Formex, a Swiss independent watchmaker founded in 2000 and rejuvenated in recent years under the guidance of Raphael Granito, continues to redefine the boundaries of precision horology with technical savvy and design ingenuity. The Essence 41mm Space Ghost, the inaugural model of this family, stands as an embodiment of advanced engineering and contemporary appeal, crafted for those who pursue distinction and substance in their timepiece.
A Celestial Dial
The dial of the Essence Space Ghost is its most arresting feature, blending the prehistoric allure of cosmic material with the standards of Swiss artistry. Cut directly from a 4.5-billion-year-old fragment of the Muonionalusta meteorite, the dial is not only a piece of outer space but a triumph of Formex’s proprietary stabilisation and finishing techniques.
After stabilisation with a chemical treatment that preserves the meteorite’s iconic Widmanstätten pattern, the dial receives a galvanic rhodium plating, endowing it with a lasting silvery sheen. The indices and logo are vertically brushed atop mirror-polished bevels, adding visual depth while offering exceptional clarity. Blued hands, paired with applied indices, stand proud above the dial, each generously filled with Super-LumiNova® BGW9 to ensure legibility in low light without sacrificing aesthetic refinement.
Well known, robust calibre
At the heart of the Space Ghost lies the chronometer-grade Sellita SW200-1 automatic calibre, certified to the rigorous standards of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). The movement features 26 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve, operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), engineered for both reliability and accuracy. Formex’s attention to detail extends beneath the dial, where the movement is fully decorated, showcasing a custom-made skeletonised rotor engraved with the brand’s insignia and adorned with blued screws. The harmonious interplay between skeletonisation and functional decoration invites the owner to admire the engine that powers this mechanical marvel through the exhibition case back, itself crafted from sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.
Engineering in Steel and Titanium
The Essence 41mm’s case upholds Formex’s reputation for ergonomic comfort and structural innovation. Constructed using a blend of surgical-grade 316L stainless steel and a titanium grade 2 container, the case is robust yet strikingly lightweight, with the case alone weighing only 75 grams (2.65 ounces). At 41mm in diameter and 10.6mm in height, the watch sits balanced on the wrist with a quietly assertive profile, further complemented by a 22mm lug width and an overall lug-to-lug measurement of 46.5mm. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres (330 feet), safeguarding the timepiece across daily and adventurous contexts. Central to Formex’s design DNA is its patented Case Suspension System, which introduces an element of shock absorption and enhanced comfort, marking the brand as a pioneer in ergonomic watch architecture.
The case back mirrors the front crystal, combining stainless steel with a scratch-resistant sapphire window, allowing a full view of the decorated movement. Formex’s thoughtful integration of function and ease is also evident in its interchangeable bracelet and strap solutions: the steel bracelet with screwed links features a patented on-the-fly fine adjustment system, while alternative fastenings in leather, rubber, or nylon utilise a carbon fibre deployant clasp equipped for gradual micro-adjustments. All options employ a patented Quick Release system, eliminating the need for tools and permitting seamless transitions.
Uber cool but affordable beast
The Formex Essence 41mm Space Ghost arrives as a limited production, the first dial variant in a series, with only 150 pieces made available annually. Pre-orders commenced on 14 August 2025, with deliveries expected to begin mid-September. Priced at $2,190 on a strap and $2,290 on a steel bracelet, including taxes and international warranty, it is a rare opportunity for connoisseurs to secure a Swiss mechanical watch that bridges terrestrial craft with the infinite wonder of the cosmos. In the words of Formex’s philosophy, the Essence Space Ghost is a timepiece shaped by innovation and crafted by experts, purpose-built for those whose appreciation of watchmaking goes far beyond the surface.
