Correction : The essence does have a micro adjust mechanism. I’ve had the watches in for almost a month and at no point did I notice it. Embarrassing 😂 🤦♂️
lol actually what’s embarrassing is the brand name. It sounds like a prophylactic brand. I can’t get around that and probably will never own one. Just me saying though.
I must admit, I’ve never considered buying a watch from this brand. Your concise and analytical commentary style creates quite a bit of interest. Nice hype, just well thought out and organized opinions, bolstered by facts, statistics and data. Bravo! Once again
Mike, on the Essence bracelet there is a quick few cm of quick adjustment. As you're looking at the center link, you can press down on the link directly to the right to release it.
The butterfly clasp of the Essence DOES has have a quick-adjustment mechanism. Flick up the clasp at one of its the two edges (try one side and if that doesn’t work then try the other) and the bracelet will lengthen by a half-link.
I gifted my father an Essence 43 for his birthday and I was blown away by the quality of the watch. It looks so much better in the metal than in the pictures online. Great piece!
I recently purchased the Essence 39 in the "degrade" color, which in simplistic terms is a brownish-gold. Ths is the most expensive, most luxurious watch I've ever purchaed, not because I can't afford more expensive watches but because my personal values inform my sense of what's reaasonable to spend money on and how much is too much (for me and me alone). As other posters have noted, there is in fact a micro-adjust on the bracelet that I've used on a few humid days - it's great. I also purchased the leather deployant strap with a micro-fiber carbon clasp. The strap (in brown) is gorgeous and comfortable and beautifully coordinates with the carbon deployant clasp. As a relatively uninformed enthusiast (moreso these days due to watching videos like yours and a very few others) I appreciated the COSC certification - the quality movement - unique "shock absorber" design and the slightly Aqua-terra-ish dial. I am 76 years old and while I'm still fairly rigorous, I appreciate the 39mm size and the lightness of this piece. I debated whether to go for the 43mm and I'm sure I'd have liked that, also. It never ocurred to me that your rather solid review was based on any bias (other than your organic biases that you've developed over your lifetime). In other words, I think you've very well estabished that you are an independent thinker and reviewer and I trust your opinion, although you tend to discuss much more expensive watches than I would consider - especially at my age, I kind of feel that an expensive watch won't amortize (LOL) well and no one I know cares about inheriting watches. I look forward to more of your thoughtful and insightful reviews and commentary.
@@dska2294 Haha - my "heirs'' will have no problem inheriting my other assets - watches will probably wind up in some drawer with socks and underwear. But, I agree that a watch can embody the previous wearer - I actually bought the brownish Formex because my dad wore a brown watch while I was growing up (I have no clue what kind of watch it was - just a vivid sense memory of what it looked like).
Thanks for a great review. I bought the Formex Reef GMT in January for myself (coincidentally, merely a few days prior to Formex announcing a price increase on all their watches). It’s always a bit of a risk investing this kind of money in a “microbrand”, but I honestly could not be happier with the product. It really is a great watch. One comment regarding the “they could be more expensive” topic. Specifically for the Reef range, one of the neat party tricks you mention is the interchangeable bezels. Maybe worth mentioning that to actually get anything out of this feature, you need to purchase an extra bezel - each of which is priced at a cool eur250. I’ve now bought two extra bezels, so invested another eur500, over the original price of approx. Eur2000 for the watch. Presumably this nifty way of getting some clients to come back for more does help the overall profitability of the Reef line? Within that context, do we still think the Formex Reef is underpriced at retail? Not so sure.
MIke, thanks for your take on Formex. I bought their Reef 42 a year and a half ago, and have found it to be of incredible quality and value. Like you, aesthetics plays a huge factor on whether I buy a watch, and I think Formex hit the design of the Reef out of the park. I love how the "ears" at 3 and 9 give the case an entirely unique and very balanced, elegant look. Sporty ... and dressy. The crown winding is silky smooth -- even better than my Rolex Yachtmaster. The interchangeable bezels add even more fun. And the 11mm thickness means it wears beautifully for a 300m diver. I could not agree more that the Formex Reef offers huge bang for the buck. Finally, still hoping you get a chance to check out Serica's diver & GMT. Aloha!
This easy change mechanism for the bracelet should be ROCKING the industry. Nobody enjoys the painstaking scratch prone process of changing straps. A truly useful innovation.
I think Formex is appropriately priced for their desirability. I do not own a Formex watch, but I absolutely love their engineering around clasps. I was able to buy their adjustable butterfly clasp (made of forged carbon) off ebay and wear it with my skx for a more comfortable fit. At some point I may purchase their single fold adjustable clasp to add to other watch straps.
Thanks for an enlightening video! As usual, you do a great job bringing out things I would never consider about watches. Nuances are important and having more points to ponder helps narrow the field. Thank you.
For all the reviews of Formex, not a single one has delved into their manufacturing supply chain and explained Dexel's role. That's why I love your channel - you go below the surface to look at what's really going on. Would you consider doing a video on where different brands source their parts, and who really supplies the watch world? That would be really interesting. Also an analysis of watch costs and margins per unit would be cool
It’s fantastic that you are getting hands on from more brands now. Hope this continues going forward Most considered, informed opinions on UA-cam Favourite channel Keep up the awesome content Mike
With so many microbrands flooding the market, an opinion video on which ones you feel would still be around in 20 years time, would be very interesting.
