Just A Gimmick? Or A Must-Have? (Formex Essence 39mm vs 43mm)
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- thetimetellers...
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Don't you think horse drawn buggies would more or less be a bigger draw?
You neglected a major feature of the bracelet, the ability to extend by a link which is built in and very useful.
But not nearly as useful as the clasp on the reef. It's essentially just a small divers extension. When have you ever needed to extend a bracelet by 7.5mm
@@waynesellers4078 agreed. It’s useless. If you need some extra space throughout the day it’s no more than 2mm
Can You recommend a Patel nat alternative?
Good catch!
The name Formex is literally a combination of the two French words “forme” and “extreme,” remains true to its roots with its current CEO being an avid skydiver and racecar driver himself.
Anyway, how often do you see a chronometer certified movement in a watch under 2K? How about under 1.4K?
The bracelet is nice, it tapers AND has a micro-adjust. It has a quick-release bracelet. It has a nice suspension system. It has some good looking color choices and it's dial has symmetry. They listened to the customer and made a 39mm. They listened to the customer and changed the logo.
Mido chronometer can easely be found well under 1K, brand new. Tissot Chronomer is below 1K at full retail price, again, it's common to find discounts on it.
As for the '' nice suspension system '' let's not use it as if it is a legit design advantage. If that was the case, it would have been explored already. It's a marketing feature made to have something to talk about, until proven otherwise. As much as questions on its reliability. More complex design means more room for failures.
Point being, it's not an exceptionnal watch, the 39mm in particular is milking it. Nice dial for sure, I can see the appeal on the overall design, even though I'm not convinced at all.
Btw I haven't double check but I believe the 43mm chronometer is at 1400 dollars, so maybe they're both milking it hard.
Can you recommend a Patek nataulis alternative? I like this but it’s not as rectangular
This past Monday morning I ordered a Formex 39 WHITE dial from their website which said that the watch wasn’t currently available but was able to be pre-ordered. So I ordered it. Within minutes I received an email from Formex telling me that my order was fulfilled and would be shipped via UPS from Switzerland and that I should receive it by Wednesday (2 DAYS LATER!). I doubted, but it did indeed arrive this past Wednesday afternoon complete with the Swiss custom forms on the box’s exterior. The 39 White is the most handsome of the lot IMO. The only criticism I have is that the tool they included in the box for the removal of bracelet links was very cheap and flimsy. It broke after just removing one link. Thankfully I had another small screwdriver to finish the job. The bracelet fits VERY comfortably on my 7 inch wrist. Again, the WHITE DIAL 39mm FORMEX ESSENCE IS AWESOME!
I am looking for a white dial watch, i checked Christopher ward sealander and now i am looking at the white face formex, not sure which has a bettwr finish, i am looking for 40mm nothing bigger.
Ive had an Essence COSC for 18 months now (Ebay bargain at around $500) and wear it regularly, no sign of "gunking up" of the suspension system and the bracelet extension system is very useful - its also the only watch that my wife has ever made a positive comment about without any prompting from me. On the back of this watch being so good I bought a Reef directly from Formex and had a lot of dialogue during the purchase with the CEO who was affable and very straight forward - I benefited from the free bracelet which like the one of the Essence is way better than most for the price. I cant say that Ive noticed any poor finishing on the hands, the case and dial are as good as anything else that I have including premium stuff like Rolex but then I haven't examined them under a loupe. Some of the comments about these watches being of poor quality are misinformed and inaccurate; they are not in my personal experience, either of these things and deserve a place alongside others at this RRP pricing level - well worth trying if you are considering it.
T3, that 43mm COSC is $1,285. Only the non-COSC versions are $785. I had a flash of hope when you said the fume dial version was available at $785.
They don't make non cosc essence anymore
Yeah, the old Essence was non-COSC for under $800. No more. Hopefully he updates his review to include the pricing gaffe. They are the same price.
Update coming soon. I already spoke to Formex, they apologized for sending the incorrect link.
