Formex Essence ThirtyNine Chronometer with Space Gold Meteorite Dial #0339.9.6695.101

PRE-ORDER. Expect shipment June 5, 2026. Purchase guarantees you will receive one.

Formex Swiss Made Watches announces the 2026 restock of its Essence Space Gold Automatic, returning in the upgraded Essence 39 platform. The application of 18k rose gold onto a real meteorite dial is a groundbreaking development from the brand’s family-owned dial manufacture. While coloring meteorite is not a new concept, Formex diverges from the conventional PVD coating approach. Instead, an innovative process leverages the meteorite’s rich iron content to facilitate authentic gold deposition through electroplating. The outcome is nothing short of spectacular. The infusion of precious metal accentuates the mesmerizing Widmanstätten pattern inherent in the Muonionalusta meteorite, imbuing each dial with captivating depth and an unmistakable touch of elegance. As these natural textures cannot be artificially reproduced, every dial is inherently unique. Now housed in the upgraded Essence 39 mm case, the “Space Gold” features a screw-down crown integrated into the patented Case Suspension System and is paired with a redesigned stainless steel bracelet offering on-the-fly fine adjustment for enhanced comfort. The watch is powered by a highly precise COSC-certified Swiss automatic movement. The 2026 production batch is limited to 150 pieces. Pre-orders open April 24, 2026, with deliveries commencing in late May.

A “Precious” Meteorite on Your Wrist
Some four ice ages ago, an iron meteorite blasted into the Earth’s atmosphere and slammed into a 25 x 15 kilometer area that sits north of the Arctic circle, centered at 67°49’ N, 23°9’ E in what is now northern Scandinavia. Besides their remote location, finding these meteorite fragments is extremely difficult as the ground is completely frozen solid most of the year, and the area is also covered in 24 hours of darkness for several months at a time. To make a dial from this unique extraterrestrial material, special machining and treatments are required to reveal the distinct characteristics of this ancient iron-based meteorite. The beautiful equilateral triangles that create the naturally occurring Widmanstätten pattern are the result of a very slow cooling process that takes place over the course of millions of years, during which the crystalline structure of the minerals within the core of the asteroid changes.

After being cut, the dial is plated with 18k rose gold. Formex utilizes the meteorite’s high iron content to facilitate depositing real gold via electroplating – a groundbreaking feat in dial manufacturing. While coloring meteorite is not a new concept, applying precious metals diverges from the conventional PVD coating approach. Through the application of real gold, the meteorite’s inherent patterns are accentuated, enriching each dial with a mesmerizing depth. Given the organic texture, each dial becomes a one-of-a-kind marvel crafted by nature’s hand.

Formex further increased the thickness of the dial to allow soldering the dial feet, which attach the dial to the movement, directly into the meteorite. The standard process when working with stone dials is to glue the stone dial onto a brass plate. Having a thicker meteorite dial allowed Formex to carve out a beveled date window, a signature design element across all Formex timepieces. This development is a product of intense prototyping carried out in Formex’s dial manufacture located in the Swiss Jura mountains.

Upgraded Stainless Steel Case
Inspired by high-performance engineering in cycling and motorsport, the Essence 39 features Formex’s patented Case Suspension System, with four springs integrated between the upper and lower case to absorb shocks and enhance wearing comfort. In its upgraded configuration, the case now incorporates a screw-down crown seamlessly integrated into the suspension system, increasing robustness while preserving the model’s refined 10 mm slim profile and ergonomic fit. The vertically brushed case and bezel are complemented by hand-finished, mirror-polished bevels, underscoring the brand’s attention to detail. This interplay of brushed surfaces and polished chamfers extends throughout the watch—from the case architecture to the hands, applied indices, and Formex logo. For optimal legibility, these elements feature a contrasting finish and are filled with Super-LumiNova® BGW9, ensuring clear timekeeping even in low-light conditions.

A Certified Automatic Chronometer
Driving the hands is a Swiss Made, COSC-Certified Chronometer Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 41 hours. We've chosen the highest quality "Chronometer" grade because it offers premium components not found on the standard versions of this caliber, such as a Glucydur balance wheel, which is exceptionally hard and stable, in addition to being highly resistant to deformation, non-magnetic, and also non-corrosive. The fully-decorated automatic movement features thermally blued screws, and it is wound by Formex’s custom-built skeletonized rotor. Each one of these movements is independently certified by the COSC (the official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) and undergoes the meticulous 15-day rate test to ensure extraordinary levels of mechanical accuracy, reliability, and precision.

Built for Everyday Wear
In addition to shaping its signature visual appeal, every detail of the Essence serves a purpose. For a watch to be truly suited to all occasions, it must feel exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. The Essence features Formex’s patented Case Suspension System and is paired with an upgraded stainless-steel bracelet, now equipped with a refined 3-position, on-the-fly micro-adjustment system integrated into the clasp. This allows for precise, tool-free sizing directly on the wrist, without opening the clasp, across three gradual positions: 0 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm. For leather, rubber, and the new nylon strap options, the Essence is fitted with a lightweight carbon fiber deployant clasp, featuring a patented gradual fine-adjustment system offering up to 7 mm of extension for a precise fit throughout the day. All straps, including the stainless-steel bracelet, can be changed within seconds and without tools thanks to the built-in quick-release system. The bracelet also features screwed links for enhanced sizing flexibility, ensuring an optimal fit across a wide range of wrist sizes.