Fantastic episode Mike. I don't usually read the other comments, but I liked the answers you gave in anticipation of them. I learned so much about Formex from this video. My friend owns an essense and it compares somewhat favorably to my Aqua Terra ...for what you pay at least...
Imho, compares quite directly regardless of price , I have blue railmaster . I prefer visually omega case , coaxial movement makes beautiful sound (you need to push it against your ear to hear what is going on inside), dials are pretty much equal, bracelets too, Formex has better clasp due extension.
As the owner of a 39mm Essence, I confirm this is a quality piece. The OEM steel bracelet, leather and rubber strap with well built clasp allow the watch to be worn comfortably in most conditions, with no compromise on looks. The only shortcoming is the paltry 38 hour power reserve, not a lot for a movement featuring a date complication which one has to adjust each time the Essence is pulled from the sock drawer.
I got my first Formex a couple of weeks ago. After looking at a Norqain Wild One for ages, but never pulling the trigger, I discovered the Essence Leggara and I couldn't be happier with it. Amazing to get specs at that price.
I’m a big fan of Formex. I don’t own one … yet … but only because I’ve focused on my grail list. Now that I have them I can see adding a Formex Reef or Reef GMT to my collection in the near future. I appreciate your review and opinions. Thank you
Really nice video and I was worried at the start that it might not have Mike’s analytical standpoint but he came through and did not just do a ‘same old same old’ review.
I would rather have this than the IWC Ingenieur. As an engineer I appreciate the modularity of the bezel and the case that is suspended. I think this is a great value proposition! Hope you are having a great week Mike! Take care my friend!
Mike, your channel and viewpoints have opened my eyes on watch manufacturers and designers immensely! Before watching this video, I never considered a Formex. My Dad who was an Italian trained craftsman taught me to buy quality over the lowest price. In the end, quality always wins because it lasts longer and is so much more reliable. I would like to see if I can pique your interest for an upcoming video. Gerald Genta is well known for the impact that his watch designs had on the watch industry. Today there are 2 brands who are using his name: Gerald Genta and Gerald Charles. How would you rate each brand's designs and engineering? Is one better then the other? I would love to watch your unbiased evaluation.
Excellent and informative Formex back story. The depth of knowledge gained from this channel is fantastic! I happen to love their price point, and hope they don't raise them. Not sure I'd spend more than they charge currently, despite it being (I suppose comparatively?) justified. Outstanding info, as always.
Hi Mike, I visited Formex/Dexel last summer in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland last summer (I live in the Western United States). Great video on your part but I would have added one more piece. That piece is "company values." Lot's of corporations talk about "core values" but I think that the folks at Formex actually live them in a way that makes the brand even more appealing. For example, they NEVER discount their watches. Mentioning that would have been beneficial. As part of their core values they have set the lowest possible price, and stick to that; thus enhancing the value. (few brands do this). Plus, as part of their core values, they are down to earth people and not "uppity" at all. This too is appealing. Anyway....I like what you are doing Mike! You are very good at it. Thank you.
I own white dial Essence 43 for 6 months now and I love it. Its my everyday watch. Sure suspension system is gimmicky and in hex key screws you can have some dirt but its not big of a deal at least for me. About the cost. Essence was 1300$ like 5 years ago and it was gradually increased by 100$ per year. In January of 2024 price jumped by around 300$. On your specifications you list Essence as 1590$ when with steel bracelet its 1900€ so little over 2000$ and I think increasing the price further might hurt the brand.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Yeah its strange. If you go to their site and pick Poland (where I live) it will cost 2050$, if you pick germany it shows 1590$. I bought mine from AD in Netherlands for 1590$
I’m guessing it’s a taxation thing. I always check US sites for the best comparison. Denmark is usually higher as well on all watches from any brand and just doing a straight currency conversion nets a wierd result. A speedmaster in denmark costs 10.000 dollars. The US msrp is USD 8.100.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch It's cheaper for me to fly to Netherlands and buy there. Buying in different currency is also interesting component in buying watches. When I compared median income with Germany and Poland. For Polish engineer to buy CW trident is similar to German engineer buying tudor 58.
You'll be to 50K subs soon, I'm putting in my early request for your opinion on Laurent Ferrier watches..... specifically the Sport Auto. Would love to hear your take on it and the man and the company.
I've been collecting watches for over 30 years, and as I approach retirement, I'm ready to downsize my collection and look for an "exit" watch. LF is at the top of the list.
The reef was the best 3 hand non diver I owned. It was crazy comfortable with the bracelet. If they ever just get rid of the name and leave the logo like CW did I’ll rebuy it.
Correction: Essence is the best bracelet, my bad. The short, thin links, with the spring case and my favorite butterfly "easy link" made me want it on all my watches.
Agreed; the Formex Reef is brilliant. The brushed bronze Reef reminds me of a vintage AP, and the new summer blue is very eye-catching. Their background in high-end manufacturing leads to super comfortable watches, and their service is great.
Thanks. My personal preference would be for the Essence over the Reef, but de gustibus non est disputandum. Really enjoyed your discussion of supply chain issues and in/outsourcing in strategies in watch manufacturing. One minor quibble in what you said about Asian/Chinese competition--I think Tianjin Seagull's output for the Chinese domestic market (priced north of 3000 yuan) may already be there, but that's probably an anomaly and what you say is certainly true of the run-of-the-mill Chinese watch that is assembled from outsourced components.
