I really like Formex and they do make some great watches, but anOrdain is on a completely different level. Their enamel dials and heat treated hands are exquisite and you know you have something truly special on your wrist when you're wearing an anOrdain.
The details on a formex really separate them from the competition. I own a Reef and have worn an Essence for the past few weeks almost every day. What separates them:
excellent clasp on the reef. Has on the fly adjust without being excessively long.
Excellent securing system on the Essence with what is essentially an on-the-fly adjust system on a butterfly clasp is impressive.
Quick release spring bar mechanisms on both bracelets.
I've been going back to Formex website every round they won to try and understand, but... nah it's really not my style 🤷🏻♂️ Too big, too bulky and the name just sounds like an industrial group producing concrete (well it is : https://www.formex.ch/ 😂)
I've been going back to Formex website every round they won to try and understand, but... nah it's really not my style 🤷🏻♂️ Too big, too bulky and the name just sounds like an industrial group producing concrete (well it is : https://www.formex.ch/ 😂)
Tell me, please... without all the marketing hype behind it, what makes the word "Formex" sound any different or worse than "Rolex?" Genuine question.
Tell me, please... without all the marketing hype behind it, what makes the word "Formex" sound any different or worse than "Rolex?" Genuine question.
That's actually a very good question!
Well I did some research and Formex is short for "Forme extrême" ("the extrem form" in French). Rolex, on the other hand, is rumored to be short for "horlogerie exquise" (exquisite watchmaking) or "horlogerie extrême" (extreme watchmaking) which kinda ruined Rolex's name for me, for ever. 😭😅Sources : Formex website and Rolex Wikipedia page
More seriously, it's easy to criticize their name but I can appreciate Formex quality, it's just not my kind of watches 😉
They had a model with 100m (the model 2 field watch has 5atm , and a push pull crown. I’d promptly fill it with water )
..But they don’t - dynamic and enthusiastic Formex for the win 🏆.
Not every watch is supposed to be submitted to Ironman for competitive consideration🤣 I dare you to compete with the new GS...To be honest I think it would win, just on looks alone!
Have loved getting to do these polls! While I haven't gotten to own a Formex just yet, I've really grown to enjoy them. Build quality looks/seems great and I think they do offer a ton of quality and watch for the cash. Hoping to try a field or an essence real soon! The Reef GMT has really been beckoning to me too lol
I will say this even if I voted for AndOrdain. I'm not a dive or bezel guy at all but if I did buy a dive watch it might as well be a Formex b/c you can't really argue with user friendly customization.
Formex all the way. Much more original designs, I feel like I’ve seen AnOrdain watches done a million times before. The Formex Essence Leggeras are phenomenal and every watch has a micro adjust clasp available. I personally would never buy another watch without a micro adjust. Love the Tudor BB58 but couldn’t get it to fit comfortably, it’s impossible to not get the perfect fit on the wrist with a Formex.
Okay, since this one appears largely in the bag, I will do my best to weigh in objectively. I will certainly add more in my tournament wrap-up post this evening.
I am fortunate enough to own three of the four final four finalists (I know, I will buy a Zelos in time). And as of this year, have handled most of the watches from each finalist, so take my insight for what it is. Photo of some below (ignore proportions, all are close in size but cameras can play tricks to the eye)
Despite what some Formex/Dexel fans (HUGE thank you for turning up in droves to vote) may say, these dials have not been done a million times, in fact it is quite rare to this level. If anyone knows anything about baked dials, it is a painstaking process and first hand these dials are something to behold. The case is well done, albeit nothing too special. Customer service is top notch and during the ordering process a few years ago I got to interact with several of the folks there. The ETA 2824 is one of my all-time favorite movements and last I checked the watch is still within +/- 2-3 seconds even after three years. Cons? The crystal is almost impossible to shoot. Could be used to low key spy around corners, it is that reflective. My only other con is the crown. It sits so flush and is tiny. If my nails are particularly cut short, I cannot get the thing out, so there have been times I pick it up to wear it and immediately put it back in the box vs. trying to get the crown out.
