Introducing the brand new Formex REEF Automatic Chronometer 300M, the Swiss brand’s first diver’s model that truly commands attention.
Not only does the new REEF have a more grownup look, but this elegant timepiece still offers all the utility that Formex are known for but done totally differently – not a hex screw in sight!
Formex still offer what they call their ‘diver’, a 200m model that alludes far more to the brand’s earlier DNA with its hallmark, clunky yet robust style with hex and y screws aplenty.
The new Reef on the other hand, is a clear illustration of the direction in which Formex wish to head which is to offer a higher level of refinement and sophistication, watches that could go toe to toe with other premium Swiss brands.
It’s been five years since Formex came under new ownership. The current boss brought with him a wealth of technical knowhow in materials and engineering gleaned from the world of high-end watch manufacturing.
However with the launch of a brand new logo as well as the new REEF diver’s model, he hopes to finally make a clear distinction between the Formex of old and Formex of new. To that end I would say that he has been very successful.
So how about this new diver, the REEF?
Firstly thanks to an online watch configuration tool, the REEF can be had with 32 possible looks with bezel and dial color options, as well as strap and bracelet options which can be mixed and matched in every which way you please.
The REEF is based on 42mm Stainless steel case with a distinctive shape that provides a functional integrated crown-guard which has been mirrored on the left lateral side of the case to create a sense of balance and symmetry.
With a double gasket construction the REEF has been designed and tested for 300 meters of water resistance.
While its combination of mirror-polished bevels and brushed surfaces throughout offer a happy balance between utility and luxury.
The REEF’s case is equipped with a diver’s bezel made of an extremely hard and scratch-resistant Zirconium oxide ceramic. Its graduations and indexes have been engraved by femto-laser pulsations.
Each bezel takes a full hour of precision engraving to achieve its three-dimensional effect. Machined gear-like indentations on the bezel’s edge are there for increased diver ergonomics.
The 60-click cycle is said to be smooth and responsive while offering firm and precise bezel functionality.
The REEF is on trend with a sunray finished dial which has been manufactured at Formex’s in-house dial manufacture in the Jura mountains.
The gradient for the different colors has been hand sprayed. Colors include: black, blue, green and grey.
The REEF’s bold rehaut-style hour markers are also hand-applied and triangle shaped, pointing towards the broad hour and minute hands that share the same detailed beveled mirror polish and brushed top surface finishing.
The hands and hour markers as well as the capsule on the bezel’s 12hr marker have all been deep-filled with Swiss SuperLumiNova BGW9 that emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark.
Powering the REEF is a self-winding Swiss Made SW300 with date that comes in Sellita’s highest quality grade ‘Chronometer’, using top of the line components only found in Chronometer-grade movements.
Formex purposely chose this thin movement as it allowed them to construct the REEF with a thickness of just 11.4mm with a perceived height of 9.4mm.
Each of the movement has undergone the COSC-certification process, a meticulous 15-day rate test to ensure its excellent levels of mechanical accuracy and precision.
Only movements that have passed this stringent assessment can be certified and engraved with a unique serial number. Btw the movements’ power-reserve extends to approximately 42 hours.
The REEF Automatic Chronometer 300M can be configured on the Formex Online Boutique with each 4 dial and bezel options as well as a Stainless steel bracelet and a texturized rubber diver’s strap.
Both the solid-link bracelet and the strap feature a buckle with a patented fine-adjustment system as well as a completely re-engineered and patented quick release system that allows you to interchange straps without the use of tools.
The collection is available now starting from 1,670USD for a limited PRE-ORDER period and will be delivered in December of 2020. Follow the link above or the one embedded, below to be taken to the Formex Online Boutique.
Thoughts? This is an unexpected yet welcome departure from the Formex that most of us know. Firstly the new logo is far more fitting of a premium Swiss watch maker helping to elevate the brand substantially.
While the REEF itself offers a high level of refinement and utility; for starters you get a ceramic bezel, an in-house made sunray dial, a sleek 11.4mm (high) case but also a COSC-certified movement as well as a patented strap changing system.
The fact that you can also mix and match dials and bezel makes the new Formex REEF a very interesting proposition. So what do you think?
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