Nick! How can you review a watch and never put it on your wrist? Seeing what it looks like on and how it sits is a critical aspect imo. Appreciate the thoughts on the piece though! Cheers!
I don't think he even mentioned the free-floating movement either. The movement, dial, and bezel can actuate perpendicular to the case. The idea is when your wrist swells, this will create more room instead of needing a microadjust.
I dig the minimalist dial, clean no clutter all-round well designed time piece. A wrist shot would be nice for the 90% of folks who shop online any size comparison is key.
I really like your style. I'm looking at watches not knives, but will look through your content for watch stuff. This is a very interesting watch.. you clearly are knowledgeable. More watch stuff please? Thanks anyway
I have the green dial Essence and enjoyed your reviewed. I'm curious as to why you didn't mention the watch's suspension system. It seems like more of a gimmick to me but it's certainly something you don't see on other watches.
I was going to ask the same thing. I spent the first half of the video thinking that maybe he was avoiding it because it was the "great." Great video, as always, but I'm surprised Nick left out a signature feature.
@@NickShabazz Thank you, Nick! Good to know. So do you think it makes it a more comfortable wearing watch, or is the difference between having it and not negligible?
@@Daniel_DiSanto only difference the suspension system in case makes is if you happen to bend your wrist to point watch starts to tighten up. Once it starts to tighten up it'll give you a few mm of extra room just so your watch isn't digging into your wrist. other than that like Nick says it really doesn't do much for daily use but is a nice feature. I work on all my own vehicles and whatnot and even though I should never have this watch on my wrist while turning wrenches I've found myself many times wearing it while working on a vehicle and that is usually the only time the suspension has ever been a benefit to me.
I was thinking of getting an Aqua Terra for my 40th but now I’m torn between this Formex and the Monta instead. The Monta is a bit more classically styled but there’s something a little different about the Formex, and I love the textures on the dial, it’s a tough choice!
It looks nice with a grand seiko esque shape and nautilus/aqua terra esque dial, and it has some unique features including cosc certified, plus the dial is interesting.. good quality watch at an affordable price.. one suggestion for formex though is to be creative/original with the indices and hands
I’m a month late, but it’s my understanding that the lugs make it difficult to put on 3rd party straps without the use of a bent spring bar, probably as a symptom of the quick-release system. Did you notice that?
I got into knives 5 years ago in part because of Nick and couldn't fathom a 4 figure knife...I got into watches 3 years ago....shoulda listened to Nick.
Ya listen to people that know. I started off watch collecting about 10yrs ago and it's not cheap by any means especially when it come time for servicing. unless your like me and try to fix or service anything and everything you own it's not gonna be cheaply I 9. even then it's still not cheap being that you gotta buy a shit ton if specialty tools not to mention oils and whatnot. other than knives send firearms watches are pretty much my most expensive hobby that I should've never got into. I have learned a lot though especially when it comes to servicing your own watches and it can also be quite relaxing to service a watch yet at the same time very frustrating dealing with all the tiny extremely fragile parts.
If the screws were unseen & if it was offered with anti magnetism or in titanium , which provides some ( I can't see a 36 model being made if there's already a larger size), then I'd surrender completely. For now my Oceanus will keep me happy for my prime spot in my GADA section .
Does the end link stick out past the lug? From friends who have slight wrists, that can make a big difference in how it wears. These seem like a good value, the 39 was a little small on my (fairly large) wrist though and the 43 was too big (fit but too big for my tastes).
More butterfly clasps need quick adjustment. Vacheron has a great system on their overseas, about 1/4 link on each side which is all the adjustment I need on a daily basis to keep my watch fitting nicely and not too tight if it swells.
Yes - end links are male, so "true" top to bottom measurement is about 48mm and change; however, it's also sloped down quite steeply, so it looks fine on my 6.25" wrist
@@justintsang6119 it looked like it but wasn’t totally sure. I like these. If they made a 41 I likely would have gotten one instead of an aqua terra 41. 43 still fits my wrist (7.8”) but a bit big for something with the potential to be worn more formally
Newer brands like Formex and Monta are fighting the good fight - selling based on features, innovation and quality. So unlike the very lazy luxury brands.