After Monta, in this enthusiast's opinion, Formex has some of the best hardware, especially bracelets. The Essence 39 really won me over and I was dead set on getting the green one until I saw the new Gameret, which was an instant buy when it launched. A COSC-certified Selita movement with matching color date wheel, you can really tell the attention to detail that went into it. Cons? It still had a date, but that is a personal preference, but again at least it matches. For this model, the bezel, while not Santos level, likes to find scratches.
I had many matches in this tournament where I had to pick from two brands I own. I personally opted for who I thought the underdog would be each time because if I do not vote I do not get results. I will agree with others that all around, the Formex offers more, but it is an apples-to-hand grenade comparison. One is a dressier artisan piece on a leather strap, the other a sports watch on a nice bracelet. I will always give the edge movement-wise to ETA over Sellita, even with COSC certification, but to me, this truly is a coin flip and if one has the means, one should have each in their collection.
Shame that it was such a landslide, but it goes to show the amount of people that can wear a dress watch on the daily and the amount of people who want to wear a transformer on their wrist.
And a toast to Farer, the runaway winner last year as well 🥂
Absolutely, and they were more popular this year. Not a betting person, but I would wager they would have walked away with this one too. There is a reason we retire the winners. :-)
Okay, since this one appears largely in the bag, I will do my best to weigh in objectively. I will certainly add more in my tournament wrap-up post this evening.
I am fortunate enough to own three of the four final four finalists (I know, I will buy a Zelos in time). And as of this year, have handled most of the watches from each finalist, so take my insight for what it is. Photo of some below (ignore proportions, all are close in size but cameras can play tricks to the eye)
Despite what some Formex/Dexel fans (HUGE thank you for turning up in droves to vote) may say, these dials have not been done a million times, in fact it is quite rare to this level. If anyone knows anything about baked dials, it is a painstaking process and first hand these dials are something to behold. The case is well done, albeit nothing too special. Customer service is top notch and during the ordering process a few years ago I got to interact with several of the folks there. The ETA 2824 is one of my all-time favorite movements and last I checked the watch is still within +/- 2-3 seconds even after three years. Cons? The crystal is almost impossible to shoot. Could be used to low key spy around corners, it is that reflective. My only other con is the crown. It sits so flush and is tiny. If my nails are particularly cut short, I cannot get the thing out, so there have been times I pick it up to wear it and immediately put it back in the box vs. trying to get the crown out.
After Monta, in this enthusiast's opinion, Formex has some of the best hardware, especially bracelets. The Essence 39 really won me over and I was dead set on getting the green one until I saw the new Gameret, which was an instant buy when it launched. A COSC-certified Selita movement with matching color date wheel, you can really tell the attention to detail that went into it. Cons? It still had a date, but that is a personal preference, but again at least it matches. For this model, the bezel, while not Santos level, likes to find scratches.
I had many matches in this tournament where I had to pick from two brands I own. I personally opted for who I thought the underdog would be each time because if I do not vote I do not get results. I will agree with others that all around, the Formex offers more, but it is an apples-to-hand grenade comparison. One is a dressier artisan piece on a leather strap, the other a sports watch on a nice bracelet. I will always give the edge movement-wise to ETA over Sellita, even with COSC certification, but to me, this truly is a coin flip and if one has the means, one should have each in their collection.
I really like Formex and they do make some great watches, but anOrdain is on a completely different level. Their enamel dials and heat treated hands are exquisite and you know you have something truly special on your wrist when you're wearing an anOrdain.
You can't go wrong with either choice though.
Anordaine, amazing enamel. Might get my vote if -
they were slightly easier to get,
They had a model with a date display
They had a model with 100m (the model 2 field watch has 5atm , and a push pull crown. I’d promptly fill it with water )
..But they don’t - dynamic and enthusiastic Formex for the win 🏆.
This should be an easy one, formex all the way!
The details on a formex really separate them from the competition. I own a Reef and have worn an Essence for the past few weeks almost every day. What separates them:
excellent clasp on the reef. Has on the fly adjust without being excessively long.
Excellent securing system on the Essence with what is essentially an on-the-fly adjust system on a butterfly clasp is impressive.
Quick release spring bar mechanisms on both bracelets.
well executed/thoughtful date windows.
Wearing my Formex Reef black dial, black bezel, rubber strap at this very moment as I cast my vote.
