Formex Essence ThirtyNine Chronometer with Space Glacier Meteorite Dial #0333-9-6693-100

The Space Glacier Dial: A Window into the Depths of Space and Time

Cut from a fragment of the Muonionalusta meteorite — one of the oldest known meteorites on earth at over 4.5 billion years — the dial of the Space Glacier carries within it the story of time itself. This fragment struck Earth just over a million years ago, after journeying across the cosmos where temperatures average –270°C. Space Glacier is no metaphor. It’s a statement. In its subtle ice-blue hue, the meteorite’s distinctive Widmanstätten pattern comes alive.

To do justice to the material’s natural brilliance, Formex developed a unique two-stage finishing process, combining advanced technology with age-old technique. First, a bright layer of 98% pure silver is electroplated directly onto the meteorite. Then, six ultra-thin layers of zapon teinté – a transparent, cellulose-based lacquer infused with just a hint of blue – are applied by hand. A perfect example of the brand’s enduring philosophy: to pursue excellence on two parallel tracks – tradition and innovation.

The Shift to Silver

In perfecting the Space Glacier dial, Formex made a pivotal shift. Earlier prototypes used rhodium, but under the glacier-blue lacquer, the effect was too subdued. The breakthrough came with 98% pure sterling silver, which unlocks an unprecedented level of clarity and contrast – and makes the dial truly come alive.

This innovation builds on techniques developed for the Space Gold, where Formex first pioneered electroplated 18k rose gold on meteorite. In essence, each release refines the craft – always looking to enhance, never to repeat.

Forged in Deep Space, Discovered in the Arctic

The Muonionalusta meteorite was first discovered north of the Arctic Circle, in what is now northern Scandinavia — a remote region locked in permafrost for most of the year and plunged into months of polar night. Impacting Earth more than a million years ago, this meteorite contains one of the oldest known materials on the planet: an iron core over 4.5 billion years old. The meteorite’s signature Widmanstätten pattern – the interlocking crystalline structure formed through millions of years of cooling on its voyage through space – forms organically and cannot be replicated. In other words, each Space Glacier dial is absolutely unique.

From Billions of Kilometers to 0.5 Millimeters

The meteorite dial on the Essence Space Glacier measures just 0.5 mm in thickness. It is its own canvas and yet it showcases a number of technical breakthroughs. Unlike most stone or meteorite dials, it is not glued to a brass plate. Instead, Formex directly solders the dial feet onto the meteorite itself – an approach only made possible by the material’s conductivity and the brand’s in-house expertise.

Perhaps most impressively, the Space Glacier features Formex’s signature beveled date window, machined directly into the meteorite. Precision-cut into this naturally brittle material, the angled aperture enhances both legibility and light play, thanks to the subtle contrast of the date wheel. As with all Formex timepieces, the brand forgoes the conventional black-on-white date display in favor of a more nuanced tone—one that complements the dial while preserving readability. Here, this discreet yet distinctive design choice adds yet another layer of depth to the dial.

“The Space Glacier felt like the natural next step after the Space Rock and Space Gold. But at Formex, we don’t just replicate what’s worked — we evolve. When we discovered that silver, not rhodium, brought out the full depth and brilliance of meteorite under the blue-tinted lacquer, it changed everything. That spirit — constantly refining, never settling — is part of our DNA. It comes from our roots in performance engineering and continues to shape every watch we make.”

–Raphael Granito, CEO Formex Watch SA

Engineered for Everyday Excellence - in 39 and 43 Millimeters

Encasing the Space Glacier dial is Formex’s signature Essence case — a high-performance design inspired by high-performance racing technology — available in both 39 mm and 43 mm sizes. The patented Case Suspension System uses four miniature springs between the upper and lower case to absorb shocks and optimize comfort. With a slim 10 mm (10.6 mm for the Essence 43 mm) profile, curved lugs, and precision-machined finishing, it delivers an ideal balance of robustness and wearability.

The hand-finished stainless steel case features vertically brushed surfaces offset by mirror-polished chamfers — a contrast echoed in the bracelet with Formex’s patented deployant clasp, and even the applied indices and logo. For improved legibility, the indices, logo, and hands receive a rhodium finish and are deep-filled with Super-LumiNova® BGW9, ensuring clear timekeeping in low-light conditions.

Comfort in Every Detail

For all-day, all-circumstance wearability, the Space Glacier includes Formex’s signature comfort features: the carbon fiber deployant clasp with gradual 7 mm micro-adjustment, and a quick-release system for tool-free strap and bracelet changes. The stainless steel bracelet includes screwed links, a 1.5x half link for precise sizing, and an integrated micro-extension, matching the comfort of the brand’s rubber and leather strap options.