Formex Essence vs. Reef: Living with Two of the Best
- thewatchbrief
- Sep 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Being in the watch media and brand collaboration space, I often get the chance to handle some incredible pieces.
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with two standout models from Formex: the Essence Chronometer (in that striking gamaret) and the Reef Diver Chronometer (in blue). While they share some DNA, they bring very different personalities to the wrist.
Let’s break them down.
The Formex Essence: Engineering & Comfort
The Essence is the piece that first put Formex on the map for a lot of collectors, and it’s not hard to see why. The standout feature here is the suspension case system, essentially a shock absorber for your wrist. Four visible screws on the dial side aren’t just for looks; they’re functional, housing springs that allow the case to flex ever so slightly. It’s a small detail, but when you wear it daily, you realize how much it contributes to comfort.
On the wrist, the Essence is ridiculously wearable. The case shape hugs nicely, the bracelet is well-finished with a tool-free micro-adjust clasp, and the dial is simply gorgeous. Mine, in deep red with horizontal striations, is one of those dials that changes with every flick of light.
But it’s not perfect. My biggest gripe? The non–screw down crown. Yes, I get that it’s well sealed and rated for 100 meters of water resistance, but at this price point I’d expect a screw-down crown for peace of mind. For a watch that leans into engineering wizardry, that omission feels a bit out of place.
Still, if you’re after a modern sports watch with Swiss pedigree, COSC certification, and daily comfort dialed to eleven, the Essence is hard to beat.
The Formex Reef: A Diver That Loves to Play Dress-Up
Now let’s talk about the Reef, which couldn’t be more different in purpose. This is Formex’s 300-meter dive watch, and the brand didn’t just play it safe here. The Reef comes with one of the best interchangeable bezel systems in the business. With a simple click, you can swap bezels, from steel to ceramic, from brushed to polished, even mixing colors to change the watch’s vibe entirely. It’s like having multiple watches in one.
The Reef is powered by a COSC-certified Sellita movement and, like the Essence, has a killer bracelet with tool-free micro-adjust. The blue sunburst dial on mine is hypnotic and plays beautifully with light.
Where it stumbles, at least for me, is the bezel design. The texture and look lean heavily into Rolex Yacht-Master territory. Some collectors love that, but it’s not my cup of tea. I wish Formex pushed the design language just a little further into its own territory.
That said, the Reef nails its role as a tough, versatile diver. It feels overbuilt in the best possible way, yet still refined enough that you can pull it off with a blazer at dinner.
Wearing Them Side by Side
Having both the Essence and Reef side by side has been eye-opening. The Essence is the one I’d reach for when I want a modern daily driver that feels a bit dressier but can still handle the real world. The Reef comes out when adventure is on the cards—whether that’s water, travel, or just wanting to feel like I have a tank strapped to my wrist.
Both share hallmarks of Formex’s approach: precision engineering, thoughtful ergonomics, and surprising versatility. They’re COSC-certified, built like tanks, and yet priced far more accessibly than some of their Swiss peers.
But what I love most is that these watches aren’t just spec-sheet heroes. They wear exceptionally well. The bracelets are among the best I’ve handled at their price, the finishing punches above its weight, and both dials bring personality without going overboard.
Quick Specs
Formex Essence Chronometer
Case Size: 39mm or 43mm
Thickness: ~10mm (39mm version)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Sellita SW200-1, COSC-certified
Water Resistance: 100m (non–screw down crown)
Bracelet: Stainless steel with tool-free micro-adjust, also available on leather/rubber
Notable Feature: Patented case suspension system
Formex Reef Diver Chronometer
Case Size: 39.5mm
Thickness: ~11.0mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Sellita SW300-1, COSC-certified
Water Resistance: 300m
Bracelet: Stainless steel with tool-free micro-adjust, also available on rubber
Notable Feature: Interchangeable bezel system (steel/ceramic options)
Final Thoughts
Formex has managed to carve out a niche for itself by blending innovation with everyday usability. The Essence charms with its suspension case and sleek dial work, while the Reef impresses with its bezel-swapping flexibility and sheer robustness.
Are they flawless? No. The Essence really should have a screw-down crown, and the Reef’s bezel could use a more original aesthetic. But honestly, those are small trade-offs when you look at the total package. These are watches that bring joy on the wrist, deliver Swiss chronometer precision, and come from a brand that’s clearly listening to its community.
If you’re in the market for a modern Swiss watch that dares to be a little different, you can’t go wrong with either. And if you’re like me, you might just end up needing both.
Jay Dang is a talented photographer and videographer focused on collaborating with some of the best brands on Instagram as @danghorology. Thank you to Jay for guest writing this awesome review!
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