I’ve had a Formex Field for a couple of years. It was my first titanium watch, and I am still impressed by how light it feels. While that’s not exclusive to Formex, it was a pleasant discovery. Both of the watches discussed here are more upmarket, and “too nice” for me to wear as a daily. Of the two, the Reef appeals more to me, but I’m put off by the lobe on the case opposite the crown. I assume it’s there to give some symmetry to the case, but it just doesn’t work for me personally. In that price range, however, there are so many options that they may have made that choice to set the Reef apart from the rest of the market.
Great video as always. I've thought about buying the essence before. Definitely on the shortlist. Slight tangent but what shirt is that? Don't think I've ever bought a black shirt before but that matt black looks great.
If there is any watch youtuber I would trust to give their honest opinion, it would be you 😆 Great video! Enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the design decisions by formex on their watches.
I own and enjoy the Baby Reef, and totally agree - Formex offers great, great value for money. Would easily cost at least 50% more with a better known name on the dial.
I rarely leave comments but your videos are probably the best on watch related UA-cam. Love the Essence 39 and curious to know your thoughts on how Formex stacks up against CW and Longines? Really torn between conquest 38, Essence and c65 Dune.
Instead of saying Formex is underpriced, I would prefer saying that many models from Formex watches offer good value for the money compared to other brands. Higher prices would increase profitability per unit sold in the short term. However, in the medium and long term, it could also harm the micro brand. Many customers in the enthusiast segment would be scared away and seek other brands, thus reducing market share and total revenue. This would probably eat up additional profits generated by the price raise, and potentially jeopardise the future of this micro brand. (Just a thought from this humble owner of a Formex Essence for more than two years)
I have a reef and the quality is no different to my Tudor black bay. I’m super impressed with the bracelet and clasp - my favourite of any watch I’ve had and that includes omega, Tudor, and Breitling.
Thank you. Really intrigued by the chronometer Formex Essence as a benchmark comparison to the Aquaterra. Does the AT brand premium and arguably marginal improvements in quality justify the considerable difference in price? I really struggle with that and start going down a sceptical rabbit hole in respect of similar so called 'entry level' luxury brands.
In your opinion, how secure does the interchangeable bezel feel on the reef? I am considering the watch but am concerned about the interchangeable bezel.
To me they feel incredibly solid and safe. Obviously I haven't tested the effects of wear and tear of take it off and putting it on 100, 1000 or 100.000 times. You are introducing another potenital point of failure into your design but overall their approach to quality leaves me unconcerned 😀
The Formex reef is kind of like a Swiss take on the seiko samurai… I think it looks great! Do you feel like it would be easy for the bezel to accidentally come off during daily wear?
How's the bezel action on the reef? I heard some say that it's not that good and has quite some backplay, others claims basically the complete opposite. Is there a compromise being made with the interchangeable system?
i was lucky in 2019 , when i bought silver sunburst Essence pre release with free extra stap and clasp for 890 euors . they don't even sell that model anymore , Essence is super dressy and blingy . i would love to see them make an integrated bracelet watch.
Good looking watches. As for pricing, it will be easy for Formex to know if they are priced right. If they are flying off the shelves faster than they can make them, then they are under priced.
Any thoughts on the nautilus appearing case? The ears? How thin the case is? Your content is excellent and I realize how much effort you are investing into your channel. I have been intrigued with this brand but have enjoyed little exposure. Thank you
great take! I have much sympathy for the brand, they were great answering some questions per email. I just wish they had a different name and a design feature that really spoke to me...I like their case mechanism, but otherwise, they look too generic to me unfortunately
I've had the very same green Essence 39 for review. It's a great watch. Too expensive for me and I'm not into angular style, but there is nothing I would change about that design. It's both distinctive and good looking. It's also restrained. It's very hard to do all three at once. And the execution is just top notch. I was only worried about the crown, it was very easy to turn when pressed in. How was your specimen?
They should change their name from an industrial sounding one to a more elegant one. The name is also part of the overall component variables of watch buying. Aside from that a compelling choice.
Well researched Well presented Good watches for sure Neither aesthetic works for me So as for perhaps 90% of watch buyers I’m unlikely to buy one On a side, does the suspended case feature add something really useful? Does that quick release bezel fill you with confidence? Certainly not gimmicks but don’t do it for me. They seem to occupy the higher end of the microbrand market and for good reason. For me, Monta are the closest alternative, and because I like the look of their watches more I’m more likely to consider those, fixed bezels and rigid cases included! For those who like the Formex aesthetic this video is likely invaluable
The essence in blue is wonderful. As for the price, there are two ways to look at it. Mine is not that this watch should cost more, it's that the others should cost less.
I have their titanium field watch, which is great but ho-hum accurate. That 9 o'clock flap/wing on the Reef has always looked a bit weird and unnecessary to me, and I'd be worried about getting long-term skin gunk etc. out of the Essence's spring-loaded system: nooks and crannies that my wife's toothbrush couldn't reach.
