It Took Formex 20 Years To Be An Overnight Success - Essence ThirtyNine Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- YOU CAN CHECK OUT THE ESSENCE 39 AND OTHERS HERE!
usd.formexwatc...
CHECK OUT THE BEST OF ALIEXPRESS - PAGANI AND SAN MARTIN!
jomw.link/ali-...
jomw.link/ali-...
SEE MY SELECTION OF TOP VALUE WATCHES AND ACCESSORIES ON AMAZON!
jomw.link/amazon
USE THE CODE ‘JOMW10’ FOR 10% OFF ANY PHOIBOS!
jomw.link/phoibos
USE THE CODE ‘JOMW20’ FOR 20% OFF ANY XERIC!
jomw.link/xeric
YOU CAN NOW HELP OUT THE CHANNEL BY BECOMING A PATRON! THANKS!
jomw.link/patreon
(The Small Print: Some of the above links are affiliate links. I am an Amazon, Phoibos, Spinnaker, Xeric, eBay, Jomashop, Meranom, and AliExpress Associate. If you make a qualifying purchase, I am paid a small finder’s fee from the companies in question. You don’t pay any extra for the product. Thanks!)
Go on, had you heard of Formex three years ago? Me neither. The Essence has transformed their brand and their sales figures, I imagine. And deservedly so, I love my Leggera. I asked in my first ever Essence video for a smaller version, but is this it? Watch on..... Cheers, Jody
Thank you Jody for your in depth review. With your reviews of the Essence 43mm and the Leggera, it was clear that your expectations were high in terms of quality, comfort & finish for the new 39mm version. As we just started shipping pre-orders for those who reserved their ThirtyNine back in December, we received a few customers who were concerned about the level of finishing on the hands (which you rightly so criticised) is what can be expected for their serial model. Short answer, of course NO; we’ve sent this final prototype to Jody back in December and while it is visually and functionally a 1:1 reference to the production model, every single screw, hand and index has been custom built for this one piece. For our production model, this is obviously not the case as we’re using manufacturing grade precision tooling for serial production batches and sort out any components that won’t pass our stringent visual and function quality control protocols. We will probably soon see some Essence ThirtyNine customers here in the comment section who can hopefully confirm that.
Also, Jody mentioned the price difference between the current 43mm and the new 39mm model. While material use for a smaller model does not notably reduce the production price, development costs, tooling, finishing, assembly etc. are exactly the same, if not higher for a smaller watch. There are some details that are different from the “old” model to the “new” model - the logo on the dial is applied, the date wheel is in the dial color, and the clasp system has been updated from butterfly to a one click action deployant solution that hides the overlength of the strap. Oh… speaking of straps ;-) the rubber strap will be a great upgrade for the hot summer month… (sorry Jody, Northern Hemisphere summer).
Thank you again Jody for your honest reviews here on the channel, and thank you so much to your subscribers for being so active in commenting. Team Formex, Biel/Bienne
Genau darum wird es evtl. eine Formex! Macht weiter so. :)
Best brand response
To bad price increased almost 30% since this review
@BulkersRuleZ 14.8% to be exact and it unfortunately has a lot to do with exchange rates. There unfortunately has been a 10% increase between CHF and USD in that period.
I really hope Guanqin make the 'Smell Cheronomoter' homage on Ali
I’ve never had an issue with Timex or Rolex, so I don’t know why Formex would be an issue. The new logo turns this into an actual watch brand.
Me personally, I am happy to have gotten rid of my -ex watches.
There are old quartz Seikos mit that logo 🥸
Kleenex???
I really like the changes in size, logo and font... But not price.
How dare you criticize the price!?
I am fine with the price, at least the STP is gone, I was never a fan of that and I think you are mostly paying the difference for the Selita
@@MpSSpeaker The price is fine considering the finish and the technology that's went into the case and straps, not forgetting it's a chronometer grade movement.
Why not the price
Yeah I don't think the price is good
I genuinely love these watches and the only thing holding me back was the size, so this is PERFECT... But that's a fair few pennies now. Great review!
Good analysis.
Is that case a solution in search of a problem?
Beautiful watch, love that green dial. And that bracelet sparkles like crazy! Very nice indeed Jody!
