Editor’s note: This is simply a comparisons feature. If you wish to find out more about the Formex Essence 39 or Formex Reef, please head to our reviews here and here. For our other detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here. Please note that none of our posts are sponsored so if you like our work, you can support us by buying us a coffee.
The Watches
Both the Formex Essence 39 and Formex Essence 43 are great value for money sports watches that enthusiasts can actually buy without waiting around for years on some list that may or may not be a figment of some AD’s imagination.
- Formex Essence 39mm: Mother-of-pearl, white, blue, black, green and Dégradé dial options. Retailing for 2’050 on a strap and 2’250 on a bracelet (with the exception of the newly announced Formex Essence 39 mother-of-pearl that retails for a slightly higher 2’350 to 2’500 AUD)
- Formex Essence 43mm: Blue, black, green and Dégradé dial options, with a recently launched white dial option (latter pictured in detail below). Retailing for 2’050 on a strap and 2’250 on a bracelet
- Formex Reef 42mm: 5 dial options – fume blue, green or silver, and black or white. Mix and match with interchangeable blue, black, green or steel (silver) coloured bezels. Retailing for 3’000 AUD on a bracelet and 2’800 AUD on the black rubber strap.
The Pricing Strategy of Formex Essence 39 & 43
An interesting point to note is Formex’s pricing strategy with the Essence 39 and 43. I remember reading comments on forums and YouTube channels where the lower pricing of the 43mm version had people’s knickers in knots. I wouldn’t know what that was about, but currently, and I will add thankfully, I am pleased to note that both Formex Essence 39 & 43 retail for the same RRP.
I appreciate that there is no premium for any of the sizes, and depending upon what suits your wrists, you can get it for the same price. This is something we don’t see very often, though Christopher Ward also follows this strategy.
Available At: Formex online shop here.
Basic Measurements of Formex Essence 39 & Others
Formex Essence 39
- 39mm diameter
- 10mm thickness
- 45.6mm lug-to-lug
- 20mm lug interhorn spacing
- 41.6mm 9’o clock to 3’o clock including the crown
- 30mm dial by itself (sans bezel)
- 124g weight (with bracelet)
Formex Essence 43:
- 43mm diameter
- 10.6mm thickness
- 49.4mm lug-to-lug
- 22mm lug interhorn spacing
- 46mm 9’o clock to 3’o clock including the crown
- 33.3mm dial by itself (sans bezel)
- 147g weight (with bracelet)
Putting in perspective the sizing – How It Actually Wears
Audemars Piguet Millenary 15016ST
- 39mm x 34.5mm
- 8.5mm thickness
- 41.5mm lug-to-lug
- 20mm lug interhorn spacing
Breguet Marine 5817ST
- 39mm diameter
- 12mm thickness
- 50mm lug-to-lug
- 20mm lug interhorn spacing
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
- 39mm diameter
- 12.5mm thickness
- 47.2mm lug-to-lug
- 20mm interhorn spacing
In A Nutshell
Because it wears small, for anyone with slim wrists, or at least 16cm or less, the Formex Essence 39 version is a beaut. For those with 17cm or more, I would recommend the 43mm version. The Formex Reef is another beast, that does wear big, but even on my slim ~16cm wrist, it looked pretty freakin’ amazing.
For more information on the new Formex Essence 39 and other Formex watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are ©Watch Ya Gonna Do About It.
