arlier this year, Formex unveiled its first ceramic case with a full ceramic bracelet and the world’s first micro-adjustable ceramic clasp – paired with a bold skeleton dial.

The story continues with the addition of four Essence signature dials from the bestselling steel versions, uniting a seamless aesthetic with commanding wrist presence.

Marking another milestone in Formex’s 25th anniversary year, the Essence Ceramica also debuts a bespoke caliber, co-designed and developed with Swiss movement manufacturer Soprod and officially certified by the COSC.

Acclaimed for its exceptional case-and-bracelet finishing—brushed surfaces and diamond-polished facets that wear like fine jewelry—the Essence Ceramica turns ceramic’s natural advantages into a wear experience all its own: light, hypoallergenic and thermally adaptive, paired with scratch-resistant durability that keeps the watch looking new, day after day.

When the Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC debuted in March 2025, Formex not only added one of watchmaking’s most demanding materials to its repertoire, but also introduced the world’s first micro-adjustable ceramic bracelet. True to the Essence line, the fully re-engineered ceramic case integrated Formex’s patented Case Suspension System – a hallmark since 2000 – adapted to protect the movement and deliver comfort on the wrist. The skeletonized dial underscored the breakthrough in advanced engineering and machining – achieved in close collaboration with sister companies Dexel and Cadranor.

Completing the vision – The new Essence Ceramica COSC completes the vision by pairing the purposeful geometry of the zirconium oxide ceramic case and bracelet with the Essence’s iconic dial. Horizontally grooved with razor-sharp CNC precision, the dial creates an interplay of depth and light that naturally complements the ceramic’s crisp aesthetic. Where the Skeleton celebrated complexity and transparency, the full dial affirms clarity and commanding presence. “For us, it was the logical next step,” says Raphael Granito, CEO of Formex. “Ceramic carries a truth in its surfaces, angles, and textures—all is clean, all is precision. The Essence dial, with its CNC-traced grooves, architectural rhythm, and distinctive finishes, speaks the same language. Together, they form a resolved whole: the dial becomes the subtle yet powerful exclamation point to ceramic’s advanced engineering, expressed with clarity, refinement, and an unmistakable identity.” At CHF 2,990.00, the full dial Ceramica versions underscore Formex’s belief that innovation should also be accessible. Offered in four colorways, it delivers all-day comfort and a design language that shouts performance and whispers luxury.

Granito adds: “It’s a project made possible by our unique family ties with key players —Dexel, with its expertise in cases, bracelets, and high-tech materials, and Cadranor as a leading dial creator. Together we’ve taken ceramic further than most would dare. The Essence Ceramica COSC unites advanced engineering with lasting refinement—at a price point that opens this level of ceramic watchmaking to a wider community.”

One of the aspects that make the Essence Ceramica COSC so compelling is not just the precision of its components, but the way they each interact with light. The zirconium oxide case and bracelet—expertly brushed, polished, and faceted—catch and reflect flashes at every movement of the wrist. The dial, with its hallmark horizontal grooves and vertical brushing, plays its own rhythm of light and shadow.

Together, they create a layered visual experience—like distinct instruments playing on different channels, combining into a richer, more immersive performance. It is this dialogue between ceramic geometry and the Essence dial’s architectural rhythm that gives the watch its commanding wrist presence and unmistakable identity.

Designed in close collaboration with Cadranor, a reference in Swiss dialmaking and Formex’s sister company, the dial’s signature pattern is CNC-machined, one groove at a time, at a perfect 90-degree angle – rather than stamped, which is less challenging and more economical, but leaves rounded edges that swallow light instead of letting it glint and shift. Paired with the vertical brushing, the effect is one of flashes and shadows, both fast and slow, appearing and disappearing across the surface.

“With the Essence Ceramica COSC, the ceramic case and bracelet give the watch its structure, while the dial acts like a performance display—almost like the instrument cluster in a race car. It’s a direct link to our motorsport DNA: engineered to be precise, legible, and dynamic, yet robust and refined for everyday wear. Roll the wrist, and the way case and dial play off each other shows how the faintest reflection can burst into brilliance.” - Raphaël Granito, CEO of Formex

A logical step — in hindsight, long overdue some might say — was to move the “Swiss Made” signature from the dial to the rehaut, clearing visual space and allowing the CNC-sharp grooves and vertical brushing to flow to the very edge for full impact — a quiet example of Formex’s constant pursuit of optimization.