My next watch will be an Essence 39... just need to decide on the color.
I've been going back to Formex website every round they won to try and understand, but... nah it's really not my style 🤷🏻♂️ Too big, too bulky and the name just sounds like an industrial group producing concrete (well it is : https://www.formex.ch/ 😂)
I've been going back to Formex website every round they won to try and understand, but... nah it's really not my style 🤷🏻♂️ Too big, too bulky and the name just sounds like an industrial group producing concrete (well it is : https://www.formex.ch/ 😂)
Tell me, please... without all the marketing hype behind it, what makes the word "Formex" sound any different or worse than "Rolex?" Genuine question.
Seriously.. Formex all the way 👊
Formex because at least you can buy one. Lol Anordain is mostly waitlist.
Again, I have failed one side by voting for the other! 😢
Formex
Tell me, please... without all the marketing hype behind it, what makes the word "Formex" sound any different or worse than "Rolex?" Genuine question.
That's actually a very good question!
Well I did some research and Formex is short for "Forme extrême" ("the extrem form" in French). Rolex, on the other hand, is rumored to be short for "horlogerie exquise" (exquisite watchmaking) or "horlogerie extrême" (extreme watchmaking) which kinda ruined Rolex's name for me, for ever. 😭😅 Sources : Formex website and Rolex Wikipedia page
More seriously, it's easy to criticize their name but I can appreciate Formex quality, it's just not my kind of watches 😉
Formex is great
Argh...Formex seems to have a heavy fan base
Anordaine, amazing enamel. Might get my vote if -
they were slightly easier to get,
They had a model with a date display
They had a model with 100m (the model 2 field watch has 5atm , and a push pull crown. I’d promptly fill it with water )
..But they don’t - dynamic and enthusiastic Formex for the win 🏆.
Not every watch is supposed to be submitted to Ironman for competitive consideration🤣 I dare you to compete with the new GS...To be honest I think it would win, just on looks alone!
That's interesting. Is that like a brownish purple? Don't think I've seen that shade before.
It's supposed to be their mahogany red, but I'm torn between the Blue, green and this mahogany
Have loved getting to do these polls! While I haven't gotten to own a Formex just yet, I've really grown to enjoy them. Build quality looks/seems great and I think they do offer a ton of quality and watch for the cash. Hoping to try a field or an essence real soon! The Reef GMT has really been beckoning to me too lol
Congrats to Formex on a tentative great win!
I will say this even if I voted for AndOrdain. I'm not a dive or bezel guy at all but if I did buy a dive watch it might as well be a Formex b/c you can't really argue with user friendly customization.
I think I voted against both these brands every time it was practicable. Their design language does nothing for me.
A lot of great brands went down to arrive at this inauspicious finale.
Formex ftw, no question about it!
God Almighty. It's like being asked: which of your two children do you prefer?
Formex all the way. Much more original designs, I feel like I’ve seen AnOrdain watches done a million times before. The Formex Essence Leggeras are phenomenal and every watch has a micro adjust clasp available. I personally would never buy another watch without a micro adjust. Love the Tudor BB58 but couldn’t get it to fit comfortably, it’s impossible to not get the perfect fit on the wrist with a Formex.
Okay, since this one appears largely in the bag, I will do my best to weigh in objectively. I will certainly add more in my tournament wrap-up post this evening.
I am fortunate enough to own three of the four final four finalists (I know, I will buy a Zelos in time). And as of this year, have handled most of the watches from each finalist, so take my insight for what it is. Photo of some below (ignore proportions, all are close in size but cameras can play tricks to the eye)
AnOrdain (old post here):
Despite what some Formex/Dexel fans (HUGE thank you for turning up in droves to vote) may say, these dials have not been done a million times, in fact it is quite rare to this level. If anyone knows anything about baked dials, it is a painstaking process and first hand these dials are something to behold. The case is well done, albeit nothing too special. Customer service is top notch and during the ordering process a few years ago I got to interact with several of the folks there. The ETA 2824 is one of my all-time favorite movements and last I checked the watch is still within +/- 2-3 seconds even after three years. Cons? The crystal is almost impossible to shoot. Could be used to low key spy around corners, it is that reflective. My only other con is the crown. It sits so flush and is tiny. If my nails are particularly cut short, I cannot get the thing out, so there have been times I pick it up to wear it and immediately put it back in the box vs. trying to get the crown out.
