Formex Just Had A BABY - But It Is A BIG BOY!

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When is a baby not actually a baby? When it is a Formex 'Baby' Reef! This is probably the Reef that will fit the majority of wrists better than the bigger 42mm version. Cheers, Jody

[@jamiemorgan2972]

If there’s one kind of watch you really don’t want the bezel to be able to pop off of it’s a dive watch. I’d want that puppy so hard to get off it takes multiple tools…assuming it’s aligned properly.

[@eric_in_florida]

Most people don't dive with their dive watches, or even get them wet.

[@zwerko]

@@eric_in_florida Almost nobody nowadays dives with their 'dive' watch, or if they do, they certainly don't rely on them. That being said, it kind of defeats the stated purpose of the bezel if you can easily pull it off... Nobody relies on accuracy of mechanical watches either, as we all have practically atomic clocks in our pockets, but if the watch had a horrible accuracy it would be a major negative point for it...

[@nikc1313]

Always happy to see watches include the SW300. Really wish it would become a trend for watches in this price range. I think 38 hour power reserve SW200's should be a sub 1k watch movement only.

[@JeeGee114]

Since I bought the Glycine Combat Sub from new for 250 dollars everything over 500 dollars for the Selitta 200 seems to much for me. Everything above 200 for a 4R35.

[@nikc1313]

@@JeeGee114 my moment was when I bought an ix&dao off Ali and it was only 30 bucks to upgrade to the Selitta. I have a few watches and I change between 2 or 3 throughout the week so I need 48 hours power reserve minimum so I don't need to constantly set the time. I have a Ball with 80 hours and a Seiko with 70. Even the Selitta SW510 in my zodiac goes 62. Can't go back to 38 hour SW200's now.

[@angryagain68]

Nice. But, "Formex" will always sound more like an industrial adhesive than a watch brand.

[@grogthegrolie]

At least it helps prevent STDs and with family planning.

[@karlsenula9495]

Rolex (without the association we have of it now) isn't far off and sounds like an industrial wheel lubricant. 🤷‍♂️

[@happywanderer5632]

@@karlsenula9495 The story is that the name comes from the phrase "hoROLogical EXcellence". No idea if it's true though

[@happywanderer5632]

yeah thats my issue too. just cant get past the name. for me it sounds like a concrete company

[@seanm3226]

Formex, Rolex, Timex. They’ll never survive with those names.

[@V12BenzAMG]

I have several ~40mm pieces with 22mm lug width and love them...I like the 40 size but sometimes the bracelet makes it seem smaller....the 22mm band is the perfect solution....smaller watch but has more presence...sometimes I'll put a non-tapering bracelet/strap on a 40mm to give it more presence...

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

I like the watch and I also like the 22mm bracelet. Not sure why, but I think for a rugged watch it looks great. Its no dress watch for sure. Great review.

[@BennyLlama]

The Reef is a gorgeous watch, and I've been contemplating picking up this new smaller version since its announcement. Great review as always, Jody

[@joelhenderson4450]

I have a 3-yr old Essence 43 chrono, and the old leatherette box actually came in handy at Christmas. The original strap on the carbon butterfly clasp had begun to separate and looked shabby, so I got a new strap, and my wife wrapped the watch in its fancy box and gave it to me again. The only problem? Formex stopped making the butterfly clasp and stopped supplying the custom straps that fit it: hence, my “new” strap was used if only lightly. Slightly annoyed at Formex for that.

[@adk7962]

Very nice watch. I know there are huge fans of Formex out there, but that price point has some heavy hitters in it. Thanks for the great review!

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

It’s absolutely gorgeous… I think it’s better looking than any new release that I’ve seen for quite some time. If I wasn’t so broke from Christmas, it would already be on the order. Thanks, Jody!

[@pr33tu_]

Thank you for covering this watch Jody, you're awesome. Happy New Years!!🥂🥂

[@jamespingel8730]

I was able to snag a Malachite Essence 39 last month. Still waiting for that to ship, but looking forward to it. I like their divers in green too, but I don't think I can justify two green Formexes in my collection (the point of which is to have watches in many various colors).

[@CanChristopher]

I thought that was one of mine crying for a second at the start 😂

[@ramblin1209]

I know that feeling 😂

[@YoRHa_2E]

I generally really like Formex's designs, their watches just seem too steeply priced for me.. And this one in particular too big for me, my wrists are pretty small 😬

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Maybe they need to do an 'Embryo' Reef that is actually for smaller wrists??

[@YoRHa_2E]

@@JustOneMoreWatch It'd be nice! My wrists are just over 6.25 inches haha

[@waffle911]

Ooh, very few divers catch my interest but this one has. Shame it's several price brackets out of my range. Of note on black-dial divers: Marc from Long Island Watch found this out on his Islander Northport. Figured the black dial would be the best seller so he had more of them made. It was the slowest selling colorway of the Northport line by far and it took nearly two years to clear the stock.

[@unixnerd23]

If you want a smaller diver try the 38mm Certina DS Action in steel or titanium. Great price too. Loving Formex though.

[@jodyclaborn]

Formex has been speaking my language the last few years. I swear I’m about to breakdown and buy one. I just have to decide which model and size.

[@nathankay]

I remember 100k subs... you're almost at 300k. Doing well Jody! Keep it up!

[@kws4e]

Another banger from Formex. Now in a more versatile size aswell. Love it!

[@gorillasinthewrist]

For reasons I don’t really understand, I can admire this watch, but it doesn’t make the heart flutter. For this price I would be tempted to look at a 2nd hand omega/tudor.

[@chrisdiebert6284]

I got the 42 GMT from your review and I love it! I have it on the rubber.

[@donnyboon2896]

Yes. 90 % of my watches have black dials. Legibility is king.

[@OAL1990]

I have always wondered how easy is it to get the bezel off? Every time I see a video of someone showing how easy it is to change, I can't help but think that it's going to be easy to be knocked off and get lost

[@lampsblues67]

Love the 22mm lug width, takes the look to a whole new level.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Wow! I really like the look of this watch. I don't own a Formex but I may have to give this one a closer look.

[@mikehowells7746]

Hi, Jody. I personally think the 22mm lug width is fine on this watch, the look sort of reminds me a little of the integrated bracelets on the PRX, Royal Oak or Nautilus, as for the size it's a bit like my Mini Turtle, which has a smaller dial but a large-ish case but still seems to wear smaller thsn the case size would suggest on my 6.75 inch wrist. I like the Formex.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Yes, vintage AP vibes!

[@MrZanzibar123]

Yes, vintage AP vibes!

[@bigwangmark]

Lovely watch. Never really looked at the brand before. But I think I will wait for the aussie dollar to improve before I even think about getting one and i do like a green dial watch.

[@Hard_7_Iron]

Thats one good looking watch! Thanks Jody.

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

Goodness you’re early today! Love that the lug to lug is 45mm, great for my slender wrist. Great review! Ps, I just saw the price… gulp! 😳

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Either early, or late ;) Cheers Gavin!

[@AwkwardHorology]

The reef is an amazing watch! I really want the GMT, and I’d definitely welcome any shrinkage on that one (if they did it!)

[@darkeye77]

I've never liked the Reef, but somehow the proportions of this smaller one make me want it. Great review!

[@dorningarts]

You said this was too large for a 6.5 wrist. Just watched Teddy do a review of this watch, and he showed it on his 6.5 wrist, fit perfect!

[@kubodrdul]

I like the design, was tempted by the reef GMT but I was always put off by the lenght (or shortnness :-D) of those hands 😕

[@JeeGee114]

It seems like a quality watch but those shorts hands put me off as well.

[@z06cowboy72]

That price! I’d go straight to Longines and Tudor.