@@thetimeteller did they also apologise for the mis-aligned date wheel and low quality indices? ;P
@@thetimeteller Don't get me wrong. Love your channel and have been a fan for years, but the quality doesn't seem to justify the price sadly.
The Forty Three Chronometer is $1,390.
Yes, both the 39 and 43 were priced the same as of this past Monday (5 days ago).
@@thomaspetro9228 I’m pretty sure that when the 39 launched it was like 100 dollars more but they never launched it with the non chronometer movement. But that doesn’t make much sense so they probably adjusted the prices to match
I feel like the suspension system is more for comfort rather than shock protection. I have the 43mm degrade dial and when it is low on my wrist it has much more give when I bend my wrist. Love the watch and it has great finishing in my opinion! Lume is also phenomenal for the style of watch
Yea its def about comfort and moving with your wrist. My guy didn't get that but it's OK. I haven't worn one but I can imagine it's super comfy.
At 5:59 a Hublot demon seemed to be trying to escape this mans soul.
Wouldn't say it's a must have...however it's a brilliant watch, incredible design.
What is a must have watch?
Love the blue dial version of the 39mm.
it's funny that they didn't send you the new 39mm with the new bracelet with extension- system.. like 1.5 cm in little steps.. greetings from Zürich!
I just checked the formex website and the 43mm chronometer is 1280 as well. The non-chronometer 43mm was 800
I consider the "suspension" to be a gimmick. It holds the case against the wrist, rather than actually suspending it. In contrast, Wyler designed its short-lived Code R watches with an actual suspension system around 2009. The case actually floated a small distance above the wrist.
Jory, the chronometer grade 43mm you are looking at IS the same price at the 39mm. Also no mention of the tool-less adjustability, which is why the clasp works that way.
He's a big dummy, isn't he.
What's neat about the Formex Essence on a bracelet; when placing the order you select the wrist size needed.
You have a great way of walking us through each of the reviews with ease.. will done. BTW, I love your cars as well!
There are several other watch youtubers that I subscribe to solely because they have smaller wrists. If the watch doesn’t look too big on them, it won’t be too big on me.
Finishing on the 39mm handset is *rough*. Seems to be a common issue with these as I've seen that a lot in other reviews. Unacceptable at $1200+.
They have learned from Seiko 😜, I saw a review on a $ 2000 Seiko and the dail and indicators was not aligned at 12 o'clock. But plenty other fish in the sea
@@larsstougaard7097 I think I know which review ... from the Australian? yeah... for $1200-$2000 plenty of decent options for watches...
@@wongjefx980 yeah that one, it crazy that Seiko just dont give fu@k about quality control when they have raised their prices so much the last years.
Seiko QC is bad, but even so my $300 Seiko Presage SRPB41 already has indices way better than this. How come T3 didn't mention the bad finishing at all?
I saw a comment posted by Formex saying these are pre production finished prototypes sent to reviewers, and that the ones they send to customers are finished better and pass by a stringent quality control. That's what they said anyway
Man, sometimes I regret looking at older reviews of a watch I'm interested in. If I looked at these 6 months ago I could've saved $650 on the 43mm!
Same they are all 1200+
Will they have a lifted model... maybe a 3" Suspension lift... 4x4 model...
I want one that’s been slammed and stanced.
Is the 39mm still worth the increased cost in your opinion? My wrists can’t carry a 43mm but I do love this brand
Microband Monday. ❤
I was quite interested in the 39 model… until I heard the price… maybe not 😬
Hey Jory, great review as per! It looks heavily influenced by the 2020 Aqua Terra which also has that pain in the ass butterfly clasp! I'm a big fan of the suspension idea, more so the actual innovation rather than the idea it self.. Its great to see micro brands bringing something new to the table!
The 39 is nice with the dark date wheel. Although the name does sound like a condom.