Formex (old post here):
After Monta, in this enthusiast's opinion, Formex has some of the best hardware, especially bracelets. The Essence 39 really won me over and I was dead set on getting the green one until I saw the new Gameret, which was an instant buy when it launched. A COSC-certified Selita movement with matching color date wheel, you can really tell the attention to detail that went into it. Cons? It still had a date, but that is a personal preference, but again at least it matches. For this model, the bezel, while not Santos level, likes to find scratches.
I had many matches in this tournament where I had to pick from two brands I own. I personally opted for who I thought the underdog would be each time because if I do not vote I do not get results. I will agree with others that all around, the Formex offers more, but it is an apples-to-hand grenade comparison. One is a dressier artisan piece on a leather strap, the other a sports watch on a nice bracelet. I will always give the edge movement-wise to ETA over Sellita, even with COSC certification, but to me, this truly is a coin flip and if one has the means, one should have each in their collection.
Shame that it was such a landslide, but it goes to show the amount of people that can wear a dress watch on the daily and the amount of people who want to wear a transformer on their wrist.
And a toast to Farer, the runaway winner last year as well 🥂
And a toast to Farer, the runaway winner last year as well 🥂
Absolutely, and they were more popular this year. Not a betting person, but I would wager they would have walked away with this one too. There is a reason we retire the winners. :-)
Okay, since this one appears largely in the bag, I will do my best to weigh in objectively. I will certainly add more in my tournament wrap-up post this evening.
I am fortunate enough to own three of the four final four finalists (I know, I will buy a Zelos in time). And as of this year, have handled most of the watches from each finalist, so take my insight for what it is. Photo of some below (ignore proportions, all are close in size but cameras can play tricks to the eye)
AnOrdain (old post here):
Despite what some Formex/Dexel fans (HUGE thank you for turning up in droves to vote) may say, these dials have not been done a million times, in fact it is quite rare to this level. If anyone knows anything about baked dials, it is a painstaking process and first hand these dials are something to behold. The case is well done, albeit nothing too special. Customer service is top notch and during the ordering process a few years ago I got to interact with several of the folks there. The ETA 2824 is one of my all-time favorite movements and last I checked the watch is still within +/- 2-3 seconds even after three years. Cons? The crystal is almost impossible to shoot. Could be used to low key spy around corners, it is that reflective. My only other con is the crown. It sits so flush and is tiny. If my nails are particularly cut short, I cannot get the thing out, so there have been times I pick it up to wear it and immediately put it back in the box vs. trying to get the crown out.
Formex (old post here):
After Monta, in this enthusiast's opinion, Formex has some of the best hardware, especially bracelets. The Essence 39 really won me over and I was dead set on getting the green one until I saw the new Gameret, which was an instant buy when it launched. A COSC-certified Selita movement with matching color date wheel, you can really tell the attention to detail that went into it. Cons? It still had a date, but that is a personal preference, but again at least it matches. For this model, the bezel, while not Santos level, likes to find scratches.
I had many matches in this tournament where I had to pick from two brands I own. I personally opted for who I thought the underdog would be each time because if I do not vote I do not get results. I will agree with others that all around, the Formex offers more, but it is an apples-to-hand grenade comparison. One is a dressier artisan piece on a leather strap, the other a sports watch on a nice bracelet. I will always give the edge movement-wise to ETA over Sellita, even with COSC certification, but to me, this truly is a coin flip and if one has the means, one should have each in their collection.
Over 600 votes!! Crushing the poll game @AllTheWatches
100% agree - nobody should compare the 2 finalists directly. It’s a gorgeous hand made dial dressy watch vs a feature rich sport watch.
My Kurono vs my divers. Both are awesome, need both! 😉
Love this competition. Congratulations #formex!!! Now I'm going to have to put my hands on one of these watches to see what all the hype is about!
Poll closed for this matchup. Congratulations to Formex.
Please check out this thread for a full tournament recap.
Thank you guys for the numerous votes and comments, the force is strong!
Congrats ;-)