Hi all,
One of the watches I am considering for my next purchase is the formex reef, and I was wondering if any forum members have any hands on experience with this watch, or the brand in general.
Any feedback or pictures would be appreciated.
David.
Formex reef
- NationOfLaws
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Re: Formex reef
I have an Essence. I think the dial is beautiful, the case is nice, the hands feel a little cheap, and the bracelet is frustrating. No half-height links to sneak up on a closer fit, and only one micro adjustment step that breaks up the flow of the bracelet. That said, I think the reef uses a different bracelet system.
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Re: Formex reef
NationOfLaws wrote: ↑Wed Aug 03, 2022 7:06 pm I have an Essence. I think the dial is beautiful, the case is nice, the hands feel a little cheap, and the bracelet is frustrating. No half-height links to sneak up on a closer fit, and only one micro adjustment step that breaks up the flow of the bracelet. That said, I think the reef uses a different bracelet system.
Thanks Jameson
Yes, the reef uses a different bracelet and clasp, but Thanks for the reply.
David.
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Re: Formex reef
I have an Essence 39 - wearing it right now as a mater of a fact - and it's great. Whether Essence or Reef, they are relatively thin and wear really well.
The bracelet fit works out for me as it turns out, but the Reef has a better arrangement.
On overall quality for the price, I think the Formex pieces are really good. I'm a fan.
When I got my GS which is in the same kind of "user space" I was concerned this might stay in the box but absolutely not.
The bracelet fit works out for me as it turns out, but the Reef has a better arrangement.
On overall quality for the price, I think the Formex pieces are really good. I'm a fan.
When I got my GS which is in the same kind of "user space" I was concerned this might stay in the box but absolutely not.
Chris
"Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" : John Lennon.
"Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" : John Lennon.
Re: Formex reef
Noush wrote: ↑Sat Aug 06, 2022 3:22 am I have an Essence 39 - wearing it right now as a mater of a fact - and it's great. Whether Essence or Reef, they are relatively thin and wear really well.
The bracelet fit works out for me as it turns out, but the Reef has a better arrangement.
On overall quality for the price, I think the Formex pieces are really good. I'm a fan.
When I got my GS which is in the same kind of "user space" I was concerned this might stay in the box but absolutely not.
Thanks Chris,
I've watched countless YouTube reviews, but there is nothing better than real world feedback.
Thanks for the reply.
David.
- strapline
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Re: Formex reef
I've just come across this thread after having been looking over the Essence 39 for the last couple of days. It seems like a great watch to me; you're getting one hell of a lot of watch for the money. The dial finishing looks excellent and, generally, the bracelet is highly thought of. It's funny how there seems to be a few naysayers that get all caught up with the name, Formex. Some claiming it sounds like a medication. I don't think Rolex seems to have been slowed by its name despite a similar length word and sharing the last two letters.
Des
Des
Does melancholy count as two of your five daily servings?
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Re: Formex reef
I’m getting ready to sell mine. I don’t care about the name, I just never fell in love with it.strapline wrote: ↑Tue Sep 06, 2022 7:27 am I've just come across this thread after having been looking over the Essence 39 for the last couple of days. It seems like a great watch to me; you're getting one hell of a lot of watch for the money. The dial finishing looks excellent and, generally, the bracelet is highly thought of. It's funny how there seems to be a few naysayers that get all caught up with the name, Formex. Some claiming it sounds like a medication. I don't think Rolex seems to have been slowed by its name despite a similar length word and sharing the last two letters.
Des
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Re: Formex reef
My Formex Essence is one of my best watches, in looks, build quality and especially time keeping.
When they first came out late 2018 (I think), there was an automatic sun ray dial and a COSC chronometer version. I went for the COSC.
Superb watch, imo, and I would never sell it.
Josh (eggtronics) did a review at release, might be worth a look for anyone thinking of buying.
https://12and60.com/formex-essence-watch-review/
When they first came out late 2018 (I think), there was an automatic sun ray dial and a COSC chronometer version. I went for the COSC.
Superb watch, imo, and I would never sell it.
Josh (eggtronics) did a review at release, might be worth a look for anyone thinking of buying.
https://12and60.com/formex-essence-watch-review/
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Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night. Be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels, Frank Sinatra
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Too much of anything is bad. But too much of good whiskey is barely enough, Mark Twain
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Too much of anything is bad. But too much of good whiskey is barely enough, Mark Twain
- strapline
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Re: Formex reef
Thanks for sharing the link, although the review is for the earliest iteration complete with the old logo on the dial. I'd looked at Formex a number of times before and was struck by what they were offering. I'm not looking to buy a watch now, but the Essence 39 might of just made its way on to an ever growing shortlist.TheBeatles wrote: ↑Tue Sep 06, 2022 11:55 am My Formex Essence is one of my best watches, in looks, build quality and especially time keeping.
Josh (eggtronics) did a review at release, might be worth a look for anyone thinking of buying.
Des
Does melancholy count as two of your five daily servings?
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Re: Formex reef
You’re very welcome Des,strapline wrote: ↑Tue Sep 06, 2022 12:45 pmThanks for sharing the link, although the review is for the earliest iteration complete with the old logo on the dial. I'd looked at Formex a number of times before and was struck by what they were offering. I'm not looking to buy a watch now, but the Essence 39 might of just made its way on to an ever growing shortlist.TheBeatles wrote: ↑Tue Sep 06, 2022 11:55 am My Formex Essence is one of my best watches, in looks, build quality and especially time keeping.
Josh (eggtronics) did a review at release, might be worth a look for anyone thinking of buying.
Des
Just don’t mention old logo on here

- These users thanked the author TheBeatles for the post:
- David. S
Basically, I'm for anything that gets you through the night. Be it prayer, tranquilizers or a bottle of Jack Daniels, Frank Sinatra
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Too much of anything is bad. But too much of good whiskey is barely enough, Mark Twain
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Too much of anything is bad. But too much of good whiskey is barely enough, Mark Twain
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