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
I have an Essence. I have had it for years. It is fantastic. I love it. It is simple perfection. The polish is fantastic. The watch looks great and it has quick change spring bars. They also offer cheap extra links and straps, which I adore. This is seriously the best watch you can buy under $2,000.
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.
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).
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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)
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.
I have a Formex Essence. I bought it when it came out. The watch is incredible. I love this brand. The “lead guy” is also a cool bro. If you say you need some links, fifty bucks. If you want a strap, they are under $100. I love it. Formex is just a great brand. I cannot recommend them enough.
I own white dial Essence 43 for 6 months now and I love it. Its my everyday watch. Sure suspension system is gimmicky and in hex key screws you can have some dirt but its not big of a deal at least for me. About the cost. Essence was 1300$ 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.
It’s fantastic that you are getting hands on from more brands now. Hope this continues going forward Most considered, informed opinions on RU-vid Favourite channel Keep up the awesome content Mike
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.
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.
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 rarely leave comments but your videos are probably the best on watch related RU-vid. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 loved the Essence and intended to get one until I saw the suspension system! I don’t ever like unnecessary moving parts in anything and popping in and out of the case ruins the appearance of solidity and makes it look like a toy!
The ages old question “build or buy”? I find Formex to have a very competitive product. That is pn the rational side. But buying watches is mostly irrational. The designs just don’t appeal to me. That said malachite dial has got my attention. I’d fancy a watch with a stone dial. I have a background in geoscience, which probably explains it. Onyx would be my choice. Cheers!
May be quality at this price point but they skimped on design…A yachtmaster-nautilus and a royal oak-aquaterra inspired watch looks a tad goofy and quite unoriginal.
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.
Hi, love your channel. I must say I am a bit tired (in general) of watching / listening to experts discuss that this brand or that brand is underpriced. It would be great to see an episode where you can discuss the margins that brands make, in particular the premium brands. Even the brands that are positioned in the lower price bracket make some nice margins. I honestly have lost a bit the love for horology because I feel ripped off. There are price increases for the sake of increase, dodgy practices and add to that the speculation driven by money laundering and flippers… I don’t want to sound like a hater but I feel the consumer has accepted to be ok the losing side. Will consumers ever (be it on the watch or any other industry) manage to push manufacturers to not be so greedy?
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?
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
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 😀
Sorry for the repost, I somehow added this comment as a reply to someone else. This is a price range where I struggle, I like cheaper watches for value and more expensive watches for quality, design, desirability and in between I find it hard to justify to myself. I wouldn’t be surprised if their margin was similar to more well established brands, they don’t pay a fortune in advertising or I’ve missed it if they do. I can’t try on there product as they haven’t got there watches into stores . If they were competing with more well known brands I would expect more for my money. Personally I think Formex are pretty great but it still has a lot of the negatives of micro brands and that is the biggest limiting factor to how much I would pay. I would also like to see them remove the suspension. It would make the watches appear less gimmicky, they would probably be lighter and they would be able to keep the prices the same as I doubt anyone actually cares that much about that feature.
I'm continually torn by Formex. I LOVE my Tissot/Hamilton/Seiko three-hander date watches, love them. Is Formex a step up? Clearly. Can I afford one? Definitely. And I'm sure I'd love it. Does that mean I should buy one when I love my sub-1K sport watches I already have? Probably not, especially given the fact that once I do, I'll be eyeballing $3K watches that are just a bit better than Formex, and thinking Do I need that even though I love my Formex? Where does it end?
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.
They can have completely different parts. So in the entry models some gears may be plastic, they jewels may be a different synthetic (they’re all synthetic), the coil might not be anti-magnetic material. The commonality is just the design architecture