I can't get over the fact that Formex sounds like a cleaning brand
I have the exact same reaction with Phylida! Probably because there is a cleaning mop brand called Vileda.
Spark plug manufacturer.
But Rolex doesn't? Nah, Rolex sounds more like a deodorant, yeah?
@@simonbailey2151 Condoms,, Hahahaa!!
@@jimlittle5769 everyone knows rolex, kind of a doesn't matter how it sounds
This one is a really great example that refinement can go a long way. I never understood what the fuss was with the Essence, I never liked them.... until now!
The dial is finally interesting, the branding is way better, the overall look is much improved without the crownguards. With this revision they put themself on the map as a potential contender, at least for me.
Just purchased the 39mm with degrade dial at NYC WindUp. It’s like butter on the wrist. I’m a female that prefers chunkier watches, but this has presence without bulk. Quite an elegant piece. Shout out to Formex customer approach. Not once did I hear, oh, here’s one for the ladies 😂 - as I did from a couple other brands at the show. So attentive, and lovely. It was a no brainer. Like I knew I would be sad if I left without the piece. I just purchased a lovely Aqua Terra in Summer Blue a few months ago for a significant milestone. Yet, I haven’t worn it since WindUp… can’t seem to take my Essence 39 off my wrist. Fit and finish, impeccable. The bracelet, divine.
Hey Jody! If I were in Formex's place, I'd make an 'entry-level' Essence 39 without case suspension with a standard Sellita movement at around $ 500 to 600. It would be a big seller I guess. Cheers!
That would be a huge seller!
Agreed! That would be most ideal range. Honestly, while I love the look of the watch, the current asking price is too much in my opinion.
I would disagree as the quality is outstanding and the price for all the features is alright. The direction is to raise and improve the brand. They are going the right way and throwing cheaper watches on the market would work against that
@@oOGamblerOo I agree, cheapening the brand is not the way to go, there are plenty of cheap watches out there.. I prefer cosc certified movements and quality products, even if it means I have to save a bit longer to get one.
I absolutely LOVE that you're making 2021 a year of color for your watch collection. I think that green Formex looks great, especially on the bright green strap. I hope it brings many smiles and brightens up each day that you wear it. 😎
Gorgeous watch, I love the green dial though! I think Formex nailed it.
Agreed and I loving the looks but just a little too pricey. Pay a bit more I would able to get Omega Aqua Terra.
Yeah it is pricey for sure. Especially for what it is
@@dylantkl A bit more ...??? You mean at least 3K more
@@evh4611 Yes that's if you are looking to pay for the latest model. If go for used market or not so latest model, it's alot cheaper mate....
I saw the watch "Oh that's a pretty watch", then I saw the price and ran to the hills.
What would you expect to pay for a chronometer grade movement with excellent finishing?
@@garyboyle695 Don't want one.
You’d prefer what for that price range?
@@Rch_P A motorcycle.
@@emilnilsson7991 $1400 will get you a nice moped
39 mm. Chronometer. Superb finishing. Micro adjustment clasp. And still people complaining about the price
Finally - they changed the style of their logo. Looked like a cement company brand logo before or something.
Your Aqua Terra is such a scene stealer 😂
Kinda has a miniature Seiko Samurai case shape and the new logo at a glance, reminds me of Grand Seiko logo. Beautiful watch.
Beautiful green dial 💚 39mm sounds like a great size too! The bracelet looks comfortably slinky too.
Very nice. Formex are really giving Sinn, Oris, et al a real run for the money in the $1,000 to $2,000 USD price range.
Definitely a great looking watch. The changes to the Logo has worked i think
I loved it initially and I love this 39mm even more. I am so tempted!
New logo, 39mm, and cheaper. Now we are talking. But still pricey.
I agreed with you. If I were to add a bit more, I would gotten Omega Aqua Terra. While I love the looks but for what they asking for at the moment, I will be hesitant.
That’s a really beautiful watch. Thank goodness they changed the logo :) Nice size too, I’ve been wearing more 39 and 41 than 42/43 lately and really enjoying them but I think this watch in 41 would be perfect, given the small dial. Thanks for the video, Jodie.
I live in Europe. No import charges for me. For me the price is worth it, and makes it more affordable than a Monta.
Nice looking watch and a big improvement on the logo.
Yum, the brown strap was doing it too!
