Blown away by Formex, and a comparison to more expensive watches
I have searched for this Formex Essence for more than 4 months, and its quality rivals my Pelagos.
I just got in this new to me Formex Essence 39. It’s too stunning, too sharp for my toolish, dull tastes. But, man, I cannot deny that they’re not offering anything far from my Tudor Pelagos, which costs multiples as much. I love the Pelagos to death, but the quality is genuinely stunning.
Starting with the user experience, the quick release bracelet is fantastic, and I thought the Pelagos bracelet was one of the best. While the Formex doesn’t have the spring loaded continuous extension system, it still has screw links, a 5mm extension, ceramic ball bearings and even the quick release system that the Pelagos doesn’t have.
They’ve even polished the *underside* bevel on the case and lug sides, a part that gets engulfed in chubby skin. The Tudor‘s finishing is sharp as well and can‘t be faulted, but I don’t think the Formex falls behind, at all.
In fact, the Pelagos links are sharp. The Formex links look sharp, but are smooth and don’t pinch.
Both are chronometers, and yes, the Pelagos has 5 times the water resistance, plus titanium. However, both those characteristics are available for 3-500 bucks with brands like Helm and the like. I think the luxury brands need to step up, but I love both of these watches all the same.
I love seeing these amazing features trickle down. Maybe, in some cases, they trickle up. Damn I love watches.
I like watches and its taught me GREAT lessons about personal finance
It's great to see that us common folk can have quality similar to that of the luxury brands. There will always be something about a Rolex or Omega, but it's great that some of the little guys are pushing the envelope.
It's great to see that us common folk can have quality similar to that of the luxury brands. There will always be something about a Rolex or Omega, but it's great that some of the little guys are pushing the envelope.
Yeah I cannot deny the brand cache and in house abilities the bigger brands have, as well as the risks they take in developing new tech.
but holy crap, the gulf in actual watch quality doesn’t feel too far apart. Cheers!
The white dial of the Essense 39 is my grail. Awesome watch. Enjoy!
Just ordered my first Formex. After waiting almost a year to see an Omega Terracotta AT in the flesh, they have yet to be released for sale, anywhere, so my homes of a red dial watch of it's kind were largely put on hold. Formex comes along and drops a stunner of a dial in the Essence 39 case with a COSC movement, for $1400, it was a no brainer. I have only handled previous versions at Wind-up, but it is everything you say. Looking forward to it showing up this week.