Ya like Rolex that continues to make the same watches just in different colorways that you have to sell half your organs in order to afford to buy one.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 I took one of my kidneys into a local AD who refused it- he said he's got too many spare kidneys already (he drinks half a bottle of whisky a day along with 40 smokes).
G'day Nick, yep some great value there. They probably shouldn't have gone with a butterfly clasp at all, but not a deal breaker IMO; However..... I cannot get past those front screws, every time I look at it, I'm think;n....... analog G Shock, lol. Other than that, I'm with ya, they've really hit a sweet spot in the market. Cheers Duke.
You do realize that g-shocks can get rather expensive as well right? I've seen some go for upwards of 3k. hell casio even made a limited edition of the G-D5000-9JR In 18kt gold (think they only made 35 for release of limited edition)that sold for roughly $70k if memory serves me correct.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 G'day Richard, just to be clear, not diss'n G'Shocks what so ever, wear'n one right now. Only replaced my original after two strap changes and the case finally went too, after around 25 years of almost daily use in the trade, sports, bad weather response etc. Screws ?, who cares, simply a robust time piece, but it is a bit of a signature generally of more budget digitals. I just think this particular design could really do without the front facing screws, if you could image it without those, it'd be a MUCH cleaner frontal appearance.. I actually love Casio, I do have an Oceanus T200 @ around 400-500 USD + shipping from Japan, (thanks Nick), but no screws mucking up the ascetics of a "more classy" looking design. So not sure why this one does @ 3 X the price, besides being mechanical, and just about everything else is "in the slot" as we say, (meaning just right). Hope that clarifies where I'm coming from. Cheers Duke.
@@eyeofthetiger4184 I apologize then cause I thought you were talking down on g-shocks but my mistake. I was gonna say casio has been doing some nice stuff across the the board and some of watches and I've been loving their mudmasters. I have the GGB100-8A with the carbon core and just a beast of a watch. I'd really like to see a g-shock that comes with a duel frequency distress beacon built in that may only cost about a grand or so. would be nice to have that added security in mind when out on long hiking and camping trips. do agree with you though that the Formex Essence would look better without the front facing hex bolts. I'm almost 100% sure those bolts serve a purpose though. pretty sure the suspension system that's inside of case utilizes those bolts being that the bolts pass all the way through case and thread into the caseback. I'm not 100% sure but I think in order to take the case back off you have to take out those front bolts. would be nice to know though.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 No worries at all Richard, probably my fault, it can be difficult at times to express exactly by text. Just got a DW-5600 BB to replace my "standard" 5600 and it was about 80 AUD cheaper than the original decades ago, gotta be happy with that. I am looking around for a hiking/camping watch, still cant decide if I want to go feature rich or really simple. i.e. I do use a map and compass and have a phone full of apps already. But certainly an emergency distress strategy needs to come into the equation somehow, like many countries, we generally don't get great cell coverage out in the sticks. I do feel a bit better about those bolts since they serve such an important function. Thanks for pointing that out. I wonder if there's a prohibitive engineering reason why they couldn't have been done in reverse.
I’ve grown to hate polished hands. Relying on “catching something in the environment” to reflect on the hands and thereby be able to see the time is really not tolerable. The early Aqua Terras also famously fail in this regard, with hands effectively disappearing half the time. Most of the 1990s 7750 Speedmasters ditto. Heck, far too many watches make it far too hard to see the time. Bell & Ross Instruments and of course Sinn wins in the legibility department. Lastly, Formex as a brand? Meh? Not quite. Cheers.
No wrist shot! Boooooo. Also, not one mention of the one real distinguishing feature of this watch? Their gimmicky shock absorber system... Here are the problems I have with this watch: 1) the dial is ugly. They look like cheap plastic window blinds. 2)The ugly rivets that hold the shock absorbing system in place. 3) The brand name sounds like a toilet cleaning product. 4) the gimmicky nature of the 'technology' of the shock absorber system.