Best in this Gig Sydney, awesome watch an review.
Great review Jodi.
There’s so much value in this! If I had need for another watch at £1k ish, it’d be this. The finish, the butterfly with extension and the flexing case look awesome!
Not loving that green strap; looks cheap and the holes seem to be wearing quickly, so I’m glad they changed that! The brown looks slick 😉
I was one of the first to pré-commande the essence 41 '' dégradé '' dial, I really really loved it, but the problem is that the suspension system catches all my fur from my wrist 😅 was really not cool after time I don't liked it anymore and gives it away 😊. But still loving formex 😉
Completely agree. The ideal watch hasn’t been made yet, at 41mm. I can’t see any other reason why they made this 39mm and not the sweet-spot 40mm
I wager many would say that 39 is the sweet spot
I already had plans to buy this on the 2nd pre-order phase, and this review certainly enhances that decision. $1400 bucks, Chronometer grade, micro-adjust bracelet, suspension system. Watch is a bargain.
It's a great looking watch, especially the dial. The styling reminds me of a cross between the Casio Edifice S107D and S108D.
Already bought Essence 39 in blue and considering green Reef :)
I really like the smaller size and new logo. And that green is so good 👌
really like the green dial and the bracelet, nice watch
I love that rich green metallic dial, and I definitely appreciate the smaller size. Unfortunately it's way out of my price range.
I was thinkin about Aqua Terra when I saw this.
Bringing in the aqua terra really killed this watch for me. I think I'll be saving up.
I wish it was 36mm and I wish they made a non-chronometer version. As somebody who wears a different watch every single day, the only thing I care less about than accuracy is power reserve.
I don't like bezel screws. Annoying place for the dust to collect. I would be cleaning those screws 5 times a day..
Hand to god, do you clean your watches 5x per day?
@@ZCherish only the shiny fingerprint ones.
Very nice. Looks superb on the brown leather.
Wow that dial is amazing !!!!
Formex is definitely on my radar but I'm looking at the Reef. I enjoyed the video 🍻
Love the size!
I love it. Only thing holding me back is recent purchases.
I was considering buying it but then tissot prx came and now I'll get a swiss watch from a historical brand along with saving a bunch of money
If they had it in auto ...maybe.
Finally formex learns how to make a logo, and it is a great looking one!!!!
Love the suspension technology built into this, the emerald dial is beautiful too!
so what if dirt and grime gets into that “suspended case” mechanism ? How do you clean it ?
With some formex the best detergent on the market 😂
@@bifflee3603 Bruh!!! 😂
Easy, soap, water and an old toothbrush.
Avoid dirt and grime.
The system actually is self-cleaning and if anything gets in there, it doesn't stay there due to the movement of the case.
Would love to see you check out the new California dial Timex Marlin or the Marmont reissue.
Well done Formex team! Hope you will keep improving and going up in value and catch up with big brands. Definitely good move with CHRONOMETER grade!
Damn... This one looks stunning! First Formex i would consider buying.
They make excellent watches . 39 mm a little too small and I loved my 43 but it was just too big . . I find it bizarre why companies produce watches with such a big difference between the large and small . 40 or 41 is the sweet spot so why not produce it . Agree with your take on pricing too
I didn't mind the old logo to be honest, looked edgier and suited their watches more. I think it's the brand name I have a problem with, does have a chemical company sounding feel to it (but I can still look past it). I'm after a carbon watch and this is going straight to the top of the list. :) Awesome review Jody!
yeah the name...to me it sounds more like foreign exchange company....
@@reezevlog How many times are you saying this?....It's not that bad mate....I'm sure the name means a lot to the owners....
I think the new logo minimizes the formex name, I prefer this. Probably not much they can do about the name if they have been around 20 years.
At least Formex actually means something. It's an amalgamation of the French words, ""forme extrème".
@@denniskwok7613 that's good to know. like I said, the watch looks great and I'm sure the finishing is outstanding. The name doesn't bother me that much (just a little), but some other people here are just overly brutal with their comments.
I like your show.
But FORMEX ESSENCE
sounds like a brand of condoms. The "suspension case" is cool.
Anything on Invicta or seiko tachymetre watches?
Carry on!
Tachymetre is just a scale on the dial used with chronographs used to measure units per hour.
