So, after selling some watches I am after something a little different.

Now I was thinking of a Ball Engineer Master II Endurance 1917 in Ice Blue.... gorgeous looking watch with good spec, limited release etc.
But then I got round to thinking of something else and a couple have caught my eye, one of which has come on my radar a couple of times and that one is a Monta Noble with an Opaline dial. Nice size and slim profile, I have read nothing but great things about one of these, SW300 regulated to within COSC, the bracelet is supposed to be fantastic and something unique this side of the pond.

Then I have the Formex Essence 39 also on my radar, but cannot decide between the degrade dial or white. Once again great reviews, SW200 COSC certified, unique anti shock, super comfy bracelet and it did not help that I found a video that compared both the Formex and Noble side by side either.

I know only I can decide, but anyone with either on here and their experience would be welcome

Really sorry, but I'm unable to help as I'm not familiar with either of watches / brands you have mentioned.

Nevertheless, we do have fans of both Monta and Formex on the forum so, hopefully, someone will be alone soon to offer their views.

Guy

Sent from my XPERIA 5 III using Tapatalk

This is the one I’m actually wearing as we speak:- https://formexwatch.com/watches/essence ... eter-blue/

It is a superb watch in fit, finish and time-keeping.

Probably one of the favourites in my collection.

I have just bought the Leggera version of the Essence, I am very happy with it, customer service seems excellent, the watch is fantastic, I only have 2 CWs to compare it to do in so I'm no expert, but it's put my MK 2 C60 away for a long time, The C8 PR still gets worn on weekends though, I would strongly recommend Formex, easy to send back free of charge if you don't like it.

I have had the Formex Essence, the Monta Atlas, and the Monta Skyquest. I prefer the Montas by a long shot. I thought the fit and finish was much better, and the bracelets have a few small adjustments available without tools. They’re extremely comfortable.

The Formex had a beautiful dial, but I thought the hands looked a little less nice. I liked the bracelet but could never get it to fit right for me. They make half height links now so that’s less of a concern perhaps.

All in all, I’m a massive Monta fan, and I think Formex makes a great watch but not one I need to own.

I own two montas - both nobles -one is the opaline dial, and the other is the limited edition Tiffany blue dial below. They are awesome watches, fit and finish is superb, and the new bracelet is fantastic and easily makes it the most comfortable bracelet in my collection.

I am also considering the former leggera to add to my collection (there’s a new limited edition meteorite edition. I’d note that the 39 leggera is really small with lug to lug being under 45.

Monta’s parent company is the same company that makes Everest straps, so their leather strap is also top notch.

Have bought Formex Essence 39 Degrade earlier this month. Came in a cheap cardboard box which was torned inside.

The bracelet has sharp/rough edges - not as in most of the reviews(i think most of them are paid - find only one in which the watch was borrowed and this review wasn't so good for the Essence) ... Definitely can't compared even with CW bracelet(which is actually good). Wouldn't complained for the "roughness" of the bracelet if it wasn't a 1450 EUR watch.

But the misaligned indices made me returned it.

It was a terrible experience and I really wouldn't recommend or buy another Formex.