Formex Field Automatic Gen 2

Formex has unveiled the next generation of its Field collection, the Field Automatic Gen 2, a series of timepieces engineered to push the boundaries of what a modern field watch can be. This updated line introduces three distinct new dial colors and incorporates significant engineering advancements, all encased in a robust titanium shell designed for both resilience and a sleek profile suitable for everyday wear. The Field Automatic Gen 2 aims to bridge the gap between rugged outdoor utility and sophisticated urban appeal, acknowledging that the "field" can be any environment life takes you.



The journey of Formex began in the year 2000, establishing itself with a commitment to Swiss Made quality and a relentless drive to innovate within high-performance watchmaking. Operating independently from its Biel/Bienne headquarters, the brand experienced a significant revitalization in 2016 under the stewardship of Raphael Granito. His family's deep-rooted expertise in the watch industry, through ownership of Dexel, a key component supplier, and Cadranor, a high-end dial manufacturer, infused Formex with enhanced technical capabilities and a significant degree of vertical integration. The name "Formex" itself, derived from the French "FORMe EXtrême" or "extreme shape," hints at its origins on the racetrack and its continued evolution into a leader in precision engineering, ergonomic comfort, and the use of advanced materials.



This new iteration of the Field Automatic is more than a simple update; it represents a thoughtful evolution, elevating a watch already conceived for versatility into an indispensable instrument. It’s designed to transition seamlessly from the demanding conditions of the backcountry to the polished environment of a boardroom, making it a truly adaptable companion for the modern adventurer. The core idea is that this watch should not only perform but also inspire, reflecting the diverse experiences of its wearer.



Visually, the Field Automatic Gen 2 makes an immediate impression with its functional yet refined aesthetic. The watches present a clean, purposeful look, with a clear emphasis on legibility and durability. The 40mm case, crafted from Grade 2 titanium, has a distinct matte finish, giving it an understated, tool-like appearance that resists glare and fingerprints. This surface treatment, achieved through sandblasting, also imparts a soft, tactile quality to the case. Despite its robust nature, the case features intricate beveling and precisely shaped lugs, adding a layer of visual complexity that speaks to the brand's attention to detail.



The most striking visual update comes in the form of three new dial colors: Ice Blue, Coho Salmon, and Basalt Grey. The Ice Blue variant offers a cool, crisp look, reminiscent of clear glacial waters, providing a serene yet bold face. The Coho Salmon dial radiates a warm, earthy hue, akin to a natural sunset, lending the watch an organic and inviting feel. The Basalt Grey option provides a more neutral, urban-inspired tone, grounded and versatile. Each color has been chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to maintain maximum legibility under various lighting conditions.



The case back of the Field Automatic Gen 2 is a solid expanse of Grade 2 titanium, mirroring the material of the main case body. It features a distinctive hexagonal pattern centrally, with the Formex "FG" logo neatly engraved within it. Essential information such as "TITANIUM," "150M" (indicating water resistance), "FIELD," and "SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL" is clearly marked, underscoring the watch's capabilities and material quality. This practical yet well-executed case back ensures the watch sits comfortably against the skin while sealing the movement effectively.



Delving deeper into the dial, Formex has engineered a technically challenging dual-component construction. This involves a flat, sunburst-finished central disc, which catches and plays with light, surrounded by a sloped minute track that extends the radial brushing effect towards the rehaut. This creates a subtle saucer-like profile, adding a remarkable sense of depth. Adding to this dimensionality are the sandwich-style recessed numerals, a characteristic feature that provides a three-dimensional effect. These stencil-style numerals, which include cardinal markers and a full numeral chapter ring, nod to military heritage yet project a distinctly contemporary vibe, enriching the information displayed without creating clutter.



The hands are vertically brushed, contributing to the overall legibility and providing a subtle contrast to the dial finishes. They are generously filled with Super-LumiNova®, which is color-adjusted to blend seamlessly with the hands during the day, giving them more presence. The date window, a signature Formex beveled design, is meticulously color-matched to the dial, ensuring it integrates smoothly rather than disrupting the visual harmony. This attention to detail extends to the Super-LumiNova itself; in low light conditions, it provides a clear and lasting glow for easy time reading.



At the heart of the Field Automatic Gen 2's resilience is its 40mm case, constructed from Grade 2 titanium. This material is inherently lightweight, hypoallergenic, anti-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for a watch intended for prolonged and active wear. Formex specifically chose Grade 2 titanium for its superior workability compared to the harder Grade 5, allowing for precise sandblasting and shaping to achieve the desired matte texture and faceted case design. This process yields a soft, tactile feel that aligns perfectly with the character of a field watch.



To bolster its durability, Formex subjects the Grade 2 titanium case to a proprietary hardening process. This treatment significantly boosts its surface hardness from the natural 145 Vickers (HV) to an exceptional 900 HV. This makes the case remarkably robust and nearly three times harder than even Grade 5 titanium, offering superior scratch resistance while retaining the inherent benefits of Grade 2. An interesting characteristic of this chosen material is its tendency to develop a natural patina over time, subtly evolving with the wearer as its surface reacts to individual skin chemistry and environmental exposures, making each watch uniquely personal.



The dimensions of the case are thoughtfully considered for wearability: a 40mm diameter, a relatively slim 10.5mm height, a 20mm lug width, and a 48mm lug-to-lug measurement. These proportions ensure the watch has a significant presence on the wrist without feeling overly bulky, allowing it to slide comfortably under a cuff. The case alone weighs a mere 54 grams (1.9oz), emphasizing the lightweight comfort of titanium. Water resistance is rated at an ample 150 meters (500 feet), making it suitable for swimming and various water-based activities. Protecting the intricate dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating to minimize glare and maximize clarity.



