ABOUT THIS WATCH
Following the overwhelming success of our Essence Space Rock and Space Gold dials, we’re excited to unveil the latest addition to our meteorite collection: the Essence “Space Glacier”, available in both 39mm and 43mm stainless steel cases.
Inspired by the technique used for our Space Gold model—where real 18K rose gold is applied to the meteorite—the Space Glacier features a bright layer of 98% pure silver applied via electroplating, followed by six hand-applied layers of transparent zapon teintée : delicate layers of transparent cellulose lacquer infused with just a drop of blue color. Unlike traditional PVD coatings, this method preserves (in fact, it enhances) the natural Widmanstätten pattern and the meteorite’s inherent brilliance, rather than concealing it.
The result is a strikingly elegant, ice-blue dial—each with its own unique pattern. No two are alike. Thanks to the meteorite’s conductivity, our dial experts were able to solder the dial feet directly onto the meteorite base, eliminating the need for a brass backing typically required for stone dials. This allowed us to work with a 0.5mm-thick meteorite slice and machine our signature beveled date window directly into the dial, creating a clean, refined, and fully integrated aesthetic.
Movement
The Essence FortyThree is powered by Sellita's highest quality grade SW200-1 Swiss Made Automatic movement, beautifully decorated and wound by Formex's custom skeletonized rotor. Each one of these movements is certified by the COSC and undergoes the meticulous 15-day rate test to ensure extraordinary levels of mechanical accuracy and precision.
Straps and Clasps
For a perfect fit and more comfort on the wrist at all times, we're using the new Formex Deployant clasp with a gradual fine-adjustment system for the leather and rubber straps. The stainless steel bracelet, which reflects the same flawless finishing of the Essence's case, has a hidden Micro-Extension. All straps and the steel bracelet can be changed without the use of any tools and in just a few seconds.
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FEATURES
An Automatic, also called self-winding watch, is a mechanical watch in which the mainspring is wound automatically as a result of the natural motion of the wearer's arm, to provide energy to run the watch, making manual winding unnecessary. All our Automatic movements are manufactured in Switzerland.
A chronometer is a watch that has been tested and certified to meet the most strict precision and accuracy standards. “Chronometer” isn’t just a name that any watch brand can print on the dial of its watches. It is an official nomenclature, defined by precise rules, which lay down the definition of the term “chronometer”, describing the categories, the test programme and the acceptable minimum requirements for wrist chronometers. In Switzerland, the COSC, or Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, is the only official organisation allowed to certify chronometers.
Modeled with high-performance bikes and racing cars in mind, Formex’s patented Case Suspension System works by integrating four springs between the upper and lower watch case. The result is the ultimate shock absorption system designed to protect the watch movement and deliver unparalleled comfort to the wearer.
This watch features an ultra-strong and light-weight folding clasp, made of carbon fiber composite and a stainless steel or titanium buckle. The gradual fine adjustment system allows you to tighten or loosen the strap length when the wrist size varies due to temperature and activity.
All straps and bracelets can be interchanged by hand without the use of any tools and in a few mere seconds. This allows you to easily swap straps on the go and wear your personal style for any occasion.
A sapphire crystal or “glass” is a very hard, transparent material made of crystallizing pure aluminium oxide at extremely high temperatures. Sapphire is one of the hardest substances on earth. It measures 9 on the Mohs scale (diamond measures 10, the highest rating), which is a system for rating the relative hardness of various materials, making it virtually scratch proof.
Applying AR coating will limit the reflection on a sapphire or mineral glass to a very low level.
The transparent case back, made of sapphire crystal, makes it possible to see the movement inside the watch.
Water resistance measures how much water pressure a watch can handle before it breaks. This measurement is important to know for the proper care and keeping of your watch. Water resistance of 100 m / 330 ft means that it can be used for swimming, snorkeling, and similar activities.
We back our watches with a 3-Year international warranty. In the rare case of a malfunction or a movement defect, you can contact us and send your watch back free of charge and we’ll repair it for you within 2 weeks.
Formex is dedicated to online payment security. We do not store any of your payment information. We offer payment solutions tailored to your shipping destination. Please proceed to checkout to view your local payment options.
