FORMEX REEF Automatic CHRONOMETER 300M [the tool-watch that requires no tools]

Last year the Swiss brand, FORMEX had a mightily impressive rebrand along with the launch of a brand new diver’s model, the REEF Automatic Chronometer 300M. 

Just a year on and Formex, a brand who are well-known for their utilitarian style are ramping up the utility on their Reef Diver with the introduction of a unique tool-less bezel exchange system.

In addition to the new bezel system and in anticipation of a white holiday season or least a snow filled winter, this new addition introduces a striking new Snow White dial! 

The original REEF that launched last year already allowed for a tool-less exchange of the steel bracelet and the rubber strap - this new REEF model allows you to do exactly that with its bezel.

Five bezel options that include four colorful ceramic options and one classic steel bezel are available; making this one of if not the most versatile high quality Swiss diver’s watches – 

that comes with an officially COSC-certified mechanical Swiss caliber and unique features to increase wrist comfort. Prices start from $1,670USD and $160.00 for each additional bezel.

In addition to the all tool-less bezel system, this new REEF naturally retains the handy tool-less strap system, too. A total of 40 possible configuration options are at your fingers tips. 

FORMEX’s engineers developed the unique bezel mounting system that allows you to pull out the bezel from the case by hand and exchange it with another. No tools just plug and play!

The bezel underwent a re-engineering that followed customer feedback and now has a 120-click unidirectional action with a nylon ring for a noticeably smoother click. 

Being one of the most exposed parts, the bezel is made of an extremely hard and scratch-resistant Zirconium oxide ceramic.

The graduations and numbers were engraved by femto-laser pulsations. It takes 60 minutes of precision engraving for every bezel to achieve the desired three-dimensional effect. 

Machined gear-like indentations on the bezel’s edge allow a diver the ideal grip to safely set and monitor diving time and decompression stops.

The 42mm Stainless-steel case with its distinctive shape provides both a functional guard for the screw-down crown and a stunning visual symmetry alike. 

A double gasket construction is designed and tested for 300 m / 1000 ft of water resistance. Mirror-polished bevels and brushed surfaces throughout create a unique balance between elegance and the brand’s high-octane spirit.

After the successful launch of the white dial Essence collection in March 2021, the FORMEX community has been asking to give the REEF the same treatment. 

Manufacturing those dials at FORMEX’s in-house dial manufacture in the Jura mountains allows the company to be responsive to customer feedback.

To enhance legibility, the triangle shaped applied indices, the broad hour and minute hands and the sweeping seconds hand are kept in black, but all share the same detailed beveled mirror polish and brushed top surface finishing. The Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9 lume on these black dial elements provide contrast on daytime, and a strong long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions. Being able to read the time with absolute certainty is a matter of survival when diving. Powering the hands 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 to construct the REEF at just 11.4mm thickness and a perceived height of 9.4mm. 

Each of the movements undergoes the COSC-certification process, a meticulous 15-day rate test to ensure extraordinary levels of mechanical accuracy and precision.

Only the movements who pass the stringent assessment will be certified and engraved with a unique serial number. The movements’ power reserve extends to approximately 42 hours. 

The REEF Automatic Chronometer 300M can be configured on the FORMEX Online Boutique with 5 dial and 4 bezel options as well as a stainless-steel bracelet and a rubber strap.

Both the solid-link bracelet and the strap feature a buckle with a patented fine-adjustment. In the US, the collection is now in stock an available starting at $1,670.00 on the FORMEX Online Boutique and selected Trusted Partners. Thoughts? Have you ever owned a supposedly interchangeable bezel system on any of your dive watches? I have – fiddly screws, scratched cases; it really takes the joy out of it.

Here we have a precision engineered Swiss diver with a well-considered system that allows you to quickly and easily change up your bezel without the use of a single tool – 

plus the watch also has another tool-free system for strap changing. That’s what I call – putting the fun back in watch ownership. See just HOW EASY it is in video! Not everyone has an extensive stable of watches either, so for those wanting to give their watch a fresh new look with a new bezel, strap or both – this is a no brainer. 

Just imagine if everyone offered this – ah but they wouldn’t because they’d much rather you bought an additional watch instead. What do you think, pretty good, eh!