Details with Purpose – Every element on the dial balances craft and intent. The beveled 6 o’clock date window reads cleanly from off-axis and avoids casting a shadow on the numerals. More than a utility cutout, it showcases the precision needed to mill crisp relief without disturbing the dial’s geometry. A tone-on-tone date disc integrates seamlessly, adding sophistication without compromising legibility. Deep-lumed indices, each individually applied by hand and soldered onto the dial base, are multifaceted to catch the light while ensuring clarity in low light. The hands, uniquely finished with brushed tops and polished sides, shift character as the viewing angle changes—appearing to vanish, then reappear in a subtle play of reflections. Together, these details reinforce the Essence identity: a dial that speaks in equal measure of bold design and thoughtful functionality.

Granito adds: “Where the Skeleton was about staging the intricacy within, an extroverted statement of architecture and transparency, the Full Dial amplifies another facet of ceramic: its quiet strength, its elegance, and its ability to create subtle depth through contrasts, both in tone and texture. Just like the dial does, too."

Offered in four dial variations—each defined by its own finishing treatment—the Essence Ceramica COSC preserves the collection’s hallmarks: precisely CNC-milled horizontal lines, applied indices and hands with brushed surfaces and mirror-polished edges, and deep-filled BGW9 Super-LumiNova® for clear reading after dark.

Gamaret – Inspired by the rich red of a Swiss wine grape that has been developed specifically to thrive in an alpine climate, the “Gamaret” dial uses a hand-applied gradient to create a tone that recalls the swirl of wine in a glass—bright at the center, darkening toward the edges. The effect is vibrant and expressive, perfectly balanced by the black ceramic setting.

Dégradé – A warm brown dial with a light sunburst finish enhanced by a hand-applied gradient, shifting from silvery tones at the center to near-black at the edge. The gradation blends seamlessly with the ceramic case, giving the watch understated sophistication and depth.

Blue – A bestseller in the Essence steel line, the blue dial reveals its vertical brushing most clearly. Depending on the light, it shifts from nearly black in shadow to a vibrant navy in sunlight—a dynamic, versatile character that reinforces the watch’s bold presence.

White – High-contrast by design: a crisp white lacquer dial set against full black ceramic for instant, at-a-glance legibility. Gunmetal hands, indices, and logo read as black in low light, then catch the light to reveal polished bevels and brushed facets that guide the eye. The pared-back layout and precise grooves keep every indication clear and precise.

Together, the four dials showcase the breadth of the Essence identity—each with its own character, yet all unmistakably Formex.

The launch of the Essence Ceramica COSC also introduces a new movement partner: Soprod. Established in 1966 in Switzerland’s Jura region, Soprod joins Sellita as a second source of proven Swiss Made calibers.

Project Newton P092 – In 2023, work began on a bespoke Soprod caliber developed to Formex specifications: the Newton P092. Its architecture was selected for the symmetry of its 6–12 o’clock layout, placing the balance at 6 o’clock beneath a transverse bridge that enhances resistance to shocks and vibrations—an approach that echoes Formex’s own patented Case Suspension System. Incabloc’s double-cone shock absorber, considered a benchmark in the category, provides additional protection.

Formex Finishing – The Newton P092’s decorations and finishing were designed in-house to convey a modern aesthetic. Bridges feature a laser-textured grainé surface with vertically brushed edges, enhanced by a galvanic black-gold treatment. Traditional thermally blued screws add contrast, while the skeletonized rotor carries an openworked Formex emblem and a bold sunburst finish to catch the light through the sapphire caseback.

Tested, Proven, Certified – Reliability is ensured through independent Chronofiable® testing at Laboratoire Dubois in La Chaux-de-Fonds, where movements are subjected to accelerated ageing, extreme temperature and humidity variations, and 20,000 shocks of varying intensity. Every movement then undergoes the rigorous process for certification by the COSC, the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Over 15 days, calibers are tested in five positions and three temperatures according to ISO 3159. Only those maintaining an average daily rate between −4 and +6 seconds are awarded the title of “Chronometer.” Each Essence Ceramica is delivered with its COSC certificate, and every movement carries an individually engraved chronometer number.

“Having both Soprod and Sellita close by is a real strength for us,” says Raphael Granito, CEO of Formex. “Soprod in the Jura is just half an hour from Cadranor, our sister company for dials, and less than 20 minutes from our headquarters in Biel/Bienne, while Sellita is only a short drive further. And when the subject turns to cases and bracelets, Dexel is right next door. This kind of proximity means we can work hand in hand with our partners, ensuring agility, accountability, and a seamless flow from design to production. It reinforces the resilience of our supply chain and keeps the core of Swiss watchmaking expertise right at our doorstep. And with the Newton P092, we see the result of that ecosystem—a calibre that feels like a pure expression of Formex. It’s the same pride a racing team feels when developing its own engine to take onto the track: the confidence that what drives the watch carries our DNA.”

Ceramic has long been at the core of high-performance engineering and holds a special place in motorsport for its ability to withstand punishing conditions while remaining lightweight, durable, and thermally stable. For Formex, whose DNA is steeped in purpose, precision, and performance, the parallels are natural.

With the Essence Ceramica COSC, this expertise finds its fullest expression. Achieving crisp bevels, vertical brushing, and diamond-polished contours in zirconium oxide ceramic on the case and bracelet requires advanced diamond tooling, multiple finishing stages, and decades of know-how. Here, Formex benefits from its family ties with Dexel, a reference in cases, bracelets, and high-tech materials, whose 40+ years of experience enable finishes in ceramic that most brands would not attempt.

More than three years of development went into optimizing every element of the Essence Ceramica. Unlike most ceramic watches that rely on uniform matte or glossy surfaces, Formex juxtaposes textures to create depth and dynamism. This dialogue mirrors the brand’s best-selling stainless-steel models while giving ceramic a voice of its own.

At the core is zirconium oxide: abundant, durable, and naturally suited to watchmaking. It combines luxury aesthetics with more than practical advantages: ● Scratch-proof: Seven times harder than steel (1200 Vickers vs 155 HV for steel, 145 HV for titanium). ● Fade-resistant: Completely impervious to UV exposure, ceramic retains its color and finish indefinitely.

● Hypoallergenic & non-porous: Safe for sensitive skin, with no risk of irritation.

● Amagnetic: Shields the movement from magnetic interference.

● Thermally adaptive: Doesn’t trap heat or cold like metal, ensuring comfort in all conditions.

Beyond its technical merits, ceramic reveals itself most powerfully in motion. The interplay of brushed surfaces and diamond-polished edges turns the case and bracelet into shifting planes of contrast—dark to bright, matte to gleam—every angle releasing a new impression. A simple turn of the wrist sets off a choreography of reflections: crisp, dynamic, and unmistakably modern. It’s a visual richness that heightens presence without excess, projecting strength with refinement.

Just as the Essence Ceramica COSC makes no concessions in tackling one of watchmaking’s most demanding materials, it also makes none in terms of the innovations that define Formex. Every hallmark of the brand’s engineering philosophy is built in: Case Suspension System – A Formex signature since its patent in 2000, the system protects the movement by absorbing shocks while ensuring a naturally snug fit that adapts dynamically to the wrist. For the ceramic case, it was re-engineered to preserve strength and ergonomics without compromising the sleek design.

Screw-Down Crown – Engineering a functional screw-down crown into a zirconium oxide ceramic case is no small feat. Achieving the tolerances required for water resistance in such a brittle material demanded a dedicated re-engineering process—another example of Formex refusing to compromise on functionality.

Micro-Adjustable Ceramic Clasp – A world first introduced with the Skeleton COSC earlier this year, seamlessly integrated into the ceramic bracelet. Its patented mechanism allows fine-tuning over 5 mm in increments of 1.5mm in both directions – on the wrist and on the fly with the clasp fully closed.

Interchangeable Strap Concept – Developed in collaboration with sister company Dexel, the quick-release system makes it possible to switch from the ceramic bracelet to a rubber, nylon or leather strap in seconds, tool-free. These come with Formex’s patented carbon fiber deployant clasp with a gradual fine-adjustment system up to 7 mm on the fly—no need to open the clasp.

