In anticipation of the WindUp Watch Fair San Francisco 2024, Formex announced a new version of their fan-favorite 39mm Essence watch with a meteorite dial.
Building on the concept of the sold-out Essence 39mm Space Rock model, released in 2022 in a limited run of just 88 pieces, the new Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold features an innovative dial made entirely from a solid piece of meteorite and coated with luxurious 18k rose gold.
In terms of design and functionality, the new Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold is the same watch as the standard 39mm Essence model, featuring a multi-component case made from satin-finished and polished 316L stainless steel, built around an inner section of Grade 2 titanium housing the movement. Like the standard versions, the Essence 39mm Space Gold case has a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 10mm, with compact lugs set 20mm apart, expanding to create an overall lug-to-lug profile of 45mm.
A flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment protects the dial of the Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold, with an additional sapphire crystal fitted to the screw-down case back, and at 3 o'clock is a signed crown with a gasket system ensuring 100 meters of water resistance. Like all other Essence models from Formex, the new Essence 39mm Space Gold is equipped with a patented case suspension system, where the central part is attached to the outer section using a spring system, enhancing shock resistance while providing incredible comfort on the wrist.
The real distinguishing feature of the new Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold is the gold-plated meteorite dial. Formex manufactures all its dials in-house, and while colored meteorite dials are not new, the dial on the new Essence 39mm Space Gold differs in two key areas.
Almost all colored meteorite dials are created using a standard PVD process; however, due to the high iron content in meteorites, Formex began experimenting with electroplating the meteorite itself, discovering they could successfully fuse 18k rose gold directly onto the meteorite surface. The dial of the Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold is not merely colored to resemble meteorite but has a highly lustrous appearance while preserving the unique Widmanstätten patterns, characteristic of each dial, and are an integral part of this otherworldly material.
The second way the dial of the Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold differs from standard meteorite dials involves the actual construction of the piece. Most meteorite dials (including the one fitted to the limited Essence 39mm Space Rock model) are created by attaching a thin piece of meteorite to a metal base that serves as its foundation.
However, for the Essence 39mm Space Gold dial, Formex took a thick piece of Muonionalusta meteorite and soldered the dial feet directly to the back, eliminating the need for a metal base. This approach allowed Formex to carve a signature beveled date window into the meteorite, with the hands and applied hour markers receiving a gunmetal finish with Super-LumiNova BGW9 accents for strong contrast and enhanced visibility in dark environments.
The remaining details of the Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold follow in the footsteps of its siblings, powered by the chronometer-grade Sellita SW200-1 caliber, operating at a frequency of 28,800 per hour and offering a power reserve of 41 hours. As the top execution of this popular design, Cal. SW200-1 in the Essence 39mm Space Gold includes several premium components not found in standard models (such as a Glucydur balance wheel), and features a higher level of decoration, including blued screws, pearlage on the bridges, and a skeletonized Formex rotor.
Additionally, the COSC-certified chronometer Essence 39mm Space Gold is guaranteed to keep time within -4/+6 seconds per day, with its movement proudly displayed through the sapphire window in the case back.
The Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold is offered with the same selection of straps and bracelets as its regular siblings, meaning buyers can choose either a three-link stainless steel bracelet or a two-piece strap with fixed ends made from Italian leather or black rubber. Formex bracelets are very well thought out, and the bracelet for the Essence 39mm model consists of entirely solid components, single-sided screws for removable links, quick-release spring bars at the lugs, and an elegant folding clasp featuring a built-in 4mm micro-extension. Regardless of material and color, all strap options pair with a signature folding clasp made from composite carbon fiber, incorporating a patented fine adjustment extension system of 7mm.
Formex consistently provides a high value-for-money ratio, and even models with exotic dials come with a relatively modest premium. The new Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold is priced at $1,890 USD with a strap or $1,990 USD if buyers prefer a stainless steel bracelet, representing a fairly modest price increase of a few hundred dollars compared to the regular versions of the model.
Moreover, although the first 100 pieces will be individually numbered, Formex has not stated that the Essence 39mm Space Gold will be released as a limited edition, meaning we may see the return of this striking model with a gold-plated 18k meteorite dial in the future. More information about the Formex Essence 39mm Space Gold can be found on the brand's website. 
