Part restock, part new release, innovative Swiss brand Formex Watches has brought back the Essence Leggera in its original 43mm case and introduced a new 41mm case.
The Release
The Formex Essence Leggera has an angular case that measures 41mm or 43mm, made entirely from the brand’s proprietary carbon fiber composite, except for the brushed and polished ceramic bezel. Both cases feature 22mm lugs; the 41mm is 11.2mm thick with a lug-to-lug of 46.4mm, while the 43mm is 11.3mm thick with a lug-to-lug of 49mm. The case is fitted with Formex’s patented four-point case suspension system, which allows the central portion of the case to move up and down as the wrist moves, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The case features a ceramic screwdown crown set within crown guards and 100m water resistance. Strap options include a NATO with black ion-plated steel buckle or leather, rubber or nylon on the brand’s patented carbon fiber deployant clasp with 7mm microadjustment.
The Leggera is offered in five dial colors: sunburst Electric Blue, glossy Cool Grey, forged carbon dial, brushed Arctic White, and brushed Mamba Green. The final two options have been seen in the other Essence lines but are new to the Leggera. The dial features applied hour markers and custom handset, all of which have Super-LumiNova BGW9 lume. The dial also has a date window at 6 o’clock with sloped sides and a color-matched date wheel. All models are powered by a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 movement with a custom rotor, which can be viewed through a sapphire caseback.
Our Thoughts
I’ve had the chance to review all three main models from Formex (Essence, Reef, Field), and I can comfortably say the brand makes some of the best watches out there, easily competing with other offerings well above its price point. On top of that, it offers amazing innovations: the case suspension system, a microadjustment deployant carbon fiber clasp on its straps, a microadjustment buttefly clasp on its bracelets, and interchangeable bezels for its Reef diver. With no watches priced over $2,000, Formex leaves its competitors in the dust when it comes to blending unique design and innovation.
Leggera is Italian for “light” or “lightweight,” fitting since the model is a lightweight, carbon fiber version of the brand’s halo piece, the Essence. With the addition of the 41mm case, there’s a solid range for the brand’s best piece: 39, 41, and 43mm. I’m sure I’m not the only thinking a 36mm must be right around the corner from the brand that proudly declares its watches to be unisex. The only drawback to the Essence line is the shallow lug box, which requires you to either use curved straps or the brand’s own offerings. Even so, I was smitten with the Essence 39 as soon as I tried it out, and the brand hasn’t let me down since. I have no reason to believe an ultralightweight version as seen in the Leggera will change that. (And yes, the green dial is fantastic in person.)
Availability
The Formex Essence Leggera 41mm and 43mm are available for preorder now, with pricing starting at $1,640 (depending on your dial and strap choices) and delivery set for May for the 43mm models and July for the 41mm models. You can place your order directly from the Formex site, or if you happen to be in San Francisco this weekend, you can catch the brand with the new Leggera models at The Windup Watch Fair.