Practical introduction to the Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton Cosc Automatic 41mm

Formex is well known for bringing heat to far more expensive brands in terms of features and pricing. Today, the heat is dialed a little more as the opening salvo for the company’s 25th celebration. Say “Hello” to the new Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton Cosc Automatic 41mm. Yes, it’s a mouthful, but it only damages the surface of yet another spec beast from Formex.

With this release, Formex has turned his attention to ceramics. For the first time, we detected a slightly brave tone of Associated Press material. Formex intends to challenge a much higher-end brand with this new statement of intent. Well, it’s okay. I rate it that way! Let’s see what is!

New Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton Cosc Automatic 41mm

It might be fascinating to consider this as just another version of the Essence 41mm. After all, it offers the same shape and the same 41mm x 46.2mm x 11.2mm dimensions. As well as its 100m water resistance, the midcase on the shock absorbing spring road will also return. You can see that the sapphire crystal is on the top and it’s back to the display case. There’s nothing new here.

The friendliness continues inside. The new essence runs on the same old automatic Sellita SW200-1 regulated within the COSC chronometer specification and so certified. It still promotes 28,800 VPH in the industry and promises about 41 hours of autonomy.

Even bracelets follow familiar recipes. Get a neat quick release system and a micro-fine adjustable clasp. Wait, what? Do you want to fine-tune the ceramic clasp? Has it ever been done? Well, I can see where this is heading now!

Formex Ceramic Processing

Well, the big news here is ceramics. Zirconium oxide is nothing new in the world of watchmaking. Not even that “democratization.” After all, Nivada recently dropped all-ceramic watches at unprecedented price levels. Still, it can be argued that the Nivada version was kept simple in all mat runs. However, Formex takes a different route.

The Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton Cosc Automatic 41mm tackles the most difficult way to make a ceramic watch. For starters, Formex applies a combination of brush and polished surfaces. It can prove that these surfaces are finished very well. The brushing is deep, prominent, tactile, and the polishing is smooth. The transition is left nothing desired with the sharp edges of the razor. Certainly, this is on the same level as a seriously high-end ceramic watch. I won’t mention the price of the new Formex yet, but this makes me embarrassed by the premiums that certain brands charge ceramics.

Currently, it is always difficult to communicate finish quality with the qualification, so Formex is thrown into another small ceramic feat: Toolless Micro-Adjustable Clasp. I have to admit that I didn’t know that, but apparently this is the first in the industry. Either way, I can’t think of anything else. This clasp offers three 1.5mm adjustment increases. And yes, this system is comparable to a very expensive option.

Formex Essence Ceramica skeletalization efforts

What you’ll certainly notice is the open work dial. It’s rewarding to know that Formex is part of a family-owned business group, including dial maker Cadranor. Together, they opened the Sellita caliber and equipped with matching openwork dials.

Both have ruthenium plating for a stark, dark gray aesthetic. You will also notice crazy amounts of detail and some different finishing techniques on both the caliber and the dial. For example, can I focus my attention on the engraved sections between time markers? Their brushed surfaces and polished angles with sharp angles mean serious devotion. This is very literally cut off the edges, but it’s far from a relatively high level.

There are several versions of the dial. Shown here is the GT version with gear-inspired shapes and rose tone indexes and hands. Alternatively, you can opt for a slightly subtle Stradale version with black hands and time markers. Stradale comes in three variations, choosing between white, purple or blue Rumet.

So, does this certainly raise the heat?

Now is the right time to mention prices. Formex always offers great value, but classifying it as a low-end brand would be incorrect. The new Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton Cosc Automatic 41mm follows that philosophy. The price for the GT version is CHF 4,150 / US $4,390 / €4,590 / £3,850. The Stradale is a bit lower at CHF 3,970/US$4,250/€4,450/£3,750.

These are big numbers in some way. However, considering the quality, this watch brings much more heat to high-end brands. I handled the Ceramic Watch, which costs five times the cost of the Formex Essence Ceramica and doesn’t feel good either. The level of attention to detail really touches me very simply. Some brands charge gold prices for ceramic watches. This Formex Essence Ceramica is easy to get close to.

So, I have nothing to complain about? Of course, I do! Formex still relies on a highly technical and almost nerdy design language. Just as the specifications and quality impress me, it doesn’t look like that. The dial-up vibe is great in terms of functionality, but not so much in terms of aesthetics. Still, it’s all subjective. If you love looks, this is one killer watch!

What do you think about the new Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton Cosc Automatic 41mm? Let us know in the comments section below!

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