Formex releases a new version of its Essence Ceramica as part of WindUp 2026, giving the model a fresh look.
The meteorite dial features a black gold treatment and bold red accents. The case and bracelet are now sandblasted matte, giving the model a stealthier look.
The Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift will be limited to 100 pieces per year and is priced at US$4,450.
Formex’s Essence line has been a great success for the brand. Its versatile good looks, quality finishing, and proprietary comfort features make for a compelling offering. With steel, carbon fibre, and the latest ceramic models joining the Essence stable in 2025, there are also a variety of sizes and colours to complement the different materials, displaying the model’s versatility with a model for almost every wrist. The Formex Essence Ceramica was a notable release, featuring a full ceramic case and bracelet with a full ceramic clasp with micro-adjustment. The inclusion of a ceramic clasp with micro-adjustment was an industry first, putting Formex’s ability for innovation, quality, and value at the forefront. Continuing the success of the Essence Ceramica, Formex releases the Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift as part of WindUp 2026, giving the brand’s full ceramic all-rounder a fresh look.
The case of the Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift maintains the form-factor we know and love. The ceramic case measures 41mm in diameter, 11.2mm thick, 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and has a 22mm lug width. The case features Formex’s patented Case Suspension System, with its spring-loaded centre case that allows the watch to move with the movement of the wrist and acts as additional shock absorption to protect the movement held within a grade 2 titanium inner case.
New for this model is the case finishing. The case is mostly matte sandblasted, which absorbs light and minimises the appearance of fingerprints. To give the watch some visual shape, the outer edges of the case, bezel, and bracelet are diamond-polished, providing a contrasting reflective surface to the predominantly matte case and bracelet.
The dial continues Formex’s Dark Matter line’s use of solid Muonionalusta meteorite. This time, the dial is finished with a thin black-gold galvanic plating measuring less than one micron thick, giving the dial its colour while maintaining the texture and sheen of the meteorite. The indices, hour, and minute hands have a gunmetal finish and are filled with BGW9 Super-LumiNova. The outer chapter ring, seconds hand, Formex logo, and lower dial text are all done in a bright, vibrant red. At the bottom of the dial is a date display with a black date wheel and white printing.
Powering the Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift is the Sellita SW200-2 Power+. This recently released version of the Sellita SW200 operates at 28,800 bph, has an improved 65-hour power reserve, and in this instance, is COSC chronometer certified.
As previously mentioned, the Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift features a full ceramic bracelet with a ceramic clasp. The clasp has 5mm of adjustment in total, with four increments of 1.25mm. Formex also offers rubber, nylon, and leather straps, which include the brand’s carbon-fibre deployant clasp with 7mm of micro-adjustment. The ceramic bracelet and all straps feature quick-release spring bars, making it easy to switch between strap and bracelet options.
As a fan of ceramic watches, the Formex Essence Ceramica was an exciting release. This new version drastically changes the look of the watch, and I think for the better. Besides being a total sucker for anything black and red, the mostly matte case and bracelet with the contrasting polished edges give the watch a whole new look. With a more subdued dial, this would likely result in a more subtle watch with a low profile, which certainly has its place. With the Dark Matter RedShift’s bright red accents and meteorite dial, the only descriptor that comes to mind is “badass.”
Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift pricing and availability
The Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift is available for pre-order now from the Time+Tide Shop and the Time+Tide Studios in London and New York, with watches shipping in November 2026. Production is limited to 100 pieces annually. Price: US$4,450.
Brand
Formex
Model
Essence Ceramica Dark Matter RedShift
Case Dimensions
41mm (D) x 11.2mm (T) x 46.5mm (LTL)
Case Material
Sandblasted black ceramic with titanium case container
Water Resistance
100 meters
Crystal(s)
Sapphire front and back
Dial
Solid Muonionalusta meteorite, finished with dark-nickel treatment, red accents
Lug Width
22mm
Bracelet
Sandblasted black ceramic three-link bracelet, micro-adjustment clasp, quick-release
Movement
Sellita SW200-2+, COSC, automatic
Power Reserve
65 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability
Limited to 100 pieces per year
Price
US$4,450