On Summer holiday Mike sorry for the delayed response. The trickle down effect and advances in production have created a huge variety of quality watches at all price points and specs. It has never been a better time to choose a great quality watch at a fair price. Chris
Always a difficult question. Put it this way A Longines Spirit 37mm on a steel bracelet has an MSRP of 2.500. The essence. 1.590. Dial. Case. Finishing. Bracelet. Lume. All directly comparable and in my eyes close to equal (setting aside any preferences when it comes to aesthetic). Movement. More power reserve and overall a slightly better movement in the Longines. Typically an online only seller will expect somewhere around 30-35% margin. If it were sold through a dealer the dealer would expect 50-60% margin. A Formex would be around 1.750 - 1.800 or thereabout if it were readily available through store retailers. I think 2.500 for the Longines is a bit much. Not trying to give Formex any ideas buy a couple of hundred more wouldn't bother me - The price increase would though 😀
Don't know an awful lot about Formex. I find this level of watches and brands very formulaic (needed for the price point) and very overwhelming in the amount of offerings. I will say of the two watches shown here I find the Reef much more appealing. I'm no fan of the aesthetics of the Essence, especially the four screw heads in a square pattern on a round dial. It simply does not appeal to me. The Reef I would consider for an everyday wear that I wouldn't be concerned about scratching or marring in any way and the monochrome color way is easy on the eyes. edit: made this comment before you started to point out the engineering features..... rather impressive to see them put the emphasis on quality components.
Hey Mike, have been lurking and enjoying your videos for a while now, great job. I would however like to mention that I find the new transitions that you use a bit jarring. Especially the zoom in to 140% on your face, and the constant cuts from zoomed-out to zoomed-in. I preferred the relaxed video style a lot more, as I felt it complimented your relaxing, but entertaining content more. As soon as Formex release the small REEF with 20mm lugs, they'll have a new customer. Cheers
Thanks a ton. Fair enough about the videos. I'm self taught and it's necessary to work with editing to keep retention up on the videos. That includes cuts, zooms and other stuff. Striking the right balance is something that happens over time. I may tone it back a little to see how it affects retention. Thanks 😀😀
Had to wait until Wimbledon was over for the day. Interesting company. And completely agree that they could easily move up the price pecking order (gradually) - no reason to believe they’d cut corners on their own components. Sadly the golden meteorite dial is out of stock.
Correction : The essence does have a micro adjust mechanism. I’ve had the watches in for almost a month and at no point did I notice it.
Embarrassing 😂 🤦♂️
lol actually what’s embarrassing is the brand name. It sounds like a prophylactic brand. I can’t get around that and probably will never own one. Just me saying though.
@@etebolthe name sounds fine to me. But I get that may not be for everyone. Fantastic watches and well priced. Well done Formex!!
@@etebol Strip away the branding and prestige, what does Rolex sound like to you?
@@MegaThucydides a place to find phone numbers to businesses....but then again, I'm old.
Congratulations, you're human : )
This is rapidly becoming my favorite watch channel , unbiased information presented in a calm rational manner . Well done sir!
Totally agree, facts and unbiased opinion
That's because it is the best watch channel :-) ....... imo .
I try at least. Thanks for the praise 😀
+1
I must admit, I’ve never considered buying a watch from this brand. Your concise and analytical commentary style creates quite a bit of interest. Nice hype, just well thought out and organized opinions, bolstered by facts, statistics and data. Bravo! Once again
I think they're interesting at least because of the way they approach watch construction 😀
Mike, on the Essence bracelet there is a quick few cm of quick adjustment. As you're looking at the center link, you can press down on the link directly to the right to release it.
Imagine my horror of having had the watch with me for a month and not once thinking to check.... 😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch To be fair, it's well hidden!
The butterfly clasp of the Essence DOES has have a quick-adjustment mechanism. Flick up the clasp at one of its the two edges (try one side and if that doesn’t work then try the other) and the bracelet will lengthen by a half-link.
I gifted my father an Essence 43 for his birthday and I was blown away by the quality of the watch. It looks so much better in the metal than in the pictures online. Great piece!
Great gift 😀
I recently purchased the Essence 39 in the "degrade" color, which in simplistic terms is a brownish-gold. Ths is the most expensive, most luxurious watch I've ever purchaed, not because I can't afford more expensive watches but because my personal values inform my sense of what's reaasonable to spend money on and how much is too much (for me and me alone). As other posters have noted, there is in fact a micro-adjust on the bracelet that I've used on a few humid days - it's great. I also purchased the leather deployant strap with a micro-fiber carbon clasp. The strap (in brown) is gorgeous and comfortable and beautifully coordinates with the carbon deployant clasp. As a relatively uninformed enthusiast (moreso these days due to watching videos like yours and a very few others) I appreciated the COSC certification - the quality movement - unique "shock absorber" design and the slightly Aqua-terra-ish dial. I am 76 years old and while I'm still fairly rigorous, I appreciate the 39mm size and the lightness of this piece. I debated whether to go for the 43mm and I'm sure I'd have liked that, also. It never ocurred to me that your rather solid review was based on any bias (other than your organic biases that you've developed over your lifetime). In other words, I think you've very well estabished that you are an independent thinker and reviewer and I trust your opinion, although you tend to discuss much more expensive watches than I would consider - especially at my age, I kind of feel that an expensive watch won't amortize (LOL) well and no one I know cares about inheriting watches. I look forward to more of your thoughtful and insightful reviews and commentary.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with Formex... Many will find it helpful 😀
I’ll sign up to inherit anyone’s watches… great way to wear something and think about the person who wore it before you.
@@dska2294 Haha - my "heirs'' will have no problem inheriting my other assets - watches will probably wind up in some drawer with socks and underwear. But, I agree that a watch can embody the previous wearer - I actually bought the brownish Formex because my dad wore a brown watch while I was growing up (I have no clue what kind of watch it was - just a vivid sense memory of what it looked like).
Thanks for a great review.
I bought the Formex Reef GMT in January for myself (coincidentally, merely a few days prior to Formex announcing a price increase on all their watches). It’s always a bit of a risk investing this kind of money in a “microbrand”, but I honestly could not be happier with the product. It really is a great watch.
