Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Formex continues to excite while exploring materials and mechanical substance with the new Essence Ceramica Dark Matter, a watch that fuses the brand’s most advanced ceramic construction with a dial cut from the depths of space itself. Following the Essence Space Ghost and the full-ceramic Essence Ceramica, this latest creation unites two of the brand’s achievements: the meteorite dials that became collector favourites in the steel Essence series, and the full-ceramic (case and bracelet) model introduced earlier this year.
The Formex Essence line, launched in 2018, is based on modern, sports chronometers with its patented Case Suspension System, COSC-certified movements, and functional, ergonomic design. Over time, the collection expanded, from the rugged steel and titanium editions to the Space Rock and Space Ghost meteorite models, and most recently, the Essence Ceramica, the brand’s first watch to feature a full ceramic case, bracelet, and micro-adjustable clasp.
The new Dark Matter is the most ambitious of them all. Its 41mm x 11.2mm case, made from zirconium oxide ceramic, houses Formex’s signature suspension system and features a screw-down crown, a rare achievement in such a hard and brittle material. The ceramic surfaces are vertically brushed and diamond-polished, revealing crisp transitions and light reflections. The case weighs 56 grams, offering great comfort and scratch resistance, a few times greater than steel.
The dial is cut from a solid piece of Muonionalusta meteorite, blackened through a proprietary dark-nickel electroplating process that enhances the Widmanstätten pattern, an interlocking crystalline structure formed in space over millions of years. Unlike most meteorite dials that are bonded to brass plates, the Essence Ceramica Dark Matter’s dial is fully structural, with soldered feet and a precision-milled date window at 6 o’clock. Gun-metal indices and hands with BGW9 Super-LumiNova provide subtle contrast against the dark cosmic texture.
Powering the Dark Matter is the Soprod Newton P092, a new COSC-certified automatic calibre developed exclusively for Formex. Its design places the balance wheel at 6 o’clock under a transverse bridge for enhanced shock resistance. Independently Chronofiable-tested for endurance, the movement beats at 28,800 vibrations/hour, offers a 44-hour power reserve, and is visible through the sapphire back with modern black-gold finishing and a skeletonised rotor.
The full-ceramic bracelet is vertically brushed and fitted with the micro-adjustable ceramic clasp. The patented system allows fine-tuning of 5mm in 1.25mm increments, adjustable on the fly, without opening the clasp or removing the watch. Alternative rubber, nylon, and leather straps with a carbon-fibre deployant clasp are available, all interchangeable thanks to a quick-release system.
Limited to 100 pieces per year, the Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter COSC is available for pre-order immediately, with deliveries beginning mid-January 2026. It is priced at CHF 4,150, EUR 4,590 or USD 4,920. More information at formexwatch.com.
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