ndependent Swiss watchmaker Formex unveils the Essence Ceramica 41mm Dark Matter Redshift at the Windup Watch Fair New York City, where the brand has exhibited since 2018. Building on the original Dark Matter, this new edition introduces a predominantly sandblasted full-ceramic case and bracelet, carefully positioned diamond-polished accents and vivid red details on its genuine meteorite dial. The result is a stealthier, sportier interpretation of the Essence Ceramica that unites understated elegance with Formex’s motorsport heritage.

The 41 mm zirconium oxide ceramic case and bracelet retain the architecture, patented Case Suspension System and on-the-fly micro-adjustable ceramic clasp of the original. Where the first Dark Matter contrasted vertically brushed surfaces with extensive mirror-polished bevels, the Redshift favors a fine, light-absorbing sandblasted texture. The geometry of the bezel has also been refined: an additional precisely cut facet creates a narrow diamond-polished ring along its lower edge rather than across the entire bezel bevel. Together with the diamond-polished case bevels and the polished beveled side of the otherwise sandblasted crown, this slender reflective detail gives the dark, velvety ceramic a striking sense of depth.

The Muonionalusta iron meteorite fell to Earth in a remote region north of the Arctic Circle after an immense journey through space. Formex cuts and etches each solid dial to reveal its unique Widmanstätten pattern, formed as iron-nickel material cooled extremely slowly over millions of years. A black-gold galvanic coating, well under a micron thick, follows and accentuates that natural crystalline texture, adding a subtle warmth and sheen to its deep anthracite-to-near-black appearance.

The resulting dial blends with the dark ceramic case while revealing different metallic highlights as the light changes. Because the crystalline structure is naturally formed, no two Redshift dials are alike.

Meteorite and stone dials are usually made from thin slices glued onto a brass plate. Formex takes a different approach by taking advantage of the meteorite’s iron content, which allows the dial feet to be soldered directly onto its back, eliminating the need for a brass base. This makes it possible to use a thicker, solid piece of Muonionalusta meteorite and precisely machine Formex’s signature beveled date window at 6 o’clock. The bevel adds depth and allows the date to be read from different angles without casting shadows onto the date disc.

Gunmetal-finished hands and applied hour markers, filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova®, ensure legibility in low light. A vibrant red seconds hand, matching red FORMEX and ESSENCE CHRONOMETER lettering, and red markings on the chapter ring add a sporty contrast to the otherwise dark design. These subtle racing-inspired details bring new energy to the watch without taking attention away from the meteorite’s unique natural pattern.

The name Redshift refers to the astronomical phenomenon in which light shifts toward longer, redder wavelengths. The watch brings that cosmic reference back to Formex’s racing origins through a vibrant red seconds hand, matching dial lettering and red chapter-ring markings. It is this interplay of genuine meteorite, advanced ceramic engineering and motorsport-inspired detail that defines the Dark Matter Redshift: stealthy and sporting, yet refined.

Zirconium oxide ceramic has a natural affinity with performance-driven watchmaking: it is lightweight, hard-wearing and comfortable against the skin. For Formex, whose roots lie in motorsport, the material offers an ideal canvas for functional engineering and distinctive finishing. The original Essence Ceramica required demanding diamond-tooling techniques to achieve its brushed surfaces and polished contours. With Redshift, the emphasis shifts to fine sandblasting across most of the full-ceramic case and bracelet, creating a light-absorbing, fingerprint-resistant appearance. Yet the new finish is only part of the story: a precisely added facet along the lower bezel allows a slim diamond-polished ring to punctuate the matte surface, supported by the polished case bevels and beveled crown side. This contrast showcases the manufacturing expertise of Formex and Dexel, which is under the same family ownership as Formex.

The changes are primarily visual and tactile: the watch retains the original Ceramica’s case suspension, screw-down crown, ergonomic construction and quick-adjust ceramic clasp. The restrained finish directs attention to the natural meteorite texture and deliberate flashes of red. At the heart of the construction is zirconium oxide, a high-performance ceramic combining lasting color and wearing comfort with several practical properties: ● Highly scratch-resistant: Approximately seven times harder than typical watchmaking steel (around 1,200 HV versus 155 HV), helping resist everyday scratches. ● Fade-resistant: Resistant to ultraviolet light, helping the ceramic retain its deep color over time. ● Hypoallergenic and non-porous: Well suited to sensitive skin. ● Non-magnetic: The ceramic itself is non-magnetic and does not introduce magnetic interference. ● Thermally comfortable: Ceramic does not transmit heat and cold as quickly as metal, making it pleasant to wear in changing conditions.

