Formex goes sci-fi classy with the Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer
Buffy Acacia- Formex has teamed up with Worn & Wound for a fresh limited edition of the Essence 39.
- The three new sector dials have been designed with a mesh of vintage classicism and sci-fi edge.
- Paired with a COSC-certified SW200-1, it’s a real value proposition at US$1,590.
For lovers of independent watchmaking, Formex is an absolute joy. It’s not just that their watches are attractive and priced well, but they’re not afraid to get a little bit crazy with innovations. The case suspension system, which we’ll come back to later, hasn’t caught on in the Swiss watchmaking scene, but that hasn’t stopped them from committing to it and its promise of total comfort. This collaboration between Formex and Worn & Wound brings the Essence Sector 39 Chronometer into the realms of science fiction, with three fantastic colour combinations.
The Formex Essence was part of the brand’s reinvention, with the original 43mm case introduced in 2018. Its main USP is the suspension system, which cleverly uses springs to separate the main body of the case from the lugs. This allows it to more easily conform to your arm and doesn’t restrict the movement of your wrist as much as other large watches do. The 39mm version which came later is even more ergonomic, and it’s become a fast fan favourite. The lug-to-lug length is only 45mm, which is super versatile for all kinds of wrists while maintaining a strong wrist presence. The screws which interrupt the bezel give it an industrial look, backed up by the coarse vertical brushing on the bezel and bracelet links. The outer edge of the bezel is polished though, trickling in a bit of refinement to support the dressier dial version.
As the name suggests, the Essence was originally intended to be quite a simple watch. Over the years, the dials have evolved to include phenomenal displays of meteorite, sunburst colours, and even mother of pearl. The Formex x Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer goes for a completely different angle, however, taking inspiration from a mix of vintage watch design and sci-fi aesthetics. It’s a combination that sounds like it shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The most classic is a white dial with a grey brushed sector ring, broken up further by a red crosshair. Next, we have a bright blue dial with pastel blue hands, making the red ring and the red date window especially punchy. Finally, a dark grey and beige arrangement echoes the dingy dust-scapes of Blade Runner, and is the most homogenous design of the bunch.
Visible from a sapphire display caseback, we can see the Swiss Sellita SW200-1. It’s the ubiquitous choice for a time and date movement these days, and it has proven its reliability as an automatic movement thoroughly. It’s also an affordable choice, even when it’s been chronometer-certified by COSC as this one has. That means it can guarantee a performance of -4/+6 seconds per day, which is a rare prospect from a watch of this price. It beats at 4Hz for a smooth seconds sweep and has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Considering that plus the case’s 100m water resistance, it would make a great daily wearer.
The Formex x Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer pricing and availability
The Formex x Worn & Wound Essence Sector 39 Chronometer is limited to 150 pieces and is available now. Price: US$1,590.
| Brand | Formex x Worn & Wound |
| Model | Essence Sector 39 Chronometer |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm (D) x 10mm (T) x 45mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Blue, white, or grey |
| Bracelet | 20mm stainless steel |
| Movement | Sellita SW200-1 COSC |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$1,590 |