I'm impressed... it's clear they didn't go formex over functionex.
LOLMFG
Boooo😂 but I still laughed
🤣🤣
Niiice Pun
Nick! How can you review a watch and never put it on your wrist? Seeing what it looks like on and how it sits is a critical aspect imo. Appreciate the thoughts on the piece though! Cheers!
Give him another half hour
@@jaredcoffin3907 🤣🤣
I don't think he even mentioned the free-floating movement either. The movement, dial, and bezel can actuate perpendicular to the case. The idea is when your wrist swells, this will create more room instead of needing a microadjust.
Surprised to not hear any mention of their “suspension system” in the review
This is my next purchase. Was going to get the degredae but that new mother of pearl is amazing.
Formex are really doing some impressive work, their watches are awesome!
I dig the minimalist dial, clean no clutter all-round well designed time piece. A wrist shot would be nice for the 90% of folks who shop online any size comparison is key.
He used all the time reattaching the bracelet
Super big thumbs up for giving the dial size.
The micro-adjust on BOTH the strap and bracelet put the $5600 USD Omega Aqua Terra to shame.
I really like your style. I'm looking at watches not knives, but will look through your content for watch stuff. This is a very interesting watch.. you clearly are knowledgeable. More watch stuff please? Thanks anyway
Would have loved to see it on the wrist. That said, a great review and man I want one after watching this!
That's a clean ass watch, I'm not really a warch guy but if i ever have 1500 laying around i would probably get this
I have the green dial Essence and enjoyed your reviewed. I'm curious as to why you didn't mention the watch's suspension system. It seems like more of a gimmick to me but it's certainly something you don't see on other watches.
I was going to ask the same thing. I spent the first half of the video thinking that maybe he was avoiding it because it was the "great." Great video, as always, but I'm surprised Nick left out a signature feature.
Honestly, it doesn't particularly matter for daily use, in my experience. So, I didn't front it as a concept.
@@NickShabazz Thank you, Nick! Good to know. So do you think it makes it a more comfortable wearing watch, or is the difference between having it and not negligible?
@@Daniel_DiSanto only difference the suspension system in case makes is if you happen to bend your wrist to point watch starts to tighten up. Once it starts to tighten up it'll give you a few mm of extra room just so your watch isn't digging into your wrist. other than that like Nick says it really doesn't do much for daily use but is a nice feature. I work on all my own vehicles and whatnot and even though I should never have this watch on my wrist while turning wrenches I've found myself many times wearing it while working on a vehicle and that is usually the only time the suspension has ever been a benefit to me.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 Thanks for the info and first hand perspective!
Great review, Nick! I know it's crazy, but I keep hoping they will make a 41mm. I may break down and pick up the 39, as it's really nice.
So glad to see another great, well-priced watch from Formex! I love my Reef so appreciate their workmanship.
Quick release spring bar is a smart idea. $8,000 Omega comes with a tool so I can scratch my lugs all up by myself.😂
Formex or Monta hmm Reef or Oceanking, Essence 39 or Noble? Looking for a dresser and a diver.
I was thinking of getting an Aqua Terra for my 40th but now I’m torn between this Formex and the Monta instead. The Monta is a bit more classically styled but there’s something a little different about the Formex, and I love the textures on the dial, it’s a tough choice!
A "full review" which doesn't include some shots on the wrist? A wonderful piece. Very impressive.
It looks nice with a grand seiko esque shape and nautilus/aqua terra esque dial, and it has some unique features including cosc certified, plus the dial is interesting.. good quality watch at an affordable price.. one suggestion for formex though is to be creative/original with the indices and hands
This is a heck of a lot of watch for the money, Considering you can buy both this and the Reef for less than one of the bigger name swiss brands
Ahhhh…there it is. Last 30 secs…gem. Whew!
I’m panicking…Gem-like praise, but he hasn’t used the word, yet! Just “amazing”. I NEED to know, gem or no gem…
I’m a month late, but it’s my understanding that the lugs make it difficult to put on 3rd party straps without the use of a bent spring bar, probably as a symptom of the quick-release system. Did you notice that?
Supposedly Formex is doing a half link for this bracelet. I wrote the company and they said within the next 30 days.
The white dial version is a little dressier. A little more versatile.
Damnit Nick, I’m gonna buy one of these and you always said don’t get in to watches! 😭
I got into knives 5 years ago in part because of Nick and couldn't fathom a 4 figure knife...I got into watches 3 years ago....shoulda listened to Nick.
Ya listen to people that know. I started off watch collecting about 10yrs ago and it's not cheap by any means especially when it come time for servicing. unless your like me and try to fix or service anything and everything you own it's not gonna be cheaply I 9. even then it's still not cheap being that you gotta buy a shit ton if specialty tools not to mention oils and whatnot. other than knives send firearms watches are pretty much my most expensive hobby that I should've never got into. I have learned a lot though especially when it comes to servicing your own watches and it can also be quite relaxing to service a watch yet at the same time very frustrating dealing with all the tiny extremely fragile parts.
A little on the blocky side for me, and I'd miss a crown guard. A beauty, though.
Great review. Need to put it on wrist.
Also need to show matching knife to complete the look. 😆😆😆
✌🏼🦁
Hi can you compare it to the new tag heuer 200 39 which goes for $2750? And whats your thouvhts?
Whats the distance from endlink to endlink?
Why are there screws in the rotor?
They are now doing it with a half link.
Put the reef clasp on this or put in a 1.5 link instead of a 1/2 link
Name from the tudor ?
Really impressed
If the screws were unseen & if it was offered with anti magnetism or in titanium , which provides some ( I can't see a 36 model being made if there's already a larger size), then I'd surrender completely.
For now my Oceanus will keep me happy for my prime spot in my GADA section .
GADA?
Go Anywhere Do Anything watch
Does the end link stick out past the lug? From friends who have slight wrists, that can make a big difference in how it wears.
These seem like a good value, the 39 was a little small on my (fairly large) wrist though and the 43 was too big (fit but too big for my tastes).
More butterfly clasps need quick adjustment. Vacheron has a great system on their overseas, about 1/4 link on each side which is all the adjustment I need on a daily basis to keep my watch fitting nicely and not too tight if it swells.
Yes - end links are male, so "true" top to bottom measurement is about 48mm and change; however, it's also sloped down quite steeply, so it looks fine on my 6.25" wrist
@@justintsang6119 it looked like it but wasn’t totally sure. I like these. If they made a 41 I likely would have gotten one instead of an aqua terra 41. 43 still fits my wrist (7.8”) but a bit big for something with the potential to be worn more formally
Nice option, I still prefer the Reef.
Looks classy!
Looks like a cross between a bulova precisionist and aqua terra
I just don’t like the styling it’s just something about it just doesn’t work for me but I can tell it’s a well-made watch and do good work
what about the suspended case system?
Honestly, it doesn't particularly matter for daily use, in my experience. So, I didn't front it as a concept.
I wish they'd do a day date or a no date.
Newer brands like Formex and Monta are fighting the good fight - selling based on features, innovation and quality. So unlike the very lazy luxury brands.
Ya like Rolex that continues to make the same watches just in different colorways that you have to sell half your organs in order to afford to buy one.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 I took one of my kidneys into a local AD who refused it- he said he's got too many spare kidneys already (he drinks half a bottle of whisky a day along with 40 smokes).
Nick, what did you think of the case suspension system? Don't think I heard you mention it.
It wasn't particularly meaningful in use!
I hardly even have a voice in this one since I'm not really a watch guy but I hate flathead screws so bad it would keep me from buying this watch
G'day Nick, yep some great value there. They probably shouldn't have gone with a butterfly clasp at all, but not a deal breaker IMO; However..... I cannot get past those front screws, every time I look at it, I'm think;n....... analog G Shock, lol. Other than that, I'm with ya, they've really hit a sweet spot in the market. Cheers Duke.
