Described by Formex as a true Divers’ watch by design, I do not doubt the brand at all when it says it has paid meticulous attention to detail throughout the development process.
For a brand climbing the upper echelons of this mid-market price point, after spending a couple of weeks with this watch on my wrist, I can safely say the brand and its design team is right on with the latest addition to its collection with the REEF.
Not only does it sit on the wrist with a glamorous look which can be put down to the in-house dial manufacture hand sprayed with different colours for gradient, the watch truly does offer a high quality feel.
As detailed by the brand itself, the 42mm stainless steel watch is powered by a self-winding COSC-certified SW300 that comes in Sellita’s highest quality grade, using top of the line components only found in Chronometer-grade movements.
This thin high-precision caliber allowed to construct the REEF at just 11.4mm thickness and a perceived height of 9.4mm, makes it a great fit for all sorts of occasions.
Tapping back in to the dive watch qualities it must offer too, a double gasket construction is designed and tested for 300m of water resistance.
Being one of the most exposed parts, the unidirectional rotatable bezel is made of an extremely hard and scratch-resistant Zirconium oxide ceramic.
Going back to the dial, it is vital to mention just how important the inclusion of Swiss Super-LumiNova to deep fill the hands and hour markers as well as a capsule on the bezel’s zero marker are to the aesthetic of the piece at first glance.
Not only does it emit a long-lasting blue glow in dark conditions for the diver, it really does positively impact the whole aesthetic of the piece.
Looking more closely at the movement, the brand explained how it has chosen the 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.
Giving another reason why it has purposely chosen this thin movement is because it allowed designers to construct the REEF at just 11.4mm thickness and a perceived height of 9.4mm.
The movement is completely decorated and wound by Formex’s in-house developed and custom built skeletonised rotor too with each one of these movements being certified by the COSC.
Another feature worth mentioning is that of the fine adjustment clasp which for a watch of its ruggedness and glamour appeal, ensures both additional visual appeal while adding additional comfort on the wrist.
The strap can be changed without the use of any tools with Formex’s patented quick release system while the stainless steel bracelet with screwed links has the same quick release system and also features a unique fine-adjustment system.
Priced at £1,620, this is more than just a new timepiece from Formex but one which can really drive the brand forward too. It is available now from formex.com.
More recently, I caught up with Formex CEO as part of the WatchPro Originals series.
Catch up HERE:
