Formex - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 1999 in Bienne, Switzerland, Formex is an independent watch brand that quickly distinguished itself through its innovative approach and bold design. His name, contraction of “Extreme Form”, reflects the founders' ambition to create watches combining modern aesthetics and advanced technologies.

Origins and Innovations

The Grädel brothers, watchmaking and motorsport enthusiasts, founded Formex with the objective of merging these two worlds. Inspired by the engineering of racing cars and motorcycles, they developed a patented case suspension system, a distinctive signature of the brand. This unique mechanism absorbs shock and improves comfort on the wrist, providing increased protection to the watch's internal movement.

Evolution and Expansion

During the first fifteen years, Formex launched more than forty collections, featuring large sports watches. However, faced with changing market preferences, the brand undertook a restructuring in 2015 under the direction of Raphael Granito. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the Swiss watch industry, Granito brought a modern vision, refocusing the brand on more refined designs and dimensions adapted to current trends.

Iconic Collections

Formex's iconic collections include:

Formex Essence : launched in 2019, stands out for its elegant design and precision. This automatic watch is equipped with a COSC-certified movement, guaranteeing chronometric precision. Its finely crafted dial and ergonomic case bear witness to the brand's artisanal know-how.

Formex Elements : embodies the sporting spirit of Formex. With its robust case and integrated chronograph, it is designed to withstand the most demanding conditions while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The high-quality materials used, such as titanium and ceramic, ensure durability and lightness.

Formex Reef : With its tool-free interchangeable bezels and straps, the Reef is one of the most versatile mechanical dive watches on the market. It is now available in a more compact 39.5mm case in hand-finished stainless steel.

Formex Field Automatic: Built to last, the Formex Field uses the most robust materials entirely made from grade 2 titanium. A colorful selection of dials makes it particularly readable in all conditions. With a water resistance of 150 meters (15 ATM), the Formex Field Automatic is a watch suitable for all everyday uses.

Direct to Consumer Approach

Under the leadership of Raphael Granito, Formex adopted a direct-to-consumer distribution model, eliminating middlemen to offer high quality watches at competitive prices. This approach allows for a closer relationship with customers and better responsiveness to feedback and market trends.

Commitment to Innovation

Formex continues to innovate by integrating modern technologies and advanced materials into its creations. The brand offers features such as carbon fiber clasps with patented fine adjustment and tool-free strap changing systems, improving the user experience.

Conclusion

Combining Swiss watchmaking tradition and contemporary innovations, Formex establishes itself as a dynamic and avant-garde brand. Its commitment to quality, functional design and comfort makes its watches ideal companions for lovers of fine mechanics and sporting performance.

Get inspired by Dialicious owners' reviews to choose the Formex watch that suits you.

(Updated February 2025)