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In late 2020, Swiss Formex introduced each an organization rebranding and the debut of its first trendy diver’s watch — the Reef Computerized Chronometer. The Reef watch was launched as a mini-platform that allowed shoppers to personalize a few of the aesthetic choices, together with case elements equivalent to dial and bezel colour. I customized this specific Formex Reef Computerized Chronometer was with a blue dial and inexperienced ceramic bezel. I assumed the colours can be a novel mixture, and I discovered that they labored rather well to remind me of the colours I take pleasure in seeing whereas mountaineering – the blue of the sky and the inexperienced of native flora.
In some ways, the Reef builds upon Formex’s success with the Essence. That latter mannequin (which remains to be highly regarded for the model) was the corporate’s first trendy all-purpose city leisure watch that mixed sporty sentiments with a chic, timeless type. Formex has now executed the identical factor in a diver’s-style watch, combining the corporate’s concentrate on worth and options with an unique design that matches into a stylish package deal.
Typically, the Formex Reef watch is a superb product. From the outset, Formex has watch fans in thoughts, which helped inform each side, from the general design to the supplies used. Priced at beneath $1,800 USD, Formex has additionally used an aggressive pricing technique that assumes as soon as fans be taught in regards to the product, they are going to admire the great appears to be like and whole lot available.
In a way, the Reef is Formex’s trendiest product thus far. It kind of combines right this moment’s hobbyist curiosity in traditional diver-style watches and metal watches with built-in, tapering bracelets. The product matches a longtime mildew, however when you study the small print, it’s clear that the Reef is an unique product that desires to nurture its personal attraction, versus making an attempt to face in for a dearer or standard product.
On the wrist, the Reef has glorious proportions and doesn’t put on too massive in any respect. That stated, I’m confused about how Formex charges the scale at 42mm-wide. The bezel and dial collectively are about 40mm broad, and with the expansive case (given its flanks and crown), the case is round 48mm-wide. That makes it wider than it’s lengthy (given a 47mm lug-to-lug distance), permitting it to be very snug for smaller wrists. The case can be simply over 11mm-thick, however given how the watch wears, Formex says it seems to be solely about 9mm thick. The case can be water resistant to 300 meters and has an AR-coated sapphire crystal over the dial.
Ceramic is used for a lot of the rotating bezel insert choices, however there’s additionally a silver metal insert possibility obtainable. Given the scratch resistance of ceramic, I most popular it. The olive/forest-green colour of this ceramic bezel is good, giving the watch a really “foresty” look. The matte with polished cutout-markers bezel contrasts elegantly with the shiny sunburst polished blue dial. Formex did a superb job with how the utilized dial markers mirror mild but additionally supply glorious legibility. The true signal of many high-end-feeling watches is their skill to combine glorious readability with the flexibility to draw visible consideration (often by refracting mild).
The Reef Diver dial additionally bears the brand new Formex model emblem. The brand is a little more timeless and opulent than the outgoing emblem – and I believe it fits the model effectively. This nonetheless looks like a part of the Formex watch household, even when the design of the brand and font are a bit completely different.
Contained in the Reef watch is a Swiss Made Sellita SW300-1 computerized motion that has been given a COSC Chronometer certification. The motion operates at 4Hz with about two days of energy reserve and is an analog to the ETA 2892. Watches just like the Essence noticed Formex supply shoppers alternative as as to if to order COSC Chronometer-certified actions or people who haven’t been despatched to COSC. I imagine that every one variations of the Reef have actions which are COSC-certified for accuracy – with a label testifying to such on the dial.
One of many fascinating assessments that the Reef watch passes with good marks is in the way it feels if you run your fingers over it and shut your eyes. The watch feels strong, with components which are clean to the contact, but it includes a variety of angles and finishes. This additionally goes for the bracelet — and that is an space of refinement you don’t see in too many watches at this value level.
Formex affords the Reef with a metal bracelet (similar to the bracelet on the Essence — or it really is perhaps that bracelet) that has a fold-over deployant clasp and an exquisite micro-adjust system within the clasp. The bracelet additionally has a little bit of a taper close to the end-links, which helps the general visible expertise of the watch. The Reef additionally features a quick-release system for the bracelet or strap that enables the wearer to simply swap them out — although if you buy the Reef, you do want to decide on between the strap or the bracelet.
The straps is custom-made for the Reef, in black rubber. It comes with Formex’s principally carbon fold-over deployant that, itself, additionally has a micro-adjust system. I just like the Reef diver on the strap, however I want the colour matched the remainder of the watch a bit extra. Right here, the strap is black, whereas the predominant colours on the dial and bezel are blue or inexperienced. A inexperienced rubber strap would have matched this colour mixture effectively.
As a medium-sized dive watch that wears boldly, the Formex Reef Computerized Chronometer (reference 2200.1.6330.100) has a lovely design, listing of elements, and a greater than honest value given its long-term wearability and flexibility. Formex was in a position to create a familiar-feeling mechanical dive watch with a contemporary face — one thing not simply completed. They have been additionally in a position to make use of it to launch a brand new face of the model whereas extending the trendy character of the Swiss watchmaker in what is meant to be a pure and anticipated course. The little bits of personalization are good, however the model might simply have taken that additional with extra choices. General, that is the newest and greatest product from an organization that’s eager to earn market share away from extra complacent watchmakers on this house. Worth for the Formex Reef Computerized Chronometer COSC 300M watch is $1,670 USD on the strap and $1,790 USD on the bracelet. Be taught extra or order on the Formex web site right here.
Vital Information
>Model: Formex
>Mannequin: Reef Computerized Chronometer COSC 300M (reference 2200.1.6333.100)
>Worth: $1,670 – $1,790 USD
>Measurement: 40-48mm-wide (relying on the way you measure it; Formex claims Reef is 42mm-wide, 11.4mm-thick, with a 47mm lug-to-lug distance.
>When reviewer would personally put on it: As configured in inexperienced and blue, the Reef makes a pleasant out of doors journey or trekking watch however that additionally appears to be like good if you happen to hike up right into a seated dinner.
>Good friend we’d advocate it to first: Conservative sport watch lovers looking for to assist up-and-coming manufacturers with merchandise which have mainstream attraction.
>Greatest attribute of watch: Appropriate daily-wear watch with the appropriate mix of consolation, type, fashion-sense, efficiency, and pizazz. Effectively-priced for what you get. A profitable gamble for the Formex model that extends its attraction.
>Worst attribute of watch: Beauty variation choices are a little bit of a tease, leaving some alternative however actually leaving the patron wanting extra.
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