Difficult to assess these watches without knowing your shoe size. Details matter!!! Great show 👍🏴
Prefer the smaller; don't prefer the larger price. Formex must be trying to recoup it's design investment sooner than later and spreading it out over a longer time. Good vid. Keep at it!
Nice watch. It seems to have great finishing. It could probably be a great every day watch.
On the date wheel colour... I actually think yhey did it right in some ways - if they'd inverted the colours then the text wouldn't have matched the black text of "Essence Chronometer".
Perhaps would've looked off either way?
Is Formex really a micro brand? The quality seems top-notch. They look very appealing.
Another formidable brand that is definitely showing the big bous what the new kid in the block can create and produce in small quantities while keeping consistent, quality and pricing in check.
I'm shocked at how bad the cuts and finishing on the hands are. You'd see better out of Tissot or Seiko at much lower prices.
I have micros that have better quality indices and hands, while also being regulated to 3-4s/day. At half the price!!!
@@alexx1713 could you name few micro brands that you own?
Seiko has crap QC issues with many of their expensive watches in the $1k to $2k range, but for me power reserve has to be above all an important and relative discussion once you spend over $1k in a watch
I don't quite get what justifies the higher price for the small model. Still...an intriguing offering.
I agree I do like the dial on the smaller one and I like that smaller size so Id buy the smaller one
He bollaxed it up. The old non suspension 43 is cheaper. Both suspension are the same price
@@jeffreygoss8109 thanks. That makes more sense.
Great video. I am planning on getting one. The big question n is the size and I think you spelled out pretty good. I have a 7.2".wrist and the 39 seems like the better of the two. One thing I have found is there are not many reviews of the different leather and rubber straps. Those watches have a single fold clasp that look to be the best I have seen. Wonder why that's not mentioned more? Thanks again
Unpopular opinion. I liked the old Formex logo much more.
Like it too! I have one!
@@johngamboa999 petition time! 😆
39mm looks nice but the suspension system seems prone to get filled with all sorts of gunk.
@@oscarosullivan4513 Yeah, and some floss too lol.
both sizes have the Sellita 200 and prizes the same
Cool, but a gimmick imho. Nice looking watch, . Cheers 👍🏻
For those that wear their watches on or below the wrist bone it is definitely not a gimmick. I used to do that but I have since changed to wearing my watches above the bone for more comfort.
I thought the 43mm version also uses a sellita movement. Also, would be nice if you could provide the link for these formex watches as I never seen as formex 43 for $785. Thanks!
It's just more comfortable. You can move your hand and wrist without the watch compressing your wrist
Since when the Essence comes with an ETA? I always have seen it with a Selita, even before the changes to the Formex Logo.
I also am very sur that FORMEX (except for the LEGGERA, there it is the STP 1-11) is using the Selitta 200 in the ESSENCE. I kow that they are very similar, the origin is the ETA 2824.
I will take the Sellita movement in the 39mm. Hang on a minute, they don't make it, WHY. Stunning watch though
Yes I agree the 39mm looks better. Also the date on the 43mm is too close to the center.
It was and still kind of is the same issue for the Oris Aquis (SW-220) in pricing. The 39.5mm is more than the 41.5 and 43mm versions.
Does the bracelet add to the effecitve lug to lug or does it bend straight down?
Like the new addition of the face cam during the b roll scenes!
Nice comment about the utoobers; good that you respect different talents and look out foreachother (Paul Pluta excl natch). Keep it going Jori
I just checked their website They are now $1,500
If I am not mistaken, the $785 version of the 43 mm, is NOT COSC certified. The 43 COSC version is indeed over $1200.
COSC at $1200-$1300 i guess is not bad at all
Big fan of your channel from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, I really like the those watches, they look very nice and the specifications are great. I would really like to see a review of the Formex Reef!
I recently bought a Monta Atlas and kind of wish I saved a 1000 bucks and bought a Formex instead.
Please update the description at least. The 43 mm and 39 mm are priced the same.