@@StuntpilootStef Yes , I know that, it's just a term I use when I'm trying to explain these things to idiots.
Or it's just a term that has a relationship to the "3 dials" watches to idiots that has to say the last word in being a true IDIOT.
feel better now?
@@Buzbikebklyn1 "Yes , I know that, it's just a term I use when I'm trying to explain these things to idiots."
Then why are you using it here? Jody is not an idiot, nor are most people here.
You sound like the exact idiot you're berating here.
@@StuntpilootStef
As the great Stan Lee once said
"Nuff Said"...
Figure it out.
@@StuntpilootStef
And another thing, I used the term "tachymetre" as a way of identify the watch.
I didn't want to call the watch the "3 dials" watches.
And you prove my original point exactly.
Thank you.
reminds me of Casio Edifice
Great review again interesting brand , I like the strap locking mechanism
Really fantastic looking bracelet. Hard to imagine it's possible to still come up with a unique 3-link design but they nailed it
Simply gorgeous. I would prefer a version without the suspension. To me it looks like a weak point of the watch I think a lot of dirt will creap up in there.
I love the innovation of Formex watches.
Everybody jumping on the name sounds like a detergent bandwagon, getting boring now. As many people have already noted it really is no different to Rolex or Timex.
Definitely "ex" bumps up the price quite a bit. It is quite in an opposite way to how this works with the girlfriends.
I will actually consider buying this Formex as it doesn't have that goofy logo.
I received my green 39 Essence on Monday and the finishing and overall quality is stunning! So no need to worry, prototype flaws ARE improved! :)
Yeah. Can't argue with the quality of this one. It's nice. Yeah. That bezel is pretty huge..... Makes the watch seem more like a 36. And yes, a regular movement at well under a grand would be most welcome. Does the bezel really need to be so thick? It's a bit much, right? And the chapter ring shrinks the dial a little more on top of it. Plus the lug to lug is so short.... Usually a 39 is just about perfect for me.... Even on a drive watch.
I wish I could get to a point in my collection where a chronometer grade movement would matter. I wear a different watch every day so accuracy doesn’t matter as much.
the green dial does it for me, just beautiful
Jody, your reviews are fantastic. I love how you compare and show it side by side with its bigger brother as well as with your Aquaterra. Your reviews are thorough but concise, and I love your not-too-serious-but-still-a-little-bit-serious-still style. I watched countless of your videos and wanted to comment and praise you for a long time, so there you go :-) Well done, I love your work mate. (And I am almost a neighbour, I live in Melbourne ;-) )
Take care
I’ve got a 43mm degradé dial and love it. But I would rather the high polish bezel was brushed. The case suspension... it’s not adding much comfort tbh. It sure loves to grab arm hair! Gorgeous green one though!
I Got one of these on pre order with the Malachite dial 👍🏼 cannot wait!
They've nailed this!
I’ll take this new 39mm in the non chronometer version for much cheaper please and thank you formex
Looks great, I love the features
I'd love that 43mm carbon fibre that you own Jody, what a stunning watch, I prefer the older logo as well.
You're so spot on with the diameter, 41mm and or at most 42mm, not more would be awesome on this watch, the 39mm wears a bit smaller, that was the deal breaker for me..
The original 43mm Essence/leather was CHF369 on Kickstarter (though it took months to arrive). If I hadn't picked the wrong dial colour I wouldn't have sold it on.
Any watch north of $1,000 USD-Should have a high quality finish. Why do watch makers get sloppy feeling smooth finish on all metal is optional? If i want poor quality control, i settle for Seiko’ famous poor QC. Great review, no lune on the minute marker? I like the bracelet-I would check the gray, blue or the white face dial. The option of a high grade silicone should NOT be missed, as that takes the watch to another comfort level.
I would love to see them add a ceramic coating to that high polished bezel, looks like a scratch magnet.
No more than a million other watches with polished bezels.
@@denniskwok7613 yeah, but this is not a cheap watch and they are supposed to innovative - not a deal breaker, but it would be nice, just like they are an improvement in diver's watches.
The chapter ring looks desiligned at 8:48. Anyway, great watch, very nice color
Great review as always Jody. I agree that a ~41 would be the sweet spot for this design. While the 43 is larger than I reasonably care to go with my wrist, I think the design translates better on that version. The bump in price is also a bit rough for this latest variant. All in all though, I love their innovation and overall aesthetic. Cheers
What I want is white dial like they have on 43, but in 39... would be perfect!
