Back in September, I did a review on the Formex DS2100 GMT diver, which you can see here. I was really impressed by that watch, so when I found out Formex was coming out with a new model I just had to check it out.
Built to withstand the elements, the new Formex Element was built to be at home in the sky, under water, or anywhere else you want to be. The Formex Element comes with either ceramic or stainless steel bezels. Formex was kind enough to send me out the full stainless steel model, which I have worn for a week now and find it hard to take off. Here’s why:
The Dial
Formex really got it right with the dial on the Element. All the hands, sub dials, and hour markers are all nicely polished and just pop out against the matte black face of the dial. All the hands are all well-balanced in regards to their location and job function on the dial. There is a nice dash of red to add a little bit of contrast. Each of the tapered edges of the hands on this watch are very highly polished and sparkle like crazy in the light. I admit, for the week I have been wearing this, I can not keep my eyes off of it. Using the chronograph is straight forward. Push down on the upper pusher and the large second hand begins. To track the minutes there is the sub dial at the 12 o’clock position. To track the hours there is the sub dial at the 6’oclock position. This watch can track time for up to 12 hours. At the 9 o’clock position is the 60 second sub dial. The day/date window is done with black text on metal and blends into the dial but is still very legible.
Case
All Formex watches have a patented case suspension system built in. The case you see is actually three separate pieces connected together. There is the main case (container) which is made from grade 2 titanium, and houses the movement. Then there is the suspension part of the case which has an upper and lower plate which are made from 316L stainless steel. The upper plate is connected to the lugs and bracelet. The main case which houses the movement is connected only to the lower plate. The lower plate connects to the upper plate with four small suspension shocks. I really like the suspension system which not only adds shock suppression but also adds to the comfort on the wrist. The finishes on this case are a brushed and polished mix. The light really bounces off the polished facets on the case and off that tapered edge of the bezel.
The Strap and that cool clasp!
The Formex Element comes with a black Italian oiled calf leather strap with white stitching. The strap is very soft and fits comfortable on the wrist. The best think about this strap is the clasp used to lock this on the wrist. The Element comes with a folding clasp with a carbon fiber composite frame with fine adjustment function and stainless steel 316L clasp. The fine adjust function is fantastic. You can make six size adjustments with this clasp which really makes wearing this watch comfortable at anytime of the day. Using carbon fiber composite for the frame is new to me and I really like that touch. The fiber composite adds a lot of durability while reducing weight.
Movement
Powering the Formex Element is an ETA Valjoux 7750 (13 1/4”) Automatic, Chronograph with weekday and date display and a 42 hour power reserve. I really love the look of a chronograph movement. I just can’t have too many gears to look at, the more, the better. I only wish the tinted case back was not as dark so the movement would be easier to see. Looking at a movement in action never gets old. This movement works great. I have used this many times already to time some daily tasks and it just work great.
The Lume – Even nice in the light.
Normally I like to shoot a full darkroom photo of the lume but after coming inside and seeing this I had snap a photo. The lume is very nice on this Formex Element. Super luminova is used on the hands and the indexes. Glows great in the dark and as seen it glows great even in the light.
Their App
Their augmented reality feature on their app lets you virtually wear the watch before you buy it. You can also try different straps to see which looks best on your wrist. Formex was recently voted the 3rd best app VR/AR app in the Best of Swiss Apps 2017. This app is amazing, you really need to try this.
Overall Impression
The Formex Element is bold, large, and very stylish. There is nothing subtle about this watch. This watch is truly made to challenge the elements. With its large case, brushed and polished finishes, this watch stands out and for sure attracts attention. This watch would have no problem going from the office, to dinner, and then party on. I have worn this every day for a week now; it never feels out of place and the large size it not a problem at all. For a Swiss made watch with a ETA Valjoux 7750 movement, this is a great deal at $1290.00 USD. You can check them out at formexwatch.com.
Summary
- Brand and model: Formex Element
- Price: $1290.00 USD
- Who’s it for? Anyone wanting a sporty go anywhere watch.
- Would I wear it? For sure
- What I’d change: Like alittle less tint on the case back. Want to see that movement.
- The best thing about it: Great case design.
Tech Specs from Formex
- Case: Stainless Steel 316L
- Container: Titanium Grade 2
- Case size: 46mm wide and 14.5 high
- Movement: ETA Valjoux 7750 (13 1/4”) Automatic, Chronograph with weekday and date display. 42 hour power reserve.
- Specials: Patented case suspension
- Waterproofness: 10ATM (100 m)
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflection treatment
- Strap: Black Italian oiled calf leather with white stitching
- Clasp: Folding clasp with carbon fibre composite frame with fine adjustment function and stainless steel 316L clasp
- Dial: Black satin-finished base with machined indexes, 60 second scale on the flange and super luminova on hands and indexes
