Quick facts
Description
Formex is a Swiss brand with a longer and more complex history than many people realise. The company was originally founded in 1999 in Biel by two brothers Hans‑Peter and Ferdinand Grädel, both of whom came from technical watchmaking and component manufacturing backgrounds. From the outset Formex focused on engineering‑led sports watches rather than classical styling, with an emphasis on durability, shock protection and wear comfort. The brand name comes from forme extrême, and early Formex designs reflected that philosophy through bold case architecture and a patented case suspension system intended to isolate the movement from external impact.
Despite strong technical credentials, the original Formex struggled through the late 2000s. The global financial crisis had a disproportionate impact on smaller independent brands and by the early 2010s Formex had largely disappeared from view. The turning point came in 2016 when Raphael Granito assumed leadership of the brand. Drawing on experience from his family’s high‑end component business Dexel SA, Granito repositioned Formex around direct‑to‑consumer sales and a renewed focus on practical engineering solutions rather than stylistic trends.
The Essence collection marked the beginning of this second life for Formex. Conceived as an everyday sports watch rather than a specialist tool piece, Essence combines chronometer‑certified movements with a refined version of the brand’s signature case suspension system. Rather than chasing heritage cues or overt sports‑watch signalling, the collection prioritises precision, comfort and long‑term wearability. Within that family, the Essence Leggera represents the most materially distinctive expression of the design.
The Essence Leggera FortyThree reference 0330.4.6399 takes the standard Essence architecture and replaces stainless steel with a proprietary carbon fibre composite developed in‑house. The 43mm case is exceptionally light while remaining structurally rigid, with zirconium oxide ceramic used for the fixed bezel and crown to improve scratch resistance. The suspended inner case allows a small degree of movement within the outer shell, subtly reducing shock transfer and contributing to the watch’s comfort over extended wear.
The forged carbon dial mirrors the case material and ensures that no two examples are identical. Despite its technical appearance, legibility remains excellent thanks to applied indices, a restrained colour palette and generous use of luminous material. At approximately 11mm thick, the watch sits lower than its diameter might suggest, and careful lug geometry keeps it balanced on the wrist.
Power comes from a COSC‑certified Sellita SW200‑1 automatic movement.
Condition and performance
The watch is in excellent condition with only minor signs of careful use.
Case: Clean
Bezel: Excellent
Crystal: Clear, no marks
Supplied on a rubber Formex strap with deployment.
Comes boxed with owner’s handbook, COSC certificate and cleaning cloth.
Timegrapher: Approximately +3 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option. I’ve got some unworn leather and webbing original Formex suitable for this watch.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Quick facts
Description
Formex is a Swiss brand with a longer and more complex history than many people realise. The company was originally founded in 1999 in Biel by two brothers Hans‑Peter and Ferdinand Grädel, both of whom came from technical watchmaking and component manufacturing backgrounds. From the outset Formex focused on engineering‑led sports watches rather than classical styling, with an emphasis on durability, shock protection and wear comfort. The brand name comes from forme extrême, and early Formex designs reflected that philosophy through bold case architecture and a patented case suspension system intended to isolate the movement from external impact.
Despite strong technical credentials, the original Formex struggled through the late 2000s. The global financial crisis had a disproportionate impact on smaller independent brands and by the early 2010s Formex had largely disappeared from view. The turning point came in 2016 when Raphael Granito assumed leadership of the brand. Drawing on experience from his family’s high‑end component business Dexel SA, Granito repositioned Formex around direct‑to‑consumer sales and a renewed focus on practical engineering solutions rather than stylistic trends.
The Essence collection marked the beginning of this second life for Formex. Conceived as an everyday sports watch rather than a specialist tool piece, Essence combines chronometer‑certified movements with a refined version of the brand’s signature case suspension system. Rather than chasing heritage cues or overt sports‑watch signalling, the collection prioritises precision, comfort and long‑term wearability. Within that family, the Essence Leggera represents the most materially distinctive expression of the design.
The Essence Leggera FortyThree reference 0330.4.6399 takes the standard Essence architecture and replaces stainless steel with a proprietary carbon fibre composite developed in‑house. The 43mm case is exceptionally light while remaining structurally rigid, with zirconium oxide ceramic used for the fixed bezel and crown to improve scratch resistance. The suspended inner case allows a small degree of movement within the outer shell, subtly reducing shock transfer and contributing to the watch’s comfort over extended wear.
The forged carbon dial mirrors the case material and ensures that no two examples are identical. Despite its technical appearance, legibility remains excellent thanks to applied indices, a restrained colour palette and generous use of luminous material. At approximately 11mm thick, the watch sits lower than its diameter might suggest, and careful lug geometry keeps it balanced on the wrist.
Power comes from a COSC‑certified Sellita SW200‑1 automatic movement.
Condition and performance
The watch is in excellent condition with only minor signs of careful use.
Case: Clean
Bezel: Excellent
Crystal: Clear, no marks
Supplied on a rubber Formex strap with deployment.
Comes boxed with owner’s handbook, COSC certificate and cleaning cloth.
Timegrapher: Approximately +3 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option. I’ve got some unworn leather and webbing original Formex suitable for this watch.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
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