Formex, the independent watch manufacturer based in Switzerland’s watch city Biel/Bienne, has recently launched a Kickstarter online crowd funding campaign to fund the mass production of their Essence Automatic Chronometer watch.
The Essence Automatic Chronometer is the first ever officially COSC-certified Swiss Made Automatic Chronometer to be launched on Kickstarter.
This COSC certified timepiece houses a fully decorated Sellita SW200-1 Chronometer Automatic movement inside a stainless-steel case, which features partly brushed and partly mirror polished, hand finished surfaces.
In addition to COSC certified watch, the brand also offers a basic automatic model equipped with ETA 2824-2 movement. Both Sellita SW200-1 COSC and ETA 2824-2 basic movement versions share a classic three central hands lay out with date at 6’o clock. Power reserve is 38 hours.
Formex has more than 2 decades of experience in the design, development and manufacturing of high quality Swiss sports watches. The Essence Automatic Chronometer is equipped with the patented Formex Case Suspension System that provides shock absorption to protect the watch movement.
Measuring 43mm diameter, the watch case is made from 316L stainless steel and features grade 2 titanium container. Fitted with pull-out crown and double AR coated sapphire crystal top glass and case-back, the watch has a water resistance up to 100 meters.
The chronometer version is available in galvanic black, blue, brown or silver dial featuring vertical brush finish with CNC machined horizontal lines. The basic automatic model is available with galvanic black, blue or silver dial featuring sunray finish.
Both versions feature applied diamond cut indices with grade A BGW9 super-luminova with blue emission. The hands feature centre brushed recess with mirror polished facets and grade A BGW9 super-luminova with blue emission.
Securing the timepiece to the wrist is an Italian calf leather strap with quick release spring bars and carbon micro-fiber composite folding clasp with patented fine adjustment system. The watch is also available with options of metal bracelet, rubber strap and Nylon strap.
During the Kickstarter campaign, Early-Bird prices start as low as $680 (c.€586/£521) for Chronometer model and the automatic version (without COSC certificate and with sunray dial) is available from $385 (c.€332/£295). After the campaign on Kickstarter, the models will subsequently be offered on Formex’s Online Shop at about $1,100 (c.€949/£843) and $650 (c.€560/£498), respectively.
Launched on 25 Sep 2018, the Formex Essence Automatic Chronometer Kickstarter campaign has reached 600% of its goal within a week. So far the campaign has received funds amounting more than $ 325 000* from 505* backers (*status on 04 Oct 2018).
The campaign will be closed on 25 October 2018 and delivery of watches are planned in January 2019.