Date isn't centered for double digits. For that price O_O! Watch looks great, but the name: Ideation - we have to have something like Rawlecks!!! Okay, so we take EX and we wanna show up earlier alphabetically. Form follow's function, but it sadly doesn't, so FORMEX.
Loving the content! I’ve been looking at this watch and the PRX 80.. I think I’m going grab both 😅
Am I wrong or the suspension should travel in the opposite direction to cushion a bump with the watch on the wrist?
Besides Seiko Prospex models that offer 70 hrs power reserve, are there other manufacturers that offer similar watches from microbrands. Seems like formex is short changing us with 38hr power reserve, both are good looking watches with excellent finish. I personally prefer no shine at all, matt finish is best to hide scratches. The bezels loks amazing. The hour markers offer excellent legibility and great simmetey. I prefer a white dial. I an tired of blue, bkack and gray.
I think if youte into watches you know that most innovations are gimmicky, and that's cool.
If you want to be practical then buy a 10$ quartz Casio (awesome, as well).
Nice watch, enjoyed this review! 👍⌚️
Great watches I Love them,the perfect watch for golf👍
What are your impressions of the lume?
You know that suspension system would be nice on the Apple watch since the sensor sticks out so much, or they could just make it flat lol…
$785? Where? That Model is Sold Out?
Excellent video
I tested the suspension system for a month now and its completley useless. The pressure needed to trigger it is too high and you can hear something scratching. On the leather strap its not even a thing.
G'afternoon Jory ☕☕ 🙃 ..
According to the Formex web site, both watches are priced at $12800.00!?
That's weird that people would complain about you mentioning your wrist size. If someone doesn't mention it I find the review almost useless. I need the frame of reference.
Christopher ward has the same issue with branding and logos, one logo totally unnecessary to have it written + logo..
That clasp protects you from pickpockets :)))
Two lovely looking timepiece's .
I am not sure what your source for the pricing of their watches is. It does not match mine. The cost you give for the 43 mm essence sounds like what they sold the non-COSC certified watch for, a year ago, and does not well match with the COSC certified 39 mm watch you have there
I was using the spec links Formex sent me prior to filming/ they apologized for sending old info.
Mini window Jory is best Jory lol
Hi!
I wish Formex would have released the 39 together with the 43 at the beginning. It would have been my choice.
But I like my 43 Essence Automatic. I got it for the Kickstarter price with additional straps. It is a bargain.
Best regards,
Claus
Great video, big fan. I have been looking for a good gmt. I have a small wrist, measuring at 6.6in/16.7cm. Any good affordable watch would be a great suggestion. Could you please review christopher ward c63 sealander gmt. Thanks
You best BELIEVE I already SMASHED THAT LIKE BUTTON
39 mm is the perfect size for most people not named Shaq
Nice watches, 43mm would suit my 8" wrist better. The brand name is the same as the special material added to concrete for bridge construction and that puts me off. Formex is not a good watch name. Then again Rolex reminds me of a roll-on deodorant, but nobody cares about that either!🙃
Price difference? 🤔
For mexicans 😅 I bought Formex Reef😁
You usually close in on the dials showing specs and finishing imperfections. This video does not include that part this time but it's pretty visible that there are imperfections on some indeces, hands, and the applied logo. I would also be curious about the reasoning for the price difference between the two. It's definitely not the movement that causes the difference.
Nice to see both sizes. So everybody gets his size. I'd go with 39. It could be worn on many occasions being thin and small and I like smaller watches for long days when I travel. I do like big watches too buy in my opinion the proper size for this kind of watch is 39. Also the hands look better on 39 not being to thin. Almost like they should swap hand sets between 39 and 43 version.
Lovely watches BUT I can get an a Oris dive for £1400.