In short: uncompromising in material, uncompromising in features – the Essence Ceramica COSC delivers the complete Formex experience.

“With the Essence Ceramica COSC, we’ve taken ceramic further than most thought possible – not just for the case and bracelet, but for the dial itself. That achievement is the result of a unique constellation: Dexel’s decades of mastery in ceramic engineering and Cadranor’s expertise in dialmaking, combined with our own drive to innovate without concessions. For us, pushing boundaries is never about making things more complicated; it’s about creating watches that embody advanced engineering, uncompromising quality, and real-world accessibility. That is what Formex stands for.” – Raphaël Granito, CEO of Formex

Priced at CHF 2990.00 on the full ceramic bracelet, the Essence Ceramica COSC debuts in four solid-dial options—Blue, Arctic White, Dégradé, and Gamaret. Additional leather, rubber, and nylon straps are available separately. Taxes & duties are included for shipping addresses in the USA, UK, Australia/New Zealand, Switzerland, and the European Union. The Essence Ceramica COSC will be available for pre-order beginning September 25, 2025, with first-batch deliveries expected to commence at the end of October 2025.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Formex Essence Ceramica COSC Automatic 41mm

• Collection & SKU 0336.4.6631.410: Formex Essence Ceramica COSC 41mm - Blue 0336.4.6612.410: Formex Essence Ceramica COSC 41mm - Arctic White 0336.4.6624.410: Formex Essence Ceramica COSC 41mm - Dégradé 0336.4.6651.410: Formex Essence Ceramica COSC 41mm - Gamaret

• Dimensions 41 mm diameter, 11.2mm height, 22mm lug width, 46.2 mm lug-to-lug

• Weight

56g grams case only. 137g grams with ceramic bracelet

• Water Resistance Waterproof to 100 meters / 330 feet

• Case Scratch-resistant Zirconium Oxide Ceramic (Zr2), vertically brushed surfaces and diamond-polished bevels. Integrated and patented Case Suspension System with a titanium grade 2 container.

• Glass Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with five layers of anti-reflective coating on the inside

• Case back

Zirconium Oxide Ceramic (Zr2) with sapphire crystal display window

• Dial Offered in four dial variations—Blue, Arctic White, Dégradé and Gamaret—each defined by its own finishing treatment. CNC-milled horizontal lines, applied indices and hands with brushed surfaces and mirror-polished edges, and deep-filled BGW9 Super-LumiNova®

• Hands Vertical brush finish and diamond-cut polished bevels filled with Super-LumiNova® BGW9.

• Movement Self-winding Swiss Made Soprod Newton P092, 28’800 vph (4 Hz); 23 jewels; 44 hours of power reserve. Chronofiable®-tested and officially certified by the COSC. Functions: Central hours, minutes, and seconds; date at 6 o’clock. Complications: Date, hacking seconds, quick date correction. Skeletonized rotor.

• Bracelet/Strap Clasps Zirconium Oxide Ceramic (Zr2) solid-link bracelet with vertical brush finish and diamond-polished bevels. Taper from 22mm to 20mm. Removable pin & tube links, tool provided. Ceramic clasp with the world’s first and patented micro-adjustment system that allows adjusting the bracelet length over 5 mm in 4 gradual increments of 1.25mm for unparalleled fit customization – within seconds, without the need for a tool. The fit is adjustable on the fly without the need to open the clasp or remove the watch from the wrist.

Rubber, Nylon and Italian leather straps are available to purchase as add-ons. Those are mounted on Formex’s patented carbon fiber composite clasp with a gradual 7mm on-the-fly micro-adjustment system.

All straps and the ceramic bracelet can be changed using a quick-release system, which does not require the use of tools.

• Price CHF 2,990.00 USD 3,690.00 EUR 3,490.00 GBP 2,990.00 CAD 4,290.00 AUD 5,220.00 JPY 500,500.00

International shipping, 30-day free returns, and 3-year international warranty included. All taxes, tariffs & duties included for shipping addresses within Switzerland, USA, the European Union, UK, Australia/NZ and Japan.