[@vpapadim77]

Happy new year🎆

[@marktibbetts3799]

Seems like a very well thought out watch.

[@MrZanzibar123]

I love my Radiant Bronze reef (42mm) on my 7' wrist; super comfortable and difficult not to wear all the time!

[@IvMacCuts]

Nice size. Not a fan of the wing, I get symmetry, but it would look better without it imo.

[@AsharabAhmed]

Looks gorgeous and especially like the 11mm height.

[@justinebodlak1373]

Beautiful watch but...I have got a Zelos with the same bracelet, an NH38, sapphire crystal, on the fly adjustment, a lovely case back (swordfish), 200m WR and purple dial, which, minus COSC certification, came to approx 300 pounds - a fraction of the price of the Formex. And it came in a lovely watch case where I can store 3 watches...amazing value for money. Plus, it's wearable on a smaller wrist as L2L is 44mm...

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I mean, happy that you enjoy your Zelos, they make great watches, but not the same standard as this Formex at all. Very different price point though, I agree. Cheers!

[@justinebodlak1373]

@@JustOneMoreWatch The main difference I see is the mechanism, which is of course much more accurate in the Formex but I wanted to highlight that there are watches with very high standards out there for people who cannot spend two grand on a watch or don't want to. If I want supper accuracy, my G Shock 5000 is perfect. It's about what matters to each person and for me COSC does not matter enough whereas customer care and respect and wearability, as well as aesthetics do.

[@saevans63]

I like the look of this Formex, size is perfect for me but well out of my price range, especially given how the AUD is performing against the USD at the moment.

[@MichaelPlum]

Wow. That is just stunning. I haven't been this blown away by a watch in a long time.

[@james241ish]

I like it Dimensions are perfect for me. Especially the 22mm lugs 🏋️👍

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

Nice watch, but that's a high price for what you get. Jody's Erebus brand looks similar quality at a much more affordable price!

[@alecmoriarty]

Hahaha. That thumbnail alone is gold 😂👍

[@tdugong]

So...Formex Reef Fetus when? Asking for a friend with 6½ inch and smaller wrists.

[@jamesminshall4601]

I’m guessing the designer thought 20mm was to small but the accountants would not let them use 21mm. It does look a bit wide but so does the black bay 54 and I’m slowly getting used to that. Everything else with the bracelet option apart from the weight and not having a black option is fantastic. That said I would have to put the money towards an old seamaster. A titanium model might change my mind.

[@paulb9453]

Really nice Watch, lovely details, absolutely love the angular profiles; unlike anything I’ve seen, but the brand sounds like a stretchy leotard material. My only quibble as I have a small wrist, large watches are great for legibility, so happy to break the laws of watch wearing. Great video, super close up footage.

[@ivanharlokin]

Great review, thanks. The watch case and bracelet are lovely, but I find the colour choices really uninspiring. Happy New Year.

[@NicolasLakoff]

Hey Jody, great video and one that has changed my view of Formex. I wasn't too impressed with previous models but I think this brand has matured and their design language much improved. There is one area where I really disagree with you and that is about the box. To be honest putting money into a fancy box for me is a complete waste. Once I unbox the watch that box goes straight into storage and kept pristine should I one day decide to sell it with papers. The watch goes immediately into my collection watch case so any money put to a fancy box is, well, wasted. My opinion and I'm sticking to it!

[@AlexanderB.]

I somehow feel reminded of the Bulova "Baby Lunar Pilot" here. But honestly, visually, there really isn't much in it between these two sizes. One more thing: there is an argument the money you pay should go into watch rather than into the packaging, but I agree, a watch for $ 2,000 in a cardboard box like a Seiko 5! 🤭

[@markfogel3682]

My 39mm Tissot Couturier has 22mm lugs and a straight chunker of a bracelet. Definitely takes a little while to get used too.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

The ONLY watch that I could find with sub 40 diameter and 22m lug width was a Tissot on Jomashop!