Not COSC tho. 😉👍🏻
@@stevefox8605 true but a nicer watch
@@paulhiggins8774 thanks. My Aquis is by far the nicest watch I've had (& I'm old) 👍🏻
This IMO is nicer watch. Bracelet and finishing is way above any oris. If water resistance beyond 100m is important then Oris may be the right choice. Suspension system is a little gimmicky but does work. I've owned this watch since release and I'm incredibly happy with it
Its gimmicky because its patented and no one else can do it. If Rolex or Omega did this, people would lose their minds. Between the nice finishing, COSC, thinness, quick release, micro adjustment for both bracelet and straps, i dont know how you get more for your money.
I would go with the 39mm and I will brag about my 8.25” wrist.
The design wears smaller.... That small dial..... Really wide bezel... And short lug length. It makes a 39 wear almost like a 37mm..... And then 43 is way too big for most people.
Who only an elaborate grade on the smaller one?
What happened to The Time Teller? I used to enjoy these micro reviews because they were informative, presumably accurate and balanced. But this is none of those things. The review was incorrect (the cheaper version of the 43 mm has not been not available on the web site for a long time), inaccurate (the COSC version on the 43mm is the same price as the COSC 39 mm) and biased (the bracelet does not pull my hair yet -- please let us know when it does!). Had this watch come from Boldr, I would imagine we would hear a different story. When Jordi says "I am just an idiot" I say "true fact."
I was going by the specs Formex sent me- they wrote to me and apologized. 🤷🏻♂️
(We can see when you “like” your own comment) #yikes lol
I'm off to fit a sapphire crystal windshield on my ford pinto. ok ciao.
You need to say it correct: LEGGERA is kind of LAYDSHÀYRA, ok? 😎
But you did it! Jolly good old sport! 🤩🤩🤩
But i'm surprised: no Rrrant for the excessive pricetag on 39mm? Is the Bloody Same Watch, isnt??? 🚾😈🤡
fumée just means smoke in french
Yep. I wonder why it’s used to describe dials that looks smokey. 🤷🏻♂️🤯
Awesome Formex watches, very nicely designed and executed. However, i'm sorry these micro brands are going to have to start upgrading their movements to higher power reserve units. Until then i'll be sticking with the name brands.
Ok
You messed up the price thing, Jory. You messed it up big time!
Both of these watches cost USD1.280.00 - because the movement in both of them is chronometer grade.
So, the 43 mm watch you showed us is also $1.280.00. Not $780.00. That price doesn't really exist anymore, I am afraid.
While there was a non-chronometer option of the 43 mm Essence, really costing $780.00 couple of years ago, I haven't seen those for quite some time.
All the 43 mm Essence watches offered lately are chronometer grade and they all cost $1.280.00. So is this 43 mm Essence you are showing us in this video.
When it comes to the 39 mm Essence, that one is pretty new and it was never even offered with a non-chronometer movement and its price was always $1.280.00.
This is too bad. For me, at least. I might have considered a $780.00 non-chronometer option. But, a $500.00 additional charge for a chronometer certification? Not really!
Relax, Vlad. We use the specs given to us. Formex made a mistake and has since apologized. 🥴
sorry, in my previous comment i meant to type 1280.00. thanks
u did not get your facts right. price for the 43mm is the same as the 39.5mm.
I used the facts sent by Formex. They apologized for sending me the wrong spec links.
I watched the video in my 4K tv and it really shows defects in the dial of the 39 mm, which happens to be the one I was planning to buy ☹️. Also I think the cheaper version of the 43 is not cosc certified and the thing with the 39 is that they only sell the certified movement version.
"HUBLOT", you blurting that out was the funniest thing you have ever said in a video.
So just went to the Formex website and both the 43 and 39mm watches are priced the same at $1280 and they both are powered by a COSC certified SW200 no ETA anywhere sooooo not sure where the info for this review came from but either it’s incorrect or the Formex own website is incorrect??
No. You’re correct. They accidentally sent me old specs for the 43mm.
@@thetimeteller well not cool of them:) all good brother. I really only noticed because I’ve been bird digging these watches for awhile now for my next purchase! Love the channel stay cool big man!
39 > 43
Meh
Bigtime gimmick, and it sounds like a detergent