Please do a review of tissot prx 👍
I just dont see the value in Formex watches and their unique design and engineering, but they obviously have a market, so props to them. Seems weird to have them so prominently found on value watch channels though....
its a weird proposition, because most people spending over $1000 on a watch are gonna go for a brand that has more cachet.
As usual, great vid 😀👍
Love the watch on the bracelet. Even though green 💚 is my favorite color; of the 3straps, the brown looks the best with that green dial.
The 39mm is a bit too small for me. The 43mm is right in the sweet spot for me but, I'd be on board for for a 41mm.
I'm also in that group that doesn't need Chronometer grade. Just give me an accurate, durable and reliable workhorse.
I've seen other reviews where they've described the buckle on these as akin to torture. Seems for all the innovation, they forgot comfort. 🤷🏻♂️
Cant help but think that the case suspension is a rather pointless “l’art pour l’art” feature... 🤔
Also feeling that the right case size is still missing.
I agree. I think dust comes in easily and the additional "safety and comfort" are in the head only.
Came very close to buying the 43 carbon last week, but got an Aquis. Think I'll get one of these in the future tho, a 41 would be perfect.
Very nice watch. Cheers mate 👍🏻👍🏻
At that price point the competition is huge, as you say sell it with the option of a cheaper movement at a more reasonable price and it would be more tempting , great show as always!
Gorgeous watches and totally agree that a 41mm would be a sweet spot for many and I have to say I prefer the original logo !
Nice review of a very cool watch! Out of my price range, but worth every penny of the asking price.
Hi, Jody! Quite the handsome timepiece here, and you're selling me increasingly on bracelet bands...normally I'm a leather or NATO strap guy. I do like the green leather strap but actually would rather try it with a white or cream color dial, maybe. I'm with you on the brown leather strap here and mixing and matching with contrasting colors generally...dark dial/light leather and vice versa. I lean toward a larger watch most of the time but I do have some 38mm watches and this 39 is highly acceptable. I would like the hands to be a bit more finished, as you say, especially at the price point. Thanks as ever for a great informative video...you always seem to feature pieces that many watch aficiando UA-camrs ignore, and I like that a lot!
Always liked these, very handsome watch.
Since ETA are getting a bit picky about to whom they sell their movements, companies move to other manufacturers that make the 2824-2 under their own names.
The ETA2824-2, SW200 and STP 1-11are all compatible with the SW200 being more widely spread than the STP 1-11.
This one's a STUNNER Jody...nice choice mate 👌🏽
The watch looks fantastic, I just wish that they offer a version with maybe no logo or no Formex on the dial as well, I don't think that there is any added value to have their name or the logo on the watch.
Very nice. Great size for my taste. These look great. I’m always a bit apprehensive about the butterfly clasp bracelets though. I never think I’ll be able to get as good a fit with them as with the regular clasps.
First off thanks for opening up my eyes , always loved watches so have been watching producer michael . But unable to afford the over priced brands which are on his channel. youtube in there wisdom suggested YOU, thank the lord. best vlogs ever, was always scared of buying non branded watches but not no more. so many choices, was looking at AV1-8 then LIV now Xeric Pagani , Detroit mint. And then Ali Express love it !!
Got the black 43. Love it
With regards to the finishing on the hands, Bruce Williams also mentioned the same issue. With me ordering a 39 myself, I reached out to Formex about my concerns and they assured me that his was a pre-production version and the full production versions would be perfect. I take it that yours was also a pre-production version, seeing as you've had it now for quite some time and deliveries of the watch are still to be done to customers?
Also, apparently they haven't done a non COSC option, as the 43mm version didn't sell very well...apparently.
41 would be perfect for this brand... let's hope. Brilliant Mate!
This is a lovely watch and probably the first Formex I'd really want to own, but I have to agree with the pricing structure: More expensive than the bigger one and no regular grade movement version to have another price option. Also no rubber strap! Otherwise this is a very nice piece and the size is spot on. Thanks Jody!
I really enjoy your videos, it has guided me well in watch hunting! Keep it up!!
I would love to see a review on the Orient envoy “open heart”