[@verykeen2please]

Quality, finish and involution Proper watch and unique designs

[@MrGeirSteinar]

The blue one looks amazing 👍

[@typebflieger]

I love the white one, but that 22mm lug width makes this feel like it’s all about the bracelet. It seems to be less an aesthetic or ergonomic choice, but more about making their existing reef bracelets fit this smaller model. I hope I’m wrong about that, because it’s not a good enough reason to throw off the proportions of this watch.

[@claudtalkz2194]

They insist this wasn't the reason (which it really seems to be) - they said they looked at a 20mm bracelet and they prefered the 22... oh well... me sad

[@typebflieger]

@@claudtalkz2194Yeah, I asked them the same question and that’s the same answer I got. Oh, well…

[@stephenjohnston149]

I love my essence 39. I would love to see Formex make a tool watch… Something simple and rugged with no date complication - and with good lume.

[@j.p.john.12]

looks as sturdy as the helson but finished better, and of course, a better movement and more features. would love to see you do a diver head to head 10 rounder. or maybe set it up against a samurai. the 22mm lug width makes the case more square looking and kinda makes the angles resemble a samurai. if it werent for your channel i'd have never heard of a formex, Jody.

[@thegorn]

Reviewers always miss the point that the "wing" on the left hand side serves the purpose of protecting the bezel from popping off. Interesting that the baby reef has a solid caseback. My big reef has an exhibition caseback. I should also note that the new Breitling avengers use an OTF clasp that looks very similar to what Formex use.

[@jonathans2281]

Thats a big baby! But i do feel the proportions look better on the 39.5 than its bigger brother. The big one always looked a little inflated with extra styling (bumpers).

[@Mate2Frio]

angles on the lugs looks seiko samurai. Wonder if the bracelets are compatible

[@WatchFocus8800]

Now Formex. Bring a GMT option with the same dimensions and an open case back.

[@Jones5121]

i actually really like this one, just something about that tiny case and giant bracelet combo

[@dany1024]

Bracelets look really cheap for the price. Not to mention the case back. CW is a better option, in my opinion

[@frederikaaxman1582]

Maybe I missed it, but worth mentioning is the male endlinks that somewhat prolongs the defacto lug-to-lug in my opinion.

[@stephenspain9167]

looks like a solid winner

[@bryanbeckett869]

I get that it’s their brand and identity, but I’d like to see it without the wing on the left. One other thing, I think the baby reef should have had a smaller lug width, it just looks a little bit chunky! I’m saying all of this without watching most of the video, here. Sorry if you mention all of this lol

[@gregalonzo747]

I like Formex very much. However I prefer the larger models. Great T-shirt! The San Francisco Giants are my National League Baseball team.

[@russellharris5072]

You may never have reviewed a dive watch with 22mm lug width Jody,but you did review the Boderry voyager three months ago which has 22mm lugs.Dive watches with 22mm lugs do exist,Traser watches might be worth a look..........................................

[@wj6782]

I'm used to the Duro as my daily LoL... and my wrist is about the same as yours, give or take. So not sure which I'd go for.

[@jeff1176]

What am I seeing at the 6 o'clock position? Looks like the batten is off to one side? Or is it the dial slanted down to the date wheel?

[@craig2100]

Beautiful watch with an ouch for price.😢

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Beautiful piece just wish they tapered the bracelet a little more

[@jeremiahjohnson8343]

There's an Escapement Time quartz watch that is 39mm with 22mm lug width. I assume it is based on some model of Seiko, but I do not know which one.

[@midnightoracle982]

The orient ray/ mako have 39.5 bezels albeit the case adds 2mm, with 22mm lugs. I love mine but do wish they gone with 20mm lugs. I reckon this will wear the same. Formex pack the tech into their watches but 2000 is a chunk of money to be spending…

[@Erick925]

Let’s go Giants! Long time fan from San Francisco 😁

[@mariopinder242]

Hi Jody, what are your thoughts on the Marathon GSAR 41mm black dial ? I really enjoy watching your content. I looked at Formax - but I went with the Marathon TSAR instead. I have owned and used this watch for years. I am a commercial lobster (Rock Lobster) diver. We usually spend 3-4 weeks out at a time, we dive from sun up to sun set. I can tell you Marathon makes a great watch.

