Formex Launches Essence 41mm “Space Ghost” with Meteorite Dial and Upgrades

By Brent Robillard

A New Size, Familiar Precision

Biel/Bienne-based Formex continues its 25th anniversary streak with a measured yet meaningful addition to the Essence collection: the new 41mm “Space Ghost,” the first Essence to feature a case size between the existing 39mm and 43mm offerings. The release introduces more than just new dimensions. Headlining the launch is a silvery meteorite dial cut from the 4.5-billion-year-old Muonionalusta meteorite, a material whose Widmanstätten pattern makes each piece visually distinct.

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Key Features of the Formex Essence 41mm “Space Ghost”

Formex, known for its technical design ethos and direct-to-consumer model, has steadily carved a space in the enthusiast community by offering performance-focused tool watches at accessible price points. The new Essence 41mm builds on that foundation, blending materials innovation with functional upgrades—many of which stem directly from community feedback.

The stainless steel case brings updated proportions that should appeal to those seeking a versatile middle ground in fit. Like other Essence models, the 41mm is compatible with Formex’s full suite of quick-change straps and bracelets. Inside, the watch is powered by a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement—familiar, serviceable, and Swiss.

Innovations

Several subtle but substantive improvements debut on the Space Ghost. A redesigned micro-adjustable butterfly clasp for the steel bracelet offers on-the-fly fit adjustments in three increments—0mm, 3mm, and 6mm—without the need to open the clasp. Formex also reengineered the crown, integrating it more securely into the brand’s shock-absorbing Case Suspension System, and redesigned the bracelet link screws to avoid threadlocker altogether—a small change that may translate into easier maintenance and improved long-term durability.

Dialed in

The meteorite dial itself is treated with a proprietary anti-oxidation process developed in partnership with sister company Cadranor. It’s finished with galvanic rhodium plating to preserve the stone’s natural texture while enhancing its silvery tone. Blued hands and markers are drilled directly into the meteorite surface, rather than mounted on a secondary ring—an approach that’s more difficult to execute but consistent with Formex’s attention to structural design.

Only 150 examples of the Space Ghost will be produced each year.

Final Thoughts

Formex’s anniversary releases suggest a brand not content to sit still. While the 41mm size fills a practical gap in the collection, the updates throughout show how incremental refinement can yield a watch that feels like more than the sum of its parts.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders open today at $2,190 on leather, rubber, or nylon straps, and $2,290 on the updated stainless steel bracelet with the new clasp. Deliveries are expected to begin in mid-September. Please visit the brand website for more details.

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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