March 20th 2025
A Legacy of Innovation
Formex, despite being a small independent brand, benefits from the expertise of Dexel, a family-owned company with over 40 years of experience in Swiss watch manufacturing. This gives Formex access to cutting-edge production techniques, including advanced ceramic craftsmanship. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Formex has unveiled its first full-ceramic watch: the Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC Automatic 41mm, available in four 88-piece limited editions. This watch also debuts the world’s first ceramic bracelet with an integrated micro-adjustment system.
A Fully Ceramic Construction
While Formex has previously used ceramic in the Essence Leggera series, those models only incorporated ceramic in the bezel and crown. The Essence Ceramica Skeleton is different—its entire outer case is made from black zirconium oxide ceramic, supported by an internal titanium container. The streamlined case design does away with crown guards, giving it a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
Patented Suspension System and Durability
Retaining Formex’s case-suspension system, the watch ensures superior shock resistance and comfort. To accommodate the ceramic case, the system has been re-engineered for added durability. Additionally, this is the first Essence model to feature a screw-down crown, enhancing its 100m water resistance.
Lightweight Yet Durable
Measuring 41mm in diameter and 11.2mm thick, the watch offers a perfect balance of size and wearability. Zirconium oxide ceramic is seven times harder than stainless steel but also 30% lighter, making the watch incredibly durable while maintaining a comfortable weight of 56 grams (or 137 grams with the bracelet).
A Skeletonized Work of Art
Unlike traditional dials, the Essence Ceramica Skeleton features multi-layered chapter rings that frame the open-worked movement. Notably, Formex has opted not to print its name or logo on the front, allowing the watch’s silhouette to speak for itself.
Four Unique Limited Editions
The four limited-edition versions include:
- GT (ref. 0336.9.6051.410) – Features a rose gold-finished chapter ring shaped like a gear.
- Stradale (ref. 0336.9.6011.410) – A more conservative design with a brushed gunmetal chapter ring.
- Stradale Viola (ref. 0336.9.6027.410) – Purple X1 BGW9 Super-LumiNova markers.
- Stradale Blue (ref. 0336.9.6023.410) – Blue-colored lume accents.
Precision Swiss Movement
Powering the watch is the Sellita Caliber SW200-1 SC, an open-worked movement running at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with a 41-hour power reserve. It is COSC-certified, ensuring precision within -4/+6 seconds per day.
The World’s First Ceramic Clasp
The bracelet is black zirconium oxide ceramic, featuring a faceted H-link design. The clasp is a world-first—a full-ceramic clasp with a micro-adjustment system, allowing 5mm of expansion or contraction.
Pricing and Value
The three Stradale versions are priced at $4,250, while the GT model is $4,390. While this is more than double the price of a standard stainless steel Essence, it offers a fully ceramic case, a skeletonized chronometer-certified movement, and an innovative ceramic bracelet with micro-adjustment, making it an exceptional value in the world of ceramic watches.
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