Mastering the Art and Engineering of Ceramic
Formex kicked off its 25th Anniverary year with the launch of Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC—a watch that elevates ceramic craftsmanship with its striking combination of vertical-brushed and diamond-polished finishes. Thanks to Formex’s close connection with Dexel—a leader in ceramic machining and finishing with over 40 years of expertise—the Essence Ceramica Skeleton pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in ceramic watchmaking.
Formex re-engineered the Essence concept from the ground up to fully embrace the design and technical possibilities of ceramic. Over three years of meticulous development resulted in a watch that seamlessly combines aesthetics, durability, and high performance.
The result? A watch that remains as pristine as the day it was crafted—forever.
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Sculpted Transparency
Inside, a COSC-certified movement ensures top-tier chronometric performance, visible through the sapphire crystal front and back. The ruthenium-plated, vertically brushed bridges harmonize with the openworked dial. Brushed and polished surfaces interact with the skeletonized movement, and thoughtfully applied Super-LumiNova® accents enhance legibility without disrupting the aesthetic.
Check out the inaugural Vancouver Timepiece Show
Dynamic Comfort
A defining feature of the Essence Ceramica is Formex’s patented Case Suspension System, designed to protect the watch while ensuring a perfect, naturally snug fit on the wrist—adapting dynamically to wrist movements and subtle size changes due to temperature fluctuations. Re-engineering this system for ceramic was a major breakthrough, maintaining both structural integrity and optimal ergonomics without compromising the watch’s sleek design.
Micro-Adjustable Ceramic Bracelet
Extending this precision engineering beyond the case, the full-ceramic bracelet mirrors the meticulous finishing of the watch itself. However, a true innovation lies in Formex’s patented micro-adjustable ceramic clasp—the first of its kind—integrated seamlessly into the bracelet. Unlike traditional metal clasps, ceramic’s hardness makes such fine-tuned engineering extraordinarily challenging. Yet, Formex has succeeded in developing a clasp that not only matches the bracelet’s design but also incorporates its patented micro-adjustment system, ensuring perfect comfort at all times.
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Pricing & Availability
The Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC is available in four distinctive variations, each offering a unique balance of color and contrast. Prices start at CHF 3,970.00 for the three “Stradale” editions, and CHF 4,150.00 for the “GT” edition on the ceramic bracelet. Each edition is limited to 88 individually numbered pieces.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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