Swiss watch brand
Formex: history, models and value
Formex is a young, family-owned watch brand from Biel/Bienne, known for its patented case suspension system and COSC-certified sports watches sold mostly direct to customers.
- Founded
- 1999
- Founder(s)
- Two brothers from Biel/Bienne
- Headquarters
- Biel/Bienne
- Owner / group
- Independent (Granito family)
Formex: origins and founding
Formex was conceived in 1999 in Biel/Bienne by two Swiss brothers who wanted to combine watches with their passion for motorsports. The company itself was set up around 2000. The name comes from the French forme extrême, meaning "extreme shape". Early models were large, sporty pieces, many of them chronographs.
Formex history and milestones
- 1999/2000: brand created in Biel with a patented case suspension system.
- Late 2000s: the financial crisis hits the young company hard, and it is largely dormant for several years.
- 2016: the Granito family takes over and Raphael Granito becomes CEO. Formex moves to direct online sales.
- 2018: a crowdfunding campaign for the Essence chronometer is funded very quickly.
- 2022–2023: the Field Automatic, Reef GMT and Essence Leggera are added.
Famous Formex models
- Essence: the core line, a steel automatic chronometer in sizes such as ThirtyNine and FortyOne.
- Essence Leggera: a lightweight version in carbon and ceramic.
- Reef: a 300 m dive watch, also as a GMT.
- Field Automatic: a titanium field watch and the entry point to the brand.
Older chronographs from the first era, such as the Motorsport and Element lines, have been discontinued.
Movements and technique
The signature feature is the Case Suspension System: the inner case sits on a cushion-like suspension inside the outer case, which is meant to absorb shocks. Modern Formex watches use Sellita automatic movements (SW200-1, SW300-1, SW330-2). Most current models, except the Field range, are COSC-certified chronometers.
Formex today
Formex is independent and owned by the Granito family, which also owns case maker Dexel and dial maker Cadranor. Cases and bracelets are made in Biel. The brand is in the entry-to-mid price segment and sells mainly online.
Formex prices on the pre-owned market
Formex is a value-driven brand, so pre-owned prices sit clearly below new retail. Current Essence and Reef chronometers in good condition with box, papers and all bracelet links sell most easily. Older first-generation chronographs are less known and harder to sell.
How to recognise a genuine Formex
Fakes are not a common problem with Formex, but check that the case shows the suspension construction, that the caseback and papers match the model, and that a COSC certificate is present for chronometer models. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch covers the general checks.
What is your Formex worth?
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Frequently asked questions
Is Formex a good watch brand?
Formex is a Swiss Made brand from Biel that uses Sellita movements, and most current models are COSC-certified. It is known for good specifications at its price point.
Who owns Formex?
Formex is independent and owned by the Granito family, who took it over in 2016. Raphael Granito is CEO.
What is the Formex case suspension system?
It is a patented construction in which the inner case is cushioned inside the outer case to absorb shocks and improve comfort.
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