 145, but Formex hardens it to a Vickers of 900. This means that the metal is very resistant to scratches. However, due to the highly matte bead blasted surface, it develops natural patina over time.
Original Formex Field
Inside, I check what I can only describe as a veinous main caliber. It means in a good way to get all the performance, reliability and maintainability you can expect from the Sellita SW200-1. The standard grade automatic caliber offers 41 hours of autonomy and mites at the industry standard 28,800VPH. Formex doesn’t claim accuracy, but can always be regulated within COSC standards to Watchmaker if necessary.
The Formex field is 150 meters resistant and is secured with a under-screw crown.
New dial for Formex Field 40mm Second Generation
The case is seemingly intricate and has many sculpture details, but the dial steals the show. The field always had a sandwich-like dial with embedded bright markers, but this time it offers an additional dimension. The central surface rises and gives a sunburst finish. Move outwards you will find a matt track with bright numbers angled, followed by a tilted sunburst minute track. There, we find indexes of shapes that complement the railway sector around numbers and boundaries. Finally, the date window has a tilted frame that decorates the 6 o’clock position.
The first generation features fake patina, but nothing can be found here. For dial colors, you can choose between ice blue, coho salmon, or basalt grey. The blue and salmon dials have a black room. The grey model (reviewed here) features a white Lume. The results are important. The second generation abandons all vintage vibes and leaps completely towards a more upscale look.
First impression
Now, all of the above should not work. At least conceptually it doesn’t work. The dial has too much information, too much detail, too many different surfaces. It becomes a terrible field watch, especially if the first generation model has a matte dial and perfect readability.
If you had explained these changes to me on the phone, I’m sure I’d responded negatively. Luckily, we don’t wear watches on the phone. In real life, this strange recipe somehow works perfectly. I spent time on a basalt-gray model, and at the same time I can see that it is a field watch, through it and more flashy than ever before. Again, that should be a contradiction, but it is not. Some watches go against logic, but this is great.
Wear 2nd generation Formex field auto
As you can see from the photo, my sample also came with a new Velcro strap. Its texture is very nice and soft – almost mushy. Tieing up the watch was a bit of a hassle due to the quick release spring bar. The straps must loop around the 6 o’clock bar and roll around it when tightened. The spring bars interfere with that movement and make it a little more comfortable. To fix this, remove the quick release spring bar in favor of the straight trace bar.
I tied the new Formex field to my wrist and loved the combination. The fluffy straps and lightweight watch make it a very comfortable wearing experience. A 40mm diameter might sound big for a time-only watch, but I can prove it’s smaller and worn. If I had said this was a 38mm watch, I would have believed it.
The new dial offers a second-generation Formex field with a more sophisticated feel. The case is so brutal that I wouldn’t say it’s Gada, but the execution of the dial lifts the watch from the pure toolwatch area. It’s all good for me as it does without compromising readability! And for 870 US dollars, this watch is rarely desired. Praise once more, Formex!
What do you think about the new second generation Formex field automatic? Please let us know in the comments below.