All watch prices already include free shipping worldwide. As soon as we have processed your order, you will receive a tracking number to follow your package. Expect your watch within 2 business days within Europe, or within 3 business days for overseas orders. If for any reason you think it’s not the right fit, you can return your watch free of charge. If you contact us before returning or exchanging your watch, we’ll even have your shipping expenses covered.
All our watches are designed, developed and assembled in-house at our headquarters in Biel-Bienne, Switzerland and meet the current, more strict Swiss Made requirement, which entered into force on January 2017. Every single piece undergoes a variety of quality and functionality controls, before making it to your wrist.
43 mm Stainless Steel Case
Modeled with high-performance bikes and racing cars in mind, the Formex patented case suspension system works by integrating four springs between the upper and lower watch case. The result is the ultimate shock absorption system designed to protect the mechanical movement and deliver unparalleled comfort to the wearer. The slim case design (10.6mm) and curved lugs allow a perfect fit on your wrist. The brush finish on the case and bezel are perfectly rounded off with hand-finished mirror polished bevels.
officially certified movement
The Essence FortyThree is powered by a Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 41 hours. We've chosen its highest quality grade "Chronometer" because it comes with premium components such as a Glucydur balance wheel which is exceptionally hard and stable, very resistant to deformation, non-magnetic, and non-corrosive. The movement is completely decorated and wound by Formex’s in-house developed and custom built skeletonized rotor. Each one of these movements is certified by the COSC (the official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) and undergoes the meticulous 15-day rate test to ensure extraordinary levels of mechanical accuracy and precision. Each certified chronometer is unique, identified by a number engraved on its movement and a certificate number issued by the COSC. While less than 3% of Swiss watch movements are officially certified, Formex further rate test them per the same criteria after assembly, to measure if there is any deviation from the certification rates.
FINE ADJUSTMENT CLASP
Besides contributing to visual appeal, the details on the Essence FortyThree also serve a purpose. For a timepiece to be a watch for all occasions, it needs to feel exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. For even more wrist comfort, Formex added their patented Carbon Fiber Composite Folding Clasp that allows for fine-adjustment of the strap length on the go, allowing for a perfect fit on the wrist in all conditions and temperatures. The strap can be changed without the use of any tools with Formex's patented quick release system. The stainless steel bracelet with screwed links has the same quick release system and also features a unique micro-extension system.
A METEORITE ON THE WRIST
Cut from a fragment of the Muonionalusta meteorite — the oldest known meteorite at over 4.5 billion years — the dial of the Space Glacier carries within it the story of time itself. This fragment struck Earth just over a million years ago, after journeying across the cosmos where temperatures average –270°C. Space Glacier is no metaphor. It’s a statement. In its subtle ice-blue hue, the meteorite’s distinctive Widmanstätten pattern comes alive.
To do justice to the material’s natural brilliance, Formex developed a unique two-stage finishing process, combining advanced technology with age-old technique. First, a bright layer of 98% pure silver is electroplated directly onto the meteorite. Then, six ultra-thin layers of zapon teinté – a transparent, cellulose-based lacquer infused with just a hint of blue – are applied by hand. A perfect example of the brand’s enduring philosophy: to pursue excellence on two parallel tracks – tradition and innovation.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Since the beginning of Formex in 1999, the patented Case Suspension System has been an integral part of Formex timepieces. Its two main functions are:
- absorbs shocks to protect the mechanical movement from heavy impacts
- adds to the comfort on the wrist by adapting to the wearer’s movements
Modeled with high-performance bikes and racing cars in mind, the Formex patented case suspension system works by integrating four springs between the upper and lower watch case. The result is the ultimate shock absorption system designed to protect the mechanical movement and deliver unparalleled comfort to the wearer.
This patented case suspension system brings form and function together for Formex Swiss watches. It’s functional, it’s state of the art engineering and it’s unquestionably unique - all in one watch.
FINE-ADJUSTMENT DEPLOYANT CARBON CLASP
Your strap comes on our new deployant clasp with a patented fine-adjustment. More intuitive to operate, the new version is fully made out of our proprietary carbon fiber composite. The micro-adjustment is now even easier to use and can be operated while the watch is on your wrist. Lightweight, smooth to the touch, ultra-durable and highly functional, this clasp is a real piece of engineering, making your Watch even more comfortable to wear.
