Introducing Formex Unveils the Essence Ceramica in Four Distinct Colors

The Essence collection was first introduced in 2018 and marked a significant turning point in Formex’s evolution. It combined sporty performance with everyday wearability, featuring Swiss Made movements and COSC chronometer certification in select models. Formex has also introduced new materials like lightweight carbon, zirconia ceramic, and other premium composites to enhance both visual impact and functional performance.

Today, as the brand celebrates its 25th anniversary, Formex continues to build on its legacy of technical innovation and independent design. To mark this milestone, the company unveils the “Essence Ceramica”—a special edition developed for the first time in collaboration with Swiss movement manufacturer Soprod, and it’s available in four distinct dial variations.

The case of the watch showcases Formex’s most advanced casework to date. Crafted entirely from zirconium oxide ceramic, it measures 41 mm in diameter, 11.2 mm in height, with a lug-to-lug length of 46.2 mm and a 22 mm lug width—dimensions that offer both presence and wearability.

The vertically brushed surfaces and sharply defined, diamond-polished bevels demonstrate a level of finishing rarely seen in full-ceramic cases, made possible through advanced diamond tooling and decades of manufacturing expertise. Integrated into the ceramic structure is Formex’s patented Case Suspension System, mounted to a Grade 2 titanium container that absorbs shocks and dynamically adapts to wrist movement—preserving the brand’s commitment to comfort and durability.

Despite the challenges ceramic presents in precision machining, the case features a fully functional screw-down crown, enabling 100 meters of water resistance. Front and back, the watch is fitted with sapphire crystals—both scratch-resistant, with the front crystal treated with five internal layers of anti-reflective coating.

Each dial of the Essence Ceramica is a study in precision and visual depth, crafted in collaboration with Swiss dial manufacturer Cadranor—Formex’s sister company. Four distinct variations are offered.

Gamaret, featuring a hand-applied gradient from a vivid red center to deep black edges, inspired by the Swiss wine grape; Dégradé, a warm brown sunburst with a subtle transition from a silvery center to near-black perimeter.

Blue, adapted from the bestselling Essence steel line, which shifts from navy to almost black depending on lighting; and White, a crisp lacquered dial paired with a black ceramic case, enhanced by gunmetal markers that appear dark in low light but reflect brightly at certain angles. These colors are enhanced by CNC-machined horizontal grooves—cut one at a time at a precise 90° angle rather than stamped—producing razor-sharp lines that interact dynamically with light.

At 6 o’clock, a beveled date window is precisely milled to preserve the dial’s geometry without casting shadows. Faceted indices are applied by hand and soldered to the dial base, deep-filled with Super-LumiNova for low-light visibility. The hands, with brushed tops and polished sides, shift between contrast and reflectivity depending on angle, adding another layer of visual complexity.

The watch is powered by the Soprod Newton P092, a Swiss-made, self-winding mechanical movement developed exclusively for Formex through a multi-year collaboration with Soprod. Designed to enhance Formex’s technical independence and manufacturing resilience, the Newton P092 complements existing Sellita-based models while introducing a distinctive new architecture.

It beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz), and delivers a power reserve of 44 hours. Technically robust, it incorporates a transverse bridge over the balance wheel for increased shock stability and uses Incabloc’s double-cone shock absorber—an industry-standard in durability.

It is both COSC-certified and Chronofiable-tested, confirming high precision (−4 to +6 seconds/day) and long-term performance under stress, temperature variation, and repeated shocks.

The finishing is equally refined, laser-textured grainé surfaces, vertically brushed edges, and a galvanic black treatment adorn the bridges, while thermally blued screws and a skeletonized rotor with a sunburst finish and openworked Formex emblem are visible through the sapphire caseback.

Completing the watch is a solid-link bracelet made entirely from zirconium oxide ceramic (ZrO₂), offering the same scratch-resistant durability and refined finish as the case. The bracelet features removable pin-and-tube links for precise sizing, with a tool included for easy adjustment.

At its core is a ceramic folding clasp equipped with Formex’s patented micro-adjustment system—the first of its kind in full ceramic—allowing for on-the-fly length adjustment across 5 mm. Priced at CHF 2,990 equivalent to AED 15,950.

Waqt is the official exclusive retailer for Formex in the UAE, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience these exceptional timepieces firsthand. You can explore and order Formex watches from our E-shop.