www.blajournal.com

Formex Reef 39.5 Forged Carbon Dive Watch Unveiled

April 03
Formex, a brand celebrated for its meticulous engineering and user-centric design, unveils a captivating addition to its Reef dive watch collection. The new Reef 39.5 Forged Carbon model marries robust functionality with an innovative aesthetic, showcasing the brand's commitment to both technical excellence and refined style.

Experience the pinnacle of dive watch innovation with Formex's latest forged carbon masterpiece.

The Evolution of Formex's Reef Series: A Foundation of Innovation

Established in Biel/Bienne and reinvigorated by Raphaël Granito in 2016, Formex has carved a niche for itself through precision engineering, ergonomically designed cases, and modular components. Initially recognized for its motorsport heritage and patented suspension systems, the brand has progressively defined its distinct identity with the successful Essence and Reef collections. These lines consistently deliver expertly crafted timepieces featuring compelling technical attributes at an attractive price point. The Reef collection, first launched in 2020, stands out for its robust 300-meter water-resistant dive watches, which boast interchangeable bezels and straps, all powered by movements certified by COSC. The more compact 39.5mm 'Baby Reef' series, introduced in 2023, has quickly become a highly desirable everyday diver within the brand's offerings.

Introducing the Reef 39.5 Forged Carbon: A Distinctive Aesthetic Leap

The latest iteration, the Reef 39.5 Forged Carbon, advances this legacy by introducing a fresh visual dimension. While carbon is frequently chosen for its lightweight properties and performance benefits, Formex highlights its unique visual and textural qualities in this new model. Both the dial and the bezel are crafted from forged carbon, a material meticulously produced by compressing short carbon fibers under intense heat and pressure. Integrating this material necessitated innovative design adjustments. The dial features a refined vertical brushing over a specially treated base, retaining the signature beveled date window at the 6 o'clock position with intricate layering. The fully functional, 120-click dive bezel showcases numerals precisely engraved using a femtosecond laser and meticulously filled with lume by hand.

Unwavering Technical Performance and Enduring Craftsmanship

Despite its refreshed aesthetics, the core technical specifications of the timepiece remain consistent with the established high standards of the series. The applied indices and hands, coated with Super-LumiNova, guarantee excellent legibility in diverse lighting conditions. The watch's case measures 39.5mm in diameter with a slim 11mm profile and a 45.5mm lug-to-lug distance, ensuring a comfortable and balanced fit. It features a robust stainless steel exterior complemented by a titanium inner container. A protective guard shields the screw-down crown, and the watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal featuring an anti-reflective coating. The solid caseback further enhances its durability. With a water resistance rating of 300 meters, this timepiece is engineered for serious aquatic adventures.

The Precision Heart: COSC-Certified Movement

At the core of this exceptional timepiece is the COSC-certified Sