Editorial A Journey Through the History of the Swiss Independent Brand, Formex

For over two decades, Formex has been synonymous with precision engineering and a deep passion for motorsports. Founded by two Swiss brothers Hans-Peter and Ferdinand Grädel, both esteemed watchmakers and fervent enthusiasts, the brand's journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to merge their love for horology with the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports. Since its inception, Formex has offered timepieces that blend craftsmanship with cutting-edge design, all at an accessible price point. Let's delve into the history of this independant brand, where every watch tells a story of innovation, quality, and a pursuit of perfection.

Nestled in Biel, within the Swiss canton of Bern. The brand's initial watch models exude a high-tech automotive allure, reminiscent of the sleek lines and robust build of high-performance cars and motorcycles prevalent in that era. Notably, the original Formex timepieces boasted sizable 46mm cases, crafted to showcase the founders' hallmark technical innovation and the inner-case suspension system.

This patented creation, an enduring hallmark of Formex watches, ingeniously suspends and cushions the movement within the timepiece using four delicate springs nestled between the lower and upper case. This intricate construction not only adapts seamlessly to the wearer's wrist motion but also safeguards against discomfort by preventing the crown from pressing into the skin. While the presentation of this system has evolved over time to a more refined state, its fundamental purpose remains exceptional, to harmonize form with function, ensuring each Formex timepiece delivers both performance and comfort in equal measure.

Just a few years following its inception, the global financial crisis swept through the wristwatch industry, leaving devastation in its wake, much like it did for numerous other sectors, beginning around 2008. Among those most profoundly affected were small independent entities like Formex, which had only begun to establish their presence in a saturated watch market and still relied heavily on traditional retail channels. Amidst these challenges, one of the founders found himself struggling with just a single watchmaker to keep operations afloat. In 2016, Raphael Granito joined the company and became the current CEO of Formex. He made the pivotal decision to shift towards direct-to-consumer online sales. 

The brand’s CEO Raphael Granito, dedicated his school breaks to assisting in his father's watch component enterprise during his formative years. There, he acquired invaluable knowledge in the conception, development, and manufacturing of intricate timepieces from esteemed industry giants. Today, Raphael stands as a fervent watch aficionado, bringing his adventurous spirit to Formex timepieces. 

In 2018, a Kickstarter campaign was initiated to introduce the timepiece that would define the direction of the subsequent collection: the Essence Chronometer. This presale endeavor was met with overwhelming success, achieving its funding goal within the first 30 minutes and garnering significant attention from an eager audience. The timepiece boasted a 43mm stainless steel case featuring brushed surfaces and polished bevels. Its dial showcased a CNC-machined horizontal line pattern, which provided sharper lines and angles compared to the conventional pressing method for dial patterns. Powered by the automatic Sellita SW200 movement.

The Essence Collection now welcomes the ESSENCE FORTY THREE AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER and the ESSENCE THIRTY NINE AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER, offering expanded options to enthusiasts. The distinction lies within the names themselves: one showcases the original 43mm case while the other features a sleeker 39mm case, catering to varying preferences in size and style.

In 2020, Formex unveiled the 42mm Formex Reef Automatic Chronometer 300M, embodying a blend of innovation and refined design in a versatile tool watch. With its fresh and distinctive approach, the timepiece presented a captivating array of features and extensive customization possibilities. In 2023, Formex introduced a more compact iteration of its beloved diver watch, bringing forth exciting news for enthusiasts. Aptly dubbed the "Baby Reef" by the brand, a new 39.5mm version.

In 2022, Formex introduced the Formex Field Automatic, representing the brand's entry-level timepiece and showcasing diversity in its range of color options. The Field Automatic models are characterized by their lightweight yet sturdy barrel-shaped 41mm cases crafted from grade 2 titanium, a material usually seen in expensive timepieces, now available around USD 1000, which is equivalent to AED 3,680.

In 2023, the brand unveiled the ESSENCE LEGGERA AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER FORTY THREE featuring a 43mm case, and the ESSENCE LEGGERA AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER FORTY ONE with a 41mm case. The term "Leggera," derived from Italian, translates to "light," signifying the distinguishing feature of the timepieces within Formex's Essence Leggera series. Setting them apart from the core Essence models, these watches incorporate avant-garde, lightweight yet durable case materials inspired by the realm of high-performance motorsport, such as carbon fiber composite and zirconium oxide ceramic.

Since its inception, Formex has continually pushed boundaries, delivering timepieces that epitomize a good quality-to-price ratio. Waqt is the official exclusive retailer for Formex in the UAE, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience these exceptional timepieces firsthand. You can explore and order Formex watches from our E-shop.