A Comprehensive Introduction To One Of The Most Underestimated Independents - Formex Overview

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Teddy for highlighting this awesome brand. It's not only the tech, but the people. Raphael, Markus and the entire team are extremely product and customer focused. A rarity nowadays.

[@66racer]

Not sure who runs the social media but they have been awesome at answering my questions!

[@speedracer2please]

It takes one to know one

[@sumitkar8146]

What a cool guy - seems super humble and is incredibly articulate, engaging and of course a true watch guy. Thanks Teddy for another fantastic interview

[@albertoruiz5651]

A proud owner of a Formex Field here, I`m happy to see how the brand grows and comes up with such inventive designs and tech, Formex truly represents the new blood of the swiss watch industry.

[@thegorn]

They are in the 21st century, what Rolex was to the watch industry in the mid 20th century.

[@j.m.4444]

Teddy, thank you so much for us showing this incredible brand. True innovation, value for money, in-house competence, no expensive embassedor bullshit, no marketing fairy tails, just watches. I will order mine next week. Feeling bad spending so much money on RLX, IWC and other brands. I am very grateful that this brand exists.

[@Friends_and_fragrances]

I purchased an Essence 39 from Raphael at a watch fair, he say and talked shop with me for 20 minutes and sized the bracelet for me. Outstanding guy and the watch won’t be leaving my wrist anytime soon

[@LeoGallagher-oq1ef]

I recently purchased a Formex Essence 39 and the service from the team is the best I've ever had. From the thank you email from Raphael, to the follow ups from customer service. Genuinely 10/10 experience, along with an amazing watch with COSC certification.

[@deflamrek]

I've spent the last 3 months researching my next watch. I just got an essence 43. This company is going places

[@mrees5170]

As a watch geek I could watch this all day. Beautiful watches! A brand I really didn’t know enough about until now and heading to their website. Thank you Teddy!!!

[@curtbrown7718]

Fantastic presentation! Teddy, please continue to showcase these brands with their owners. Bravo!

[@tylercalhoun5536]

Wow. These guys bring an awesome level of creativity and forward-thinking design at an excellent price point. Had not seriously considered a Formex in my collection til now. I love when he talked his dad's approach to being proactive versus reactivate in their design philosophy. So rare nowadays. Thanks for a great video!! 👍

[@andrewd7586]

A really informative & insightful interview Teddy with Raphael. I only received my Formex Essence 39mm in Degrade(brown) dial on Thursday this week. A stunning watch in person! I ordered it last weekend & within 5 days it was in my hands from Biel, Switzerland to regional Victoria, Australia! Impressive. I’ve actually found this watch quite mesmerising on wrist & am genuinely happy I finally decided to buy one. Thanks again Raphael & the whole team!👏🏼😎👍🏼🇦🇺

[@Gumby56]

A company worth supporting. Wonderful people making wonderful watches.

[@jackmcclary2136]

I bar hopped with Raphael and Markus until the wee hours after WindUp San Francisco. What good dudes and passionate watchmakers!

[@jimt7292]

Much more respect for Formex after that great interview.

[@pokysharpy]

Formex are my favorite brand in my collection, by far. I have a black-on-black Reef and a white Essence 39, and I love them both to pieces. The Stratos looks AMAZING and has made its way to the top of my future wishlist. Amazing work, Raphael! And Teddy... thank you for the video.

[@johnkohlhofer5947]

Wow, I'll be ordering mine before Thanksgiving 2024. Thank you Teddy & Rafael for a great presentation on Formex.

[@eternalmemri]

These are the BEST Teddy. Love these interviews w interesting people, whether they’re a collector or member of independent brands. More please!🙌🏼🔥

[@Lord_englishgent]

I have 2 Formex Essences, I bought a white dial last month and planned on selling the blue dial, but when I put the unused leather strap on the blue dial, I fell in love with it again, so kept both, best bag for buck watches out there, lovely finishing and innovative features.

[@khanhminhle5660]

This makes me want to get myself a Formex asap

[@kart182]

They’re all more incredible in person. You won’t regret it, and used prices are quite a bit lower than msrp. Hard to find used though

[@Jennie-w6n]

Why? it looks very generic and extremely overpriced

[@kart182]

@@Jennie-w6n there is some incredible attention to detail and absolutely does not look generic - it’s quite a unique design. The reef has an interchangeable bezel system no one else does. The Essence system the same. The field is one of the few titanium hardened watches. Plus the reef and essence are chronometers. The leggera carbon is one of the earlier major brands to use forged carbon. Patented clasp quick adjust system.

[@Some_kind_of_Steve]

Do it! You won’t regret it. I had an essence superleggera for a few years. Its incredible. And yes the suspension system does make a difference. Comfortable doesn’t describe it!

[@EnglishTMTB]

​@@Jennie-w6n Generic? Believe me, in the flesh it's clearly unusual... And underpriced - not remotely close to overpriced. Ridiculous build quality and focus on comfort - for value, they're very, very hard to beat.

[@loganoftherockies9453]

My Formex Reef gets more wrist time than my SMP300 and is hands down the most comfortable and ergonomic diver I've ever worn. Light play, dial, and so much more punch WAY above it's weight. Enormous fan, and Raphael is incredible. Truly first class and rooting for Formex all the way.

[@baptistebalesi7468]

In first I apologize for my English. I knew the brand by name but I really met Formex and Raphael at #Timefest in Bordeaux. It's a pleasure to see him again with you, presenting the brand's models to us. Definitely an « Essence » in my collection soon. Thank you very much.

[@CowCatwithafancyHat]

Impressive! The value for this quality and attention to detail is nuts.

[@jacobrich7785]

Just got the UTC email from Formex and saw that they had a video with Teddy. Clicked immediately !:)

[@SamrayGTR]

Formex is awesome and thank you Rafael for the opportunity to photo shoot the Essence 39 purple. Very grateful. 💜

[@bjlochow7136]

Great conversation Teddy! I ordered the Essence 39 Malachite and can’t wait for it to arrive next month. That wrist shot has me stoked! 9:01

[@JaakEnnuste]

What a wonderful brand. Passionate, professional, finished and relatively affordable!

[@jons78733]

What a fantastic collection. The enthusiasm behind the brand is refreshing. I may be buying a Formex!

[@paulhart2021]

If I listed every watch brand from Timex or Casio all the way up the food chain to say, Patek Philippe......and then I looked at the entire list and ranked them on Value for the $ spent......Formex would be number 1.

[@TonyYoung-d2v]

Well said.

[@emphasis20]

I would probably pick Formex in regards to micro-brands, though for overall picks I would personally go with Mido and Longines, and then Citizen under that.

[@dreamingawake5293]

Casio f91w costs about $12 for an icon. Formex not even close

[@w.j.5973]

Thanks for your input ​@@dreamingawake5293

[@paulhart2021]

@@emphasis20 100 percent, I own a Mido GMT that came out in 2015 or so. To my knowledge,it has since been discontinued, but I was blown away by the quality of the piece. I own one watch each of virtually every swatch group, and the Mido, just looks elevated.

[@stan12587]

I don’t own a formex but I love their watches and hoping to add it to my collection soon 😊

[@dbeatdano498]

Love my Formex Field. So light on the Velcro strap, I barely notice it's on

[@jjgelman]

Thank you Teddy for a great video introduction to the brand. I had mild interest in their watches until I saw this. Now I'm a fan. So much interesting detail. Can't wait to get that GMT.

[@66racer]

Formex has gotten my attention the last few months, such great value that I would like to add one to my collection.

[@DEWAGE83]

Love this!

[@cathydaly3436]

A watch that not only looks great but also innovates with each release. That spring to relieve wrist pressure is pure genius (typing with my carpal splint). I hope they patented and sell it. But that last watch with GMT innovations and the built up dial was outstanding. But no more gray dials. Rob’s clarity

[@cdaack]

I’ve watched this video a few times now, I can’t get enough of Formex’s story! I’m wondering if Raphael is ever considering doing a gold case and bracelet version of the Essence at any point in time? I think it would be absolutely killer! Thanks Teddy for bringing great content consistently!

[@josecarlosvillalomeli5690]

This is geat!!! I know you’re not a fan of microbrands but this is material for the main channel.

[@mitchmatic8029]

Extraordinary video. Even more respect for Formex now. Teddy you should collab with them for TB branded watch!

[@BulkersRuleZ]

White Essence 43 is my daily watch and im in love with it. Every time I put it on, even after few years, quality shocks me.

[@bodrulm1]

What's your wrist size? I can't decide between 39 and 43. Usually 40-42mm is spot on for me and my 6.75" wrist

[@landocycle]

LOVE my Formex Field. Insane quality for the price.

[@azadr9231]

I love my Formex Reef 42mm. Feels very high quality and premium.

[@nackytacky]

Great video as always Teddy! It’s actually because of you that I got to know Formex. Had the opportunity to meet Raphael at Windup SF and buy one of their limited pieces and I’ll say, my most comfortable watch to wear hands down

[@TheHonorableChad]

I absolutely love my Reef GMT. I’ve put it through a lot and it still looks and runs perfect.

[@craigdlazarus]

Great brand. I have to get an Essence 39!! Thx Teddy.

[@Dazulolwarrior]

Honestly surprised this isnt main channel content

[@nikkolomakaveli8295]

Y’know the way they take pride in their brand and meeting their customer bases needs is really inspiring. It’s ironic that certain mainstream brands don’t share this ethos anymore. I think indie brands are going to going to start cornering the competition .

[@rickfanning5647]

Lots of innovation and value. Great video. Thanks.

[@1RunnerDad]

Fantastic interview that makes me appreciate this brand so much more.

[@WChronicles7750]

I currently own the Formex Reef GMT. I ran into an issue with it and they went above and beyond to get the problem resolved. Their customer support isn't something you have to worry about with this brand either. There are other brands that are highly regarded in the $2k range and they would probably fail to out do Formex watches when it comes to the fit and finish. This includes Christopher Ward which is also a great brand in this price segment. When I saw the new model, the movement and how you changed it with the hour marker with push buttons I knew it was going to be an expensive watch. Very cool feature and the first I have seen like it.

[@KCD5093]

I love this brand. I own the Essence 39 in the original green and a Reef in dark green. Best watches I have ever owned. In my opinion they are better that Rolex.

[@satisfiedcustomer]

Ive been contemplating an Essence 39 Gamaret for about 2 months now....then this video just drops! A sign?! Who knows! 😊

[@M3_86]

Wow. I have officially started the formex rabbit hole now. Highly considering for next watch. I love Motorsports so I’m getting this suspension setup lol

[@ShalisaDume]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the amzwatch's watches are the most intriguing.

[@j1d7s]

Thanks for the in-depth interview and presentation! I learned a lot about the brand and I am very impressed about the engineering that goes into these models. The Essence 39 mm always looked very attractive to me, especially the green variant. I will hopefuly get one after selling some other watches.

[@KLip452]

Fantastic company and Raphael is a wonderful person, my observation from some other videos I've seen him in. I have the essence in carbon and it's the watch that I've had most compliments on. So light, robust and attractive. Great work FormEx, and Teddy on your informative video!

[@miguela.velazquez5027]

Love my 43mm Essence Degradé Leather. Great watches and Raphael is a great watch guy. Congratulations on this video Teddy!.

[@BobMarley-pm1xb]

Fine vid y’all. Thanks

[@soulside]

Formex sounds like an awesome company worth supporting. I hope they make more traditional/vintage models (along the lines of their field design) in the future.

[@EricZ726]

I have too many watches to see any actual wear time or use for another one. I remember years ago I left them a comment mentioning that if they ever change the italic font I would consider purchasing one. I will look through the collection and purchase one shortly. This guy just has good energy.

[@eduardotoledano]

FORMEX is awesome! I’m really impressed by what I learned in this video. 👏👏👏

[@kart182]

Had an essence 39 blue. Now have a field and want to get an essence leggera carbon 41, among my Tudors and other watches

[@desmondoreilly1210]

Been looking at Formex for a long time now, they really appeal. SO much innovation and build quality. This video has only cemented my feeling. I hope to add a Reef to the watch box in the very near future. Thanks TB for the great macro videography, really showcases how well these watches are finished.

[@purnoruz]

Big fan🎉

[@ae-ca602]

Full respect to Formex. One of my favourite independent watch brand. Innovative and most important, they listen to the customers. I love all their watches. The new UTC looks a bit busy when compare it to the other Formexs, but I would say it's purposefully busy with functions!

[@Craven43]

Great video! I like Formex even more now!

[@jon-soucy]

So excited for this video!

[@darkeye77]

Great overview!

[@dantealighieri4258]

Surprise new watch at the end!

[@thegorn]

And it's a banger!

[@watch_obsessed]

I own the Essence 39 with the blue dial and I adore it. It looks great and it's super functional. Love the dexelite clasp for the black rubber strap! Totally agree with other comments about how value-packed these watches are. Currently eyeing the field watch, but can't decide on the dial color?!?!

[@bodrulm1]

What size wrist? I want the Essence but can't decide between 39 and 42. I have a 39mm diver and find it a bit small - 40-42mm is usually perfect for me

[@ThomasGeisler-gv5ld]

Love my Formex watches, Essence, Spearfish (2) and Field

[@ThomasGeisler-gv5ld]

Sorry, I meant Essence and Field. The Spearfish is Zelos. Duh!!

[@Watch_collecting101]

Spearfish has a very similar bracelet to the essence

[@oleksandrpavlov6290]

What a great value for money!

[@XirenDiogo]

I bought a watch from AMZWATCH lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning . Good taste, Sir.

[@Umslopogas666]

That was a “one more thing” worthy of an Apple keynote - well played sir!

[@2manysigns]

Nice to see exciting innovation at this level . I've always been a fan of their Field as well as Essence (especially malachite) but it just keeps gettin juicier .

[@Wrist-rolls]

Nice interview, very informative. If you have Formex's ear, can you suggest to them adding a hardness coating to all of their watches like Traska. I think that extra feature would fit really fit well with Formex philosophy

[@JuanCastillo-sh7ev]

Hola Teddy, gran entrevista, gran persona Raphael, Formex tiene un estilo increíble y único, soy fan de esta marca, especialmente del Essence y el Reef son hermosos, piezas bien hechas donde se honran la sencillez y la atención a los detalles. Quiero ver a Formex más presente en estas latitudes. Saludos desde Colombia.

[@thegeebees5695]

Great brand. I see Formex becoming a major name in the next 10 years.

[@SecronSeven]

Absolutely love the suspension system on the Essence. Would love to get one, but at that price it's tough to not keep looking at the aqua terra. Wish they were more readily available to try on.

[@rooklift4094]

They're great watches, I have several, both Essence and Reef. Fantastic engineering.

[@denniswaranka]

As a newer brand, the fact that they have a design language completely their own is refreshing, and admirable. I’m going to put formex on my list!

[@ChrisSchumakerMeyers]

Love these guys and love my Essence39

[@sadaka201]

Great brands with good Swiss proferssionals. Greetings from a fellow Swiss!

[@topangacailah]

got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on amzwatch 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

[@extreme748]

nice video, do more videos on Independent watch brands

[@americanlegendswatches]

This is the most innovative brand, large or small, in business today. I pre-ordered the Essence Spacegold when it was first introduced. The dial is simply a show-stopper and all the finishing is top-tier.

[@cambridge47]

Hi Teddy what a great presentation.. question, since baby reef 39mm issued last year, are they planning to introduce baby reef GMT in 39mm ?

[@DavidB0629]

This was an awesome video

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Formex is one of the most underrated brands I’ve ever reviewed. I need to buy one of their watches for my permanent collection ❤

[@tyarnold4088]

I have always liked Formex. Never knew they were independent. They just moved up a notch in my book.

[@gregbrown4261]

I've got an Essence 39. Amazing watch, definitely gets the lion's share of the wrist time.

[@DrDarkStar68]

The fact that Dexel and Formex are under the same roof is key to understanding the value proposition of this brand. Their innovations are used by GP, Hublot and other higher end brands. At this price point, Formex is punching well above its weight class.

[@cy9nvs]

I don't like the design of that new GMT watch, but the system with the pushers is awesome, wish to see that on more GMT watches in the future.

[@ahslan7304]

Would love a baby reef that wasn't chronometer certified to keep the price down

[@DiabeticDawg]

Great value and good lookin 🎉

[@ivaniliev93]

such a briliant and humble man, focused on what matters, I like such brands that separate themselves from marketing, marketing, marketing.... Tired of paying premium to Roger, David and God knows how many more celebrities

[@christianaviles2199]

I have an Essence, that I love. Formex does some great and clever engineering. And their finishing really punches above their price point. Everything is just well made. That new Stratos is definitely interesting conceptually. Although to critique, it also seems a bit busy stylistically. I would like to see it in person. Although if I do get another Formex it will likely be a baby Reef (I'd like to see a GMT version of that with Batman and Pepsi bezel swaps) or a Legerra.

[@bjarkelykkemadsen2874]

Wow!!! So much amazing innovation. Make you wonder sometimes, what are some of the big brands doing regarding true innovation? Just saying…:)

[@bartsplaylists]

malachite + the black case would be nice

[@daniellehotsky1776]

Really like this brand. Currently out of my reach, but one day...

[@bolshoybrat]

Looks great!

[@extreme748]

They should make few models without date function. I myself dont prefer date function & also without this function, the models would be much cheaper & more accessible to new customers like myself

[@Wootguy238]

It would be negligible