The dial options are a key highlight of the Gen 2 release. The Ice Blue dial features blacked-out Super-LumiNova Grade A, offering a stark, legible contrast. Similarly, the Coho Salmon dial is paired with blacked-out Super-LumiNova Grade A. The Basalt Grey variant uses Super-LumiNova BGW09 Grade A, known for its bright blue glow. The dual-component construction, with its sunburst center and sloped minute track, creates a dynamic visual. Recessed 5-minute markers are deep-filled with this color-adjusted Super-LumiNova. A sub-dial ring with a grainy finish adds another textural element, complementing the Formex signature beveled date window with its color-matched date disc.



Powering the Field Automatic Gen 2 is the reliable Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, in its Standard grade. This workhorse caliber is well-regarded in the industry for its robustness and ease of service. It features 26 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and provides a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The movement offers a date display, conveniently located on the dial. This choice of movement underscores Formex's commitment to providing a dependable and accurate timekeeping experience.



Complementing the watch heads are newly introduced nylon straps, engineered to mirror the collection’s thoughtful design. These straps, available in black, blue, and khaki green, are woven from an innovative blend of nylon and Velcro. This combination offers both durability and an unexpected depth of texture and tone, echoing the dimensional interplay of the dial. These straps are more than just a practical solution; they are an intentional design statement, enhancing comfort and adaptability across various climates and conditions, from misty forest trails to urban environments.



For occasions demanding a different aesthetic, the Field Automatic Gen 2 also offers a range of Bolgheri leather strap options. These come in various colors including black, leone brown, caraffa brown, blue, and violet. The leather straps are paired with Formex's patented carbon fiber composite deployant clasp, which features a gradual 7mm fine-adjustment system. This allows the wearer to make precise adjustments to the fit on the fly, without removing the watch, ensuring optimal comfort throughout the day as wrist size naturally fluctuates. All strap options, both nylon and leather, are equipped with a Quick Release system, enabling tool-free changes for maximum versatility.



The engineering philosophy behind every Formex timepiece, including the Field Automatic Gen 2, is geared towards uncompromising performance across any environment. The watch is shock-resistant, ensuring it can handle the rigors of active use. Every element serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics. The faceted case geometry and high-contrast dial architecture are designed for instant legibility. The recessed luminous numerals glow reliably in low light, and the patented fine-adjustment clasp adapts effortlessly to changing conditions. This is a watch built to thrive under pressure, embodying the essence of a true field instrument.



As Raphael Granito, CEO of Formex Watch SA, articulates, "What I love about the Field collection is that it lets us challenge expectations. We see the field watch as a piece of kit that is bare bones but sophisticated — meaning it can be thoughtfully engineered, beautifully finished, and still deliver the rugged dependability people expect. The Formex Field embodies our approach of offering exceptional value, of exceeding expectations not just in materials and finishing, but in the entire experience of wearing the watch. This isn’t just a watch that does the job — it takes pride in how it gets it done. That’s why the Field isn’t just rugged or refined; it’s both, in equal measure." This sentiment encapsulates the dual nature of the Field Automatic Gen 2 – a tool and a statement.



The new Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 watches are available for pre-order starting May 22nd, 2025. The pricing begins at $870.00 US dollars on a nylon/Velcro strap. For those opting for a leather strap featuring the carbon deployant clasp, the price is $995.00 USD. Equivalent pricing in other currencies is €850.00 / £780.00 / CHF 750.00 for the nylon strap version, and €990.00 / £890.00 / CHF 895.00 for the leather strap version.



Case: Grade 2 Titanium, 40mm diameter, 10.5mm height, 48mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width; 54g case weight. Surface hard-coated to 900 HV. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. Titanium Grade 2 screw-down case back. Water resistance 150 meters / 500 feet.

Movement: Swiss Made Sellita SW200-1 Automatic (Standard grade). 26 jewels, frequency 28,800 A/h (4 Hz). 41-hour power reserve. Features date display.

Dial: Options: Ice Blue, Coho Salmon, Basalt Grey. Dual-component construction: flat sunburst center, sloped minute track. Sandwich-style recessed numerals; recessed 5-minute markers deep-filled with color-adjusted Super-LumiNova® (Grade A or BGW09). Formex signature beveled date window with color-matched date-disc.

Strap: Nylon velcro straps (black, blue, khaki green). Bolgheri leather straps (black, leone brown, caraffa brown, blue, violet) with carbon fiber composite deployant clasp featuring patented gradual 7mm fine adjustment. All straps feature tool-less Quick Release system.

Price: $870.00 / €850.00 / £780.00 / CHF 750.00 on nylon/velcro strap. $995.00 / €990.00 / £890.00 / CHF 895.00 on leather strap with deployant clasp.

Reference Number: Field Automatic 40 mm Ice Blue: SKU 0660.1.6535; Field Automatic 40 mm Coho Salmon: SKU 0660.1.6555; Field Automatic 40 mm Basalt Grey: SKU 0660.1.6525.

Notes: Case crafted from Grade 2 titanium hardened from 145 HV to 900 HV for enhanced scratch resistance while retaining lightness. Technically complex dual-component dial construction amplifies dimensionality and legibility. Leather straps feature Formex's patented on-the-fly fine-adjustment deployant clasp.