The Sh&! that Killed Elvis!

From Formex -

Courtesy of Formex

This is the Essence. The model pictured above is their new CHRONOMETER DÉGRADÉ version. 

Now in fairness, there are a lot of stainless steel sport watches out there.  But this one is a bit special.  From the dial color and texture, to the depth of the date window (assuring older eyes like mine will be able to read it).  The movement is a certified chronometer.  

Courtesy of Formex

And all of that is cool, but there are two things that set this apart for me -

1.  The suspension system.  I am going to let Formex speak to that in their own words -

Since the beginning of Formex in 1999, the patented Case Suspension System has been an integral part of every single Formex timepiece. Its two main functions are:

• absorbs shocks to protect the mechanical movement from heavy impacts
• adds to the comfort on the wrist by adapting to the wearer’s movements

Modeled with high-performance bikes and racing cars in mind, the Formex patented case suspension system works by integrating four springs between the upper and lower watch case. The result is the ultimate shock absorption system designed to protect the mechanical movement and deliver unparalleled comfort to the wearer.

This patented case suspension system brings form and function together for Formex Swiss watches. It’s functional, it’s state of the art engineering and it’s unquestionably unique - all in one watch.

All too often, we get a mechanical watch that we are really excited about, but if we are honest with ourselves? It is really not comfortable. Now we can try all sorts of arguments, case shape, case materials, etc., but the truth is that it is a solid piece of metal on your wrist. With the Formex suspension system, the watch actually has some "give" to ensure a more adaptable, comfortable fit. It also acts as additional shock absorption.

Courtesy of Formex

2.  PRICE!  At $1,265 for with the bracelet, this is a "Screaming Jesus on a Ferris Wheel" deal!

It is available in some other compelling versions including blue, brown and silver (below)

Courtesy of Formex

Here are the pertinents -

MOVEMENT

Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 (self-winding) Automatic (Chronometer grade), officially certified by COSC. 26 jewels and glucydur balance wheel. Date display. Custom-built skeleton rotor with thermally blued screws. 38 hours power reserve. 

CASE

• Diameter: 43mm
• Height: 10mm
• Lug width: 22mm
• Lug-to-lug: 49mm
• Water resistance: 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet)
• Weight: 80g (case only)

MATERIAL

• Bezel: Stainless steel 316L
• Case: Stainless steel 316L
• Glass: Sapphire crystal (front and back) with anti-reflection treatment

STRAP

• Italian calf leather straps with curved spring bars, Quick Release function and carbon fiber composite folding clasp with patented Micro-Adjustment System. 
• Black rubber strap with curved spring bars, Quick Release function and carbon fiber composite folding clasp with patented Micro-Adjustment System. 
• Stainless steel bracelet with Quick Release and Micro-extension function. 
• All Essence straps and the bracelet can be changed by hand without the use of tools. The carbon fiber composite folding clasp with patented fine adjustment system can be changed without tools and can be used for all Essence leather and rubber straps. 

DIAL

Vertical brush finish with horizontally cut lines which are CNC machined into the dial base one by one. BGW9 Super-LumiNova on hands and indexes. (NOTE the Degrade dial has horizontal lines).