The result is a restrained, tactile design in which a few carefully polished edges catch the light against a predominantly sandblasted backdrop. A subtle contrast makes a lasting visual impression.

Following the recent upgrade from the Sellita SW200-1 to the SW200-2 Power+ across the Essence and Field collections, the Essence Ceramica now also benefits from the latest generation of Swiss movement manufacturer Sellita’s proven automatic caliber. Replacing the previously used Soprod Newton P092, the new movement delivers an extended power reserve of up to 65 hours, offering greater convenience and everyday usability.

Beyond the longer reserve, Sellita has revised the movement’s gear train, winding system, regulating mechanism and shock protection. These refinements enhance its everyday efficiency and robustness while preserving the familiar architecture of a Swiss automatic chronometer. Every movement is officially certified by the COSC, the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, undergoing rigorous testing over 15 days in five positions and at three temperatures. Only movements achieving an average daily accuracy between −4 and +6 seconds qualify as chronometers. Combined with Formex’s patented Case Suspension System, the new Power+ movement reinforces the brand’s commitment to precision, reliability, and performance-driven watchmaking.

Just as the Essence Ceramica 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: Integrating a screw-down crown into a zirconium oxide ceramic case demanded extremely tight engineering tolerances. The result helps the Redshift achieve water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet), preserving practicality without compromising its refined case design.

Micro-Adjustable Ceramic Clasp: Integrated into the full ceramic bracelet, Formex’s patented mechanism provides 5 mm of total fine adjustment in four increments of 1.25 mm. The fit can be changed on the wrist, with the clasp closed and without tools.

Interchangeable Strap Concept: Developed in collaboration with Dexel, which is under the same family ownership as Formex, 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 without opening the clasp.

In short, the Redshift retains the features that make an Essence Ceramica unmistakably Formex: responsive case suspension, useful water resistance, a flexible fit and interchangeable straps. Availability

The Essence Ceramica 41mm Dark Matter Redshift (Ref. 0336.4.6208.411) launches on October 16, 2026, during Windup Watch Fair NYC. Production is limited to 100 pieces annually, with the inaugural series individually numbered 001 to 100. Priced at CHF 3’500.00 / USD 4’450.00 on the full ceramic bracelet, it will be available through the Formex Online Boutique and select authorized retailers. First shipments are expected to begin at the end of November 2026. Additional rubber, nylon and leather straps are available separately.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SKU

• 0336.4.6208.411

Dimensions

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

Weight

• 56 g for the case only; 137 g on the ceramic bracelet.

Water Resistance

• Water resistant to 100 meters / 330 feet.

Case

• Scratch-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic, predominantly sandblasted for a fine-grained, light-absorbing finish that minimizes visible fingerprints. Diamond-polished case bevels and an additional angled lower-bezel facet creating a narrow polished ring; sandblasted crown with diamond-polished beveled side. Integrated patented Case Suspension System with Grade 2 titanium movement 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

• Solid Muonionalusta meteorite, precision-cut and etched, then finished with an exceptionally thin black-gold galvanic plating (well under one micron). Naturally unique Widmanstätten crystalline structure. Gunmetal applied indices filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova®; red FORMEX and ESSENCE CHRONOMETER printing, red hour markings and SWISS MADE lettering on the chapter ring.

Hands

• Gunmetal hour and minute hands with brushed surfaces, polished bevels and BGW9 Super-LumiNova®; contrasting red central seconds hand.

Movement

• Self-winding Swiss Made Sellita SW200-2 Power+, 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 65-hour power reserve; COSC-certified chronometer. Central hours, minutes, seconds and date at 6 o’clock; hacking seconds and quick date correction.

Bracelet/Strap

• Clasps
• Solid-link zirconium oxide ceramic bracelet with a predominantly sandblasted finish, tapering from 22 mm to 20 mm. Removable pin-and-tube links. Patented ceramic clasp offering 5 mm of total micro-adjustment in four increments of 1.25 mm, adjustable on the wrist with the clasp closed and without tools. Quick-release bracelet and optional straps.
• 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 3’500.00
• USD 4’450.00
• EUR 4’190.00
• GBP 3’550.00
• CAD 5’500.00
• AUD 5’990.00
• JPY 665’000.00

International shipping, free 30-day returns and a three-year international warranty are included. Prices include duties and tariffs for deliveries to the United States, and all duties and taxes for deliveries to the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and the European Union.

Availability

• Launching October 16, 2026 at Windup Watch Fair NYC. Annual production of 100 pieces; first series numbered 001 to 100. Shipping is expected to start at the end of November 2026.
• Available on the Formex Online Boutique and at select local partners.