[@sirrus0379]

With the 22mm lug width it reminds me more of a bracelet with a watch on top than a watch with a bracelet.

[@alejandrocerezo8399]

Wouldn't it be cool a clean bezel for a "Dresskx" like model?

[@Bhethar]

I wish they did a smaller version before! I was this close to buy a reef until I saw the reviews by someone with my wrist size and it broke my heart. I ended up buying two other watches with the budget. Pitty because I really think formex has a good design and good watches

[@ramblin1209]

Hello and welcome!

[@Subcomandante73]

Some great engineering on the bracelet.

[@zwerko]

I have an Essence 39 and while it's a gorgeous watch, its COSC-certified movement didn't keep accuracy even for a month... Now it has >1m / day error. It kind of leaves sour taste in the mouth when you have self-regulated NH-35 cheapo watches in your collection that easily beat this COSC-certified one on accuracy. I don't want to invest to bring it back to spec (and who's to say that its SW200 is not a dud to begin with which would drop back to its sorry state in a month after service) and can't sell it because it was an anniversary gift so it now spends its days in the bottom drawer of my watch box...

[@denisdaly1708]

This is on my to get list. For me, there is no import tax compared a Chris Ward.

[@michaelredding6219]

I like all the individual features and details, but as a package the overall aethetics just don't work for me. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sinesaii]

Of all the watches I bought because of this channel, I like my Formex Essence the most.

[@Spectrecontrol]

The panels at the end for the other videos came up blank?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks Tim! I'll fix that up now.

[@weaponson3-158]

Looks great, but if I can’t see the machinery underneath, I’m not buying the watch

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

Great watch, and I own the larger version. But enough with the whinging about the packaging. I don't need more landfill and could give two shites if there's another fancy box taking up my closet space.

[@markwong83]

Put it in a head to head with the Legend Diver 39 please.

[@chubbycheeks2731]

Nice watch

[@christopherhilton2539]

I think for that price you should get two bezels and the bracelet and rubber strap.

[@shermano2153]

Jody. Does your shirt stand for S mall F ormex

[@norbert_engel]

I muc prefer it on the rubber strap👍

[@shireoryx6153]

It is attractive looking piece

[@aaronswatches]

I love Formex, especially nachos and quesadillas.

[@ahslan7304]

Thanks for the review. I gotta admit, I'm a bit disappointed. I thought this would be perfect for my 6.25" wrist and wear similar to my 38mm CW Trident 300. I also was hyped about the adjustable rubber strap but that also seems to be a disappointment. Wish I could try the watch on before actually pulling the trigger...I guess I'll have to wait until this year's WindUp to take a look in person. And I totally agree that they should make a non-COSC certified version to lower the price. At their asking price, I might as well continue saving for a BB54

[@Jam35Gr3g0ry]

Can't get with the flare on the left side of case.

[@GS-vb3zn]

When it comes to pricing, you’re probably dead on with the comment that about Formex not wanting the brand to be too accessible. But when your brand name sounds like a fancy car wax or a floor cleaner you might want to rethink your whole brand strategy. I’ve never thought much of their watches, I always come away with a “meh” feeling.

[@jeffvogel597]

Go Giants! Appreciate the irony with the so-called baby watch. Seems a right-sized beauty for most folks.

[@johnsrabe]

The strap bulk is ridic. It’s a design flaw. Just use a buckle, folks.

[@maximushornet]

42 isn't a big size I don't think , 45s absolutely.. I feel 22mm straps feel better tbh .. it gets stupid when citizen do a ridiculous and awkward 23 , doing swaps and trying to find 23s are v hard