The Formex Essence FortyOne "Arctic White" watch takes a different approach in the world of sports watches. Instead of focusing solely on appearance, the Swiss brand aims to develop a timepiece where every element responds to precise mechanical logic. Since its creation in Bienne in 1999, Formex has built its identity around technical solutions applied to everyday watchmaking. The Essence collection represents this philosophy through a versatile watch designed to accompany its owner while retaining the innovations that distinguish the brand.
The Formex Essence FortyOne "Arctic White" features a 41mm diameter stainless steel 316L case with a thickness of 10.6mm and a lug-to-lug length of 46.5mm. The brand has reworked the case structure to maintain a compact silhouette. The design incorporates visual codes specific to the brand, with main surfaces receiving a vertical brushing and polished diamond-finished angles. Four visible screws at the case ends reinforce the mechanical identity of the piece and integrate the suspension system developed by Formex.
Inspired by suspensions used in sports vehicles, the system consists of four springs allowing the upper case to move slightly. This architecture aims to improve comfort when worn and limit the constraints transmitted to the movement. The watch features a screwed crown adapted to this particular construction and a water resistance of 100 meters. Two sapphire crystals protect the dial and allow observation of the automatic movement through the transparent case back.
The "Arctic White" dial is one of the most distinctive elements of this Essence FortyOne. Behind its apparent simplicity lies a particularly elaborate construction. Formex applies a vertical brushed finish before machining the characteristic horizontal grooves of the collection. This combination creates a texture that changes according to the angle of light and avoids the uniform aspect often associated with white dials.
The indexes and hands display polished surfaces that reflect light on the clear background. They also receive a Super-LumiNova BGW9 treatment, allowing efficient reading in low-light conditions. The date display at 6 o'clock also benefits from a specific treatment, with a beveled opening and a matching disk participating in the overall balance of the dial.
At the heart of the Formex Essence FortyOne "Arctic White" lies the Sellita SW200-2 Power+ automatic movement, chosen in chronometer version and certified by the COSC. This caliber offers a 65-hour power reserve, a frequency of 4 Hz, 26 jewels, and a Glucydur balance. The COSC certification implies that each movement is individually controlled for 15 days before integration into the watch.
The Formex Essence FortyOne "Arctic White" is available immediately at a price of $1,890. At this price, the watch offers a COSC-certified automatic movement, an original case architecture with integrated suspension, a quick-adjustment bracelet, and a design conceived for everyday use.
Key points
- The Formex Essence FortyOne "Arctic White" features a unique suspension system inspired by sports vehicles.
- The watch is powered by the Sellita SW200-2 Power+ automatic movement with a 65-hour power reserve.
- The "Arctic White" dial boasts a distinctive texture created by combining vertical brushing and horizontal grooves.