You do realize that g-shocks can get rather expensive as well right? I've seen some go for upwards of 3k. hell casio even made a limited edition of the G-D5000-9JR In 18kt gold (think they only made 35 for release of limited edition)that sold for roughly $70k if memory serves me correct.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 G'day Richard, just to be clear, not diss'n G'Shocks what so ever, wear'n one right now. Only replaced my original after two strap changes and the case finally went too, after around 25 years of almost daily use in the trade, sports, bad weather response etc. Screws ?, who cares, simply a robust time piece, but it is a bit of a signature generally of more budget digitals.
I just think this particular design could really do without the front facing screws, if you could image it without those, it'd be a MUCH cleaner frontal appearance..
I actually love Casio, I do have an Oceanus T200 @ around 400-500 USD + shipping from Japan, (thanks Nick), but no screws mucking up the ascetics of a "more classy" looking design. So not sure why this one does @ 3 X the price, besides being mechanical, and just about everything else is "in the slot" as we say, (meaning just right). Hope that clarifies where I'm coming from.
Cheers Duke.
@@eyeofthetiger4184 I apologize then cause I thought you were talking down on g-shocks but my mistake. I was gonna say casio has been doing some nice stuff across the the board and some of watches and I've been loving their mudmasters. I have the GGB100-8A with the carbon core and just a beast of a watch. I'd really like to see a g-shock that comes with a duel frequency distress beacon built in that may only cost about a grand or so. would be nice to have that added security in mind when out on long hiking and camping trips. do agree with you though that the Formex Essence would look better without the front facing hex bolts. I'm almost 100% sure those bolts serve a purpose though. pretty sure the suspension system that's inside of case utilizes those bolts being that the bolts pass all the way through case and thread into the caseback. I'm not 100% sure but I think in order to take the case back off you have to take out those front bolts. would be nice to know though.
@@richardsalinetrojr1957 No worries at all Richard, probably my fault, it can be difficult at times to express exactly by text.
Just got a DW-5600 BB to replace my "standard" 5600 and it was about 80 AUD cheaper than the original decades ago, gotta be happy with that.
I am looking around for a hiking/camping watch, still cant decide if I want to go feature rich or really simple. i.e. I do use a map and compass and have a phone full of apps already. But certainly an emergency distress strategy needs to come into the equation somehow, like many countries, we generally don't get great cell coverage out in the sticks.
I do feel a bit better about those bolts since they serve such an important function. Thanks for pointing that out.
I wonder if there's a prohibitive engineering reason why they couldn't have been done in reverse.
Another one for the books.
I’ve grown to hate polished hands. Relying on “catching something in the environment” to reflect on the hands and thereby be able to see the time is really not tolerable. The early Aqua Terras also famously fail in this regard, with hands effectively disappearing half the time. Most of the 1990s 7750 Speedmasters ditto. Heck, far too many watches make it far too hard to see the time. Bell & Ross Instruments and of course Sinn wins in the legibility department. Lastly, Formex as a brand? Meh? Not quite. Cheers.
Nice try Shabazz, but I am NOT getting into watches! Well, not deeper into watches. But, maybe just this one more...
Too repetitive!
No wrist shot! Boooooo. Also, not one mention of the one real distinguishing feature of this watch? Their gimmicky shock absorber system... Here are the problems I have with this watch: 1) the dial is ugly. They look like cheap plastic window blinds. 2)The ugly rivets that hold the shock absorbing system in place. 3) The brand name sounds like a toilet cleaning product. 4) the gimmicky nature of the 'technology' of the shock absorber system.
Good looking watch, handsome bracelet. Too bad it's not quartz.
Thank the big guy that it's not quartz
look at a grand seiko sbgx in this price.
It's a shitter!
10 atm is 90 m depth.