One comment regarding the “they could be more expensive” topic. Specifically for the Reef range, one of the neat party tricks you mention is the interchangeable bezels. Maybe worth mentioning that to actually get anything out of this feature, you need to purchase an extra bezel - each of which is priced at a cool eur250.
I’ve now bought two extra bezels, so invested another eur500, over the original price of approx. Eur2000 for the watch. Presumably this nifty way of getting some clients to come back for more does help the overall profitability of the Reef line?
Within that context, do we still think the Formex Reef is underpriced at retail? Not so sure.
Having seen Formex’s watches “in the metal”, they greatly impressed me with their quality and specs. Fantastic pieces!
Mid-week Mike! Alright! I've been looking at the Essence! Great timing! Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share on the Essence Leggera?
MIke, thanks for your take on Formex. I bought their Reef 42 a year and a half ago, and have found it to be of incredible quality and value. Like you, aesthetics plays a huge factor on whether I buy a watch, and I think Formex hit the design of the Reef out of the park. I love how the "ears" at 3 and 9 give the case an entirely unique and very balanced, elegant look. Sporty ... and dressy. The crown winding is silky smooth -- even better than my Rolex Yachtmaster. The interchangeable bezels add even more fun. And the 11mm thickness means it wears beautifully for a 300m diver. I could not agree more that the Formex Reef offers huge bang for the buck.
Finally, still hoping you get a chance to check out Serica's diver & GMT. Aloha!
This easy change mechanism for the bracelet should be ROCKING the industry. Nobody enjoys the painstaking scratch prone process of changing straps. A truly useful innovation.
Actually Cartier, Oris, and Vacheron also deliver quick change technology. But Formex does it at the $1,500- $2,500 price point.
I appreciate when you pull the curtain back and expose the details of the industry. Your conclusions appears accurate.
I think Formex is appropriately priced for their desirability. I do not own a Formex watch, but I absolutely love their engineering around clasps. I was able to buy their adjustable butterfly clasp (made of forged carbon) off ebay and wear it with my skx for a more comfortable fit. At some point I may purchase their single fold adjustable clasp to add to other watch straps.
Always enjoy your reviews. Very educational
Honest sound commentary free of shilling. Always a pleasure viewing your videos.
Glad to hear it. Thanks for sharing 😀
Thanks for an enlightening video! As usual, you do a great job bringing out things I would never consider about watches. Nuances are important and having more points to ponder helps narrow the field. Thank you.
For all the reviews of Formex, not a single one has delved into their manufacturing supply chain and explained Dexel's role. That's why I love your channel - you go below the surface to look at what's really going on.
Would you consider doing a video on where different brands source their parts, and who really supplies the watch world? That would be really interesting.
Also an analysis of watch costs and margins per unit would be cool
Excellent Mike, great information and food for thought. Have always liked Formex just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Would make a great one watch.
Fastest growing watch UA-cam channel must be doing something right! Love the closing graphic btw!
Thanks - I'm a bit overwhelmed by my channels performance. Just happy that people are enjoying what I put out there .😀😀
I have to say. I love this channel and the unbiased analysis! Many thanks Mike 🙏
I appreciate that, thanks 😀
It’s fantastic that you are getting hands on from more brands now.
Hope this continues going forward
Most considered, informed opinions on UA-cam
Favourite channel
Keep up the awesome content Mike
As usual, your content is measured and evenly delivered. Thanks again.
Cheers 😀
Great video! I'd been curious about Formex--thanks for the illuminating discussion 😊
Excellent video as always Mike - don’t change a thing 🙏
Lol. Personal development stops right here and now 😂
Thank you Mike.
Another interesting and very informative video.
I really enjoy and appreciate your work.
Kind regards
With so many microbrands flooding the market, an opinion video on which ones you feel would still be around in 20 years time, would be very interesting.
Not many I’d say
None
I would say we have a long bigger things to worry about what will be around in 20 years than micro brand x. Us for example.
I’ll be shopping watches in Switzerland this September. Formex is on my list to check out- very excited to see one in person.
I cannot wait for my Space Gold to arrive. Didn’t know about the details of their parts sourcing. Makes me glad I selected them :)
Fantastic episode Mike. I don't usually read the other comments, but I liked the answers you gave in anticipation of them. I learned so much about Formex from this video. My friend owns an essense and it compares somewhat favorably to my Aqua Terra ...for what you pay at least...
Imho, compares quite directly regardless of price , I have blue railmaster . I prefer visually omega case , coaxial movement makes beautiful sound (you need to push it against your ear to hear what is going on inside), dials are pretty much equal, bracelets too, Formex has better clasp due extension.
@@peter5204 The dial on the AT is far superior in my opinion. The Formex dial is ok, but I find the hands look rather rough.
I got jump-scared by this unexpected upload. Hi Mike
Decaf?
A little mid week palette cleanser 😀😀
As the owner of a 39mm Essence, I confirm this is a quality piece.
The OEM steel bracelet, leather and rubber strap with well built clasp allow the watch to be worn comfortably in most conditions, with no compromise on looks.
The only shortcoming is the paltry 38 hour power reserve, not a lot for a movement featuring a date complication which one has to adjust each time the Essence is pulled from the sock drawer.
Do agree when it comes to power reserve. If Sellita start upgrading their power reserves you're going to start an arms race at ETA and Kennisi 😀😀
I got my first Formex a couple of weeks ago. After looking at a Norqain Wild One for ages, but never pulling the trigger, I discovered the Essence Leggara and I couldn't be happier with it. Amazing to get specs at that price.
Lucky you. Enjoy the watch 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Much appreciated. Love the channel.
Love my 43mm Essence Degradé on the OEM leather strap.
I’m a big fan of Formex. I don’t own one … yet … but only because I’ve focused on my grail list. Now that I have them I can see adding a Formex Reef or Reef GMT to my collection in the near future. I appreciate your review and opinions. Thank you
Really nice video and I was worried at the start that it might not have Mike’s analytical standpoint but he came through and did not just do a ‘same old same old’ review.
I always try to add a twist if possible... 😀
One reason for keeping them relatively cheaper could also be that they don't want to have a secondary market with significantly cheaper watches
Really fine vid Mike. Thanks
Very welcome 😀
I would rather have this than the IWC Ingenieur. As an engineer I appreciate the modularity of the bezel and the case that is suspended. I think this is a great value proposition! Hope you are having a great week Mike! Take care my friend!
I did not like the Ingenieur initially, but I've warmed to it over the last couple of months. Still overpriced though.... 😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I agree! Its a bit much!
Really enjoying your content
Glad to hear it 😀
Great video, as always. Curious, which size Reef are you wearing in the video?
It's the 39.5 😀
That’s the content I wanna hear from a watch UA-cam channel ! Congratulations
Mike, your channel and viewpoints have opened my eyes on watch manufacturers and designers immensely! Before watching this video, I never considered a Formex. My Dad who was an Italian trained craftsman taught me to buy quality over the lowest price. In the end, quality always wins because it lasts longer and is so much more reliable.
I would like to see if I can pique your interest for an upcoming video. Gerald Genta is well known for the impact that his watch designs had on the watch industry. Today there are 2 brands who are using his name: Gerald Genta and Gerald Charles. How would you rate each brand's designs and engineering? Is one better then the other? I would love to watch your unbiased evaluation.
Excellent and informative Formex back story. The depth of knowledge gained from this channel is fantastic! I happen to love their price point, and hope they don't raise them. Not sure I'd spend more than they charge currently, despite it being (I suppose comparatively?) justified. Outstanding info, as always.
Much appreciated 😃😃
Hi Mike, I visited Formex/Dexel last summer in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland last summer (I live in the Western United States). Great video on your part but I would have added one more piece. That piece is "company values." Lot's of corporations talk about "core values" but I think that the folks at Formex actually live them in a way that makes the brand even more appealing. For example, they NEVER discount their watches. Mentioning that would have been beneficial. As part of their core values they have set the lowest possible price, and stick to that; thus enhancing the value. (few brands do this). Plus, as part of their core values, they are down to earth people and not "uppity" at all. This too is appealing. Anyway....I like what you are doing Mike! You are very good at it. Thank you.
i love your honesty,
Cheers 😀
I own white dial Essence 43 for 6 months now and I love it. Its my everyday watch. Sure suspension system is gimmicky and in hex key screws you can have some dirt but its not big of a deal at least for me.
About the cost. Essence was 1300$ like 5 years ago and it was gradually increased by 100$ per year. In January of 2024 price jumped by around 300$. On your specifications you list Essence as 1590$ when with steel bracelet its 1900€ so little over 2000$ and I think increasing the price further might hurt the brand.
2.050? The list price for an essence 43 is USD 1.590 on a full steel bracelet. (1.540 euro)
In Poland I see 2075$ on essence 39, maybe it's localization issue?
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Yeah its strange. If you go to their site and pick Poland (where I live) it will cost 2050$, if you pick germany it shows 1590$. I bought mine from AD in Netherlands for 1590$
I’m guessing it’s a taxation thing. I always check US sites for the best comparison.
Denmark is usually higher as well on all watches from any brand and just doing a straight currency conversion nets a wierd result.
A speedmaster in denmark costs 10.000 dollars. The US msrp is USD 8.100.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch It's cheaper for me to fly to Netherlands and buy there.
Buying in different currency is also interesting component in buying watches. When I compared median income with Germany and Poland. For Polish engineer to buy CW trident is similar to German engineer buying tudor 58.
You'll be to 50K subs soon, I'm putting in my early request for your opinion on Laurent Ferrier watches..... specifically the Sport Auto. Would love to hear your take on it and the man and the company.
I've been collecting watches for over 30 years, and as I approach retirement, I'm ready to downsize my collection and look for an "exit" watch. LF is at the top of the list.
Maybe... Fingers crossed to getting to 50 in the next couple of months 😀😀
Will probably do a Q&A if I get there .. 😀
Love my 43mm Essence! Micro adjust on a leather strap, very sweet.
The reef was the best 3 hand non diver I owned. It was crazy comfortable with the bracelet. If they ever just get rid of the name and leave the logo like CW did I’ll rebuy it.
Correction: Essence is the best bracelet, my bad. The short, thin links, with the spring case and my favorite butterfly "easy link" made me want it on all my watches.
Agreed; the Formex Reef is brilliant. The brushed bronze Reef reminds me of a vintage AP, and the new summer blue is very eye-catching. Their background in high-end manufacturing leads to super comfortable watches, and their service is great.
Thanks. My personal preference would be for the Essence over the Reef, but de gustibus non est disputandum. Really enjoyed your discussion of supply chain issues and in/outsourcing in strategies in watch manufacturing. One minor quibble in what you said about Asian/Chinese competition--I think Tianjin Seagull's output for the Chinese domestic market (priced north of 3000 yuan) may already be there, but that's probably an anomaly and what you say is certainly true of the run-of-the-mill Chinese watch that is assembled from outsourced components.
Great video and watches. I met Raphael years ago and he's a very nice guy!
I met him at W&W 24 - cool guy 😀
I’ve had a Formex Field for a couple of years. It was my first titanium watch, and I am still impressed by how light it feels. While that’s not exclusive to Formex, it was a pleasant discovery. Both of the watches discussed here are more upmarket, and “too nice” for me to wear as a daily. Of the two, the Reef appeals more to me, but I’m put off by the lobe on the case opposite the crown. I assume it’s there to give some symmetry to the case, but it just doesn’t work for me personally. In that price range, however, there are so many options that they may have made that choice to set the Reef apart from the rest of the market.
Great break down, they do look good.
I have the essence with the malachite dial. Really handsome watch. Very accurate also. Very well made
thanks for sharing 😀
Great video as always. I've thought about buying the essence before. Definitely on the shortlist. Slight tangent but what shirt is that? Don't think I've ever bought a black shirt before but that matt black looks great.
It's a Belstaff shirt 😀It's blue actually, but I have it in black as well
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I'll check it out. Guess I can't see colours properly then :(
Thank you so much for this channel. By far my #1 Watch Channel with a deep insight knowledge. High class for the grown ups.
Thank you. Great watches and until now at a fair price IMO. Have has one for years without any issues. Comfortable, dependable and nice to look at.
What can we do to promote your channel? Most others are disingenuous and never stick their neck out. Respect!
Spread the word is all you can do 😀😀😀😀
You make a good point and ask a good question! Mike is excellent. Top drawer, no doubt.
The essence white dial is design perfection in my eyes, I hope they keep doing well and maybe introduce further complications like GMTs.
Ive had my eye on the Reef for a year or so, but lately Christopher Ward has some very nice alternatives for the same price
If there is any watch youtuber I would trust to give their honest opinion, it would be you 😆
Great video! Enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the design decisions by formex on their watches.
Thanks for the feedback 😀
I own and enjoy the Baby Reef, and totally agree - Formex offers great, great value for money. Would easily cost at least 50% more with a better known name on the dial.
I rarely leave comments but your videos are probably the best on watch related UA-cam. Love the Essence 39 and curious to know your thoughts on how Formex stacks up against CW and Longines? Really torn between conquest 38, Essence and c65 Dune.
Instead of saying Formex is underpriced, I would prefer saying that many models from Formex watches offer good value for the money compared to other brands.
Higher prices would increase profitability per unit sold in the short term. However, in the medium and long term, it could also harm the micro brand. Many customers in the enthusiast segment would be scared away and seek other brands, thus reducing market share and total revenue. This would probably eat up additional profits generated by the price raise, and potentially jeopardise the future of this micro brand.
(Just a thought from this humble owner of a Formex Essence for more than two years)
Great video. Many thanks.
Cheers 😀
Great review, shame you missed the Essence on the fly micro adjustment. I have an Essence and a Field, both great watches.
Hi. For reference, what is the size of the reef presented in the video and what is the wrist size?
That's the 39.5 😀
Reef looks good. Wish I can see it in person to see how good quality they are.
I have a reef and the quality is no different to my Tudor black bay. I’m super impressed with the bracelet and clasp - my favourite of any watch I’ve had and that includes omega, Tudor, and Breitling.
@@thegorn Thanks this is really helpful!
Interesting worth a deeper dive before I pull the trigger on a Marathon GSAR
Thank you. Really intrigued by the chronometer Formex Essence as a benchmark comparison to the Aquaterra. Does the AT brand premium and arguably marginal improvements in quality justify the considerable difference in price? I really struggle with that and start going down a sceptical rabbit hole in respect of similar so called 'entry level' luxury brands.
Is it Saturday morning?? What a nice treat!
I wish... I need a vacation 😂😂😂
In your opinion, how secure does the interchangeable bezel feel on the reef? I am considering the watch but am concerned about the interchangeable bezel.
To me they feel incredibly solid and safe. Obviously I haven't tested the effects of wear and tear of take it off and putting it on 100, 1000 or 100.000 times. You are introducing another potenital point of failure into your design but overall their approach to quality leaves me unconcerned 😀
@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Thanks! Great review. I really appreciate how in-depth and unbiased your videos are.
I like the Reef. Would love to see it in the metal.
The Formex reef is kind of like a Swiss take on the seiko samurai… I think it looks great!
Do you feel like it would be easy for the bezel to accidentally come off during daily wear?
I would have no concerns about knocking off the bezel, but theoretically it is a potential point of failure, yes .😀
Are the levels of ETA movements manufactured differently or are they simply adjusted and tuned to be better time accuracy?
How's the bezel action on the reef? I heard some say that it's not that good and has quite some backplay, others claims basically the complete opposite. Is there a compromise being made with the interchangeable system?
It's excellent in short. No backplay. Depending on the model at can be a bit too tight, but backplay was not something I noticed 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Thank you very much for the reply. 🙏🏻
i was lucky in 2019 , when i bought silver sunburst Essence pre release with free extra stap and clasp for 890 euors . they don't even sell that model anymore , Essence is super dressy and blingy . i would love to see them make an integrated bracelet watch.
Hi Mike. I can't tell, is this the normal or smaller sized Reef? I've been dabating picking one up for awhile. Thanks!
39.5 mm 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch thanks very much
Great video about a brand that I am curious about.
A thing that I get out of this is that Hublot buyers are, indirectly, subsidizing good taste 😂
lol 😂😂
Good looking watches. As for pricing, it will be easy for Formex to know if they are priced right. If they are flying off the shelves faster than they can make them, then they are under priced.
True. Largely, I do think they are flying off the shelves - Some models are at least .😀
Any thoughts on the nautilus appearing case? The ears? How thin the case is?
Your content is excellent and I realize how much effort you are investing into your channel.
I have been intrigued with this brand but have enjoyed little exposure.
Thank you
great take! I have much sympathy for the brand, they were great answering some questions per email. I just wish they had a different name and a design feature that really spoke to me...I like their case mechanism, but otherwise, they look too generic to me unfortunately
I've had the very same green Essence 39 for review. It's a great watch. Too expensive for me and I'm not into angular style, but there is nothing I would change about that design. It's both distinctive and good looking. It's also restrained. It's very hard to do all three at once. And the execution is just top notch.
I was only worried about the crown, it was very easy to turn when pressed in. How was your specimen?
They should change their name from an industrial sounding one to a more elegant one. The name is also part of the overall component variables of watch buying. Aside from that a compelling choice.
Beat me to it. Logo isn’t very good either but I could overlook it.
@@WestCoastAce27 Agree, but the logo should go as well as part of a re-branding and re-positioning strategy.
Much like Christopher Ward a lot of people have issues with either the name or the logo 😀
Well researched
Well presented
Good watches for sure
Neither aesthetic works for me
So as for perhaps 90% of watch buyers I’m unlikely to buy one
On a side, does the suspended case feature add something really useful?
Does that quick release bezel fill you with confidence?
Certainly not gimmicks but don’t do it for me.
They seem to occupy the higher end of the microbrand market and for good reason.
For me, Monta are the closest alternative, and because I like the look of their watches more I’m more likely to consider those, fixed bezels and rigid cases included!
For those who like the Formex aesthetic this video is likely invaluable
Exactly!
The essence in blue is wonderful. As for the price, there are two ways to look at it. Mine is not that this watch should cost more, it's that the others should cost less.
Also a fair perspective 😀
I have their titanium field watch, which is great but ho-hum accurate.
That 9 o'clock flap/wing on the Reef has always looked a bit weird and unnecessary to me, and I'd be worried about getting long-term skin gunk etc. out of the Essence's spring-loaded system: nooks and crannies that my wife's toothbrush couldn't reach.
On Summer holiday Mike sorry for the delayed response. The trickle down effect and advances in production have created a huge variety of quality watches at all price points and specs. It has never been a better time to choose a great quality watch at a fair price.
Chris
I’ll bet Mike has a spreadsheet on the average time between watch purchases 😆!
I do.... 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Is the essence underpriced or is the aqua terra just overpriced?
There’s value in brand and original design. Might as well go with steinhart If you don’t value either of these two components.
Both 😀
What would be a "fair" price for these watches according to you?
Always a difficult question. Put it this way
A Longines Spirit 37mm on a steel bracelet has an MSRP of 2.500. The essence. 1.590.
Dial. Case. Finishing. Bracelet. Lume. All directly comparable and in my eyes close to equal (setting aside any preferences when it comes to aesthetic).
Movement. More power reserve and overall a slightly better movement in the Longines.
Typically an online only seller will expect somewhere around 30-35% margin. If it were sold through a dealer the dealer would expect 50-60% margin. A Formex would be around 1.750 - 1.800 or thereabout if it were readily available through store retailers.
I think 2.500 for the Longines is a bit much. Not trying to give Formex any ideas buy a couple of hundred more wouldn't bother me - The price increase would though 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Thank you for your answer 🙂
That suspension system sounds exactly like Certina DS.
Add one more to your anticipated peanut gallery - thanks a LOT, Buddy!! (Writes permission slip for Formex price hikes 😂
Lol 😂
Don't know an awful lot about Formex. I find this level of watches and brands very formulaic (needed for the price point) and very overwhelming in the amount of offerings. I will say of the two watches shown here I find the Reef much more appealing. I'm no fan of the aesthetics of the Essence, especially the four screw heads in a square pattern on a round dial. It simply does not appeal to me. The Reef I would consider for an everyday wear that I wouldn't be concerned about scratching or marring in any way and the monochrome color way is easy on the eyes. edit: made this comment before you started to point out the engineering features..... rather impressive to see them put the emphasis on quality components.
Does sounds a lot like the best value for money out there!
Hey Mike, have been lurking and enjoying your videos for a while now, great job. I would however like to mention that I find the new transitions that you use a bit jarring. Especially the zoom in to 140% on your face, and the constant cuts from zoomed-out to zoomed-in. I preferred the relaxed video style a lot more, as I felt it complimented your relaxing, but entertaining content more.
As soon as Formex release the small REEF with 20mm lugs, they'll have a new customer.
Cheers
Thanks a ton.
Fair enough about the videos. I'm self taught and it's necessary to work with editing to keep retention up on the videos. That includes cuts, zooms and other stuff. Striking the right balance is something that happens over time. I may tone it back a little to see how it affects retention. Thanks 😀😀
Had to wait until Wimbledon was over for the day. Interesting company. And completely agree that they could easily move up the price pecking order (gradually) - no reason to believe they’d cut corners on their own components.
Sadly the golden meteorite dial is out of stock.
Yeah . The meteorite has been a massive hit for them. 😀