The Formex Reef Automatic Chronometer 300M

Formex manufactures rugged watches that can keep up with the action and take a hit. Thus, it feels like a natural evolution to see the brand introducing a new dive watch. Raphael Granito, the brand’s CEO, has spent years developing and producing watch parts for many brands, and the Formex Reef offers everything you need in an underwater timepiece and more. Let’s take a closer look at this versatile diver.

The overall execution of its angular case feels technical, robust and precise. Measuring 42mm in diameter, it is made of stainless steel and fitted with an internal grade 2 titanium container to protect the movement. The unidirectional bezel features a ceramic or stainless steel insert with a luminescent pearl. It is laser engraved and has a striking three-dimensional feel. Last, It operates smoothly (60-click) and knurling ensures good grip. The symmetrical case design is based on the pair of crown guards protecting the screw-down crown. The screwed caseback is stamped and laser engraved. The water-resistance is rated 30 ATM or 300m.

The sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating to increase display contrast and legibility for the sunray-finished dial (which is emblazoned with a new Formex logo). The luminous hands and indexes allow for easy and accurate timekeeping in all conditions. The applied indexes are sloping, diamond polished and satin brushed. Formex opted for Swiss Super-LumiNova BGW9 that emits a long-lasting blue glow in the dark. A date window is positioned at 6 o’clock. 

The Formex Reef is powered by the automatic Sellita SW-300, which displays the hours, minutes, seconds and the date. Formex purposely chose this thin movement, which allows the case to remain quite thin – 11.4mm height – for such a robust dive watch. At 3.60mm, the SW-300 is one millimetre thinner than the SW-200 for instance. It features a stop-seconds mechanism. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it offers 42 hours of power reserve. The precision of each movement is certified by the COSC.  

The Formex Reef can be configured on the brand’s online boutique with a choice of four different dial (deep blue, ocean black, coral green, silver dégradé) and bezel (ceramic in blue, black or green, and stainless steel) options. The watch is available with a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap. Both the bracelet and the strap’s buckle are fitted with a patented fine-adjustment system. This makes it possible to extend the buckle by a few millimetres – which is practical if you need a little more room around the wrist or to wear the watch over a wetsuit. The strap and bracelet also feature a cool and practical quick-release system to swap straps in seconds without the use of a tool. As most components of the watch, this shows Raphael Granito’s expertise in crafting and developing watch parts – the other family business, Dexel, is a prominent component supplier in the Swiss watch industry.

Formex sells direct to customers only, which allows the brand to offer its Reef Automatic Chronometer at a fair price. It is available for pre-order at formexwatch.com with an estimated shipping date of December 2020. The model is priced at USD 1,670 with a steel bracelet and a rubber strap for the first 100 watches ordered and USD 1,790 for the following 100 examples. Thereafter, the price will be set at USD 1,670 on a rubber strap and USD 1,790 on a steel bracelet. 

For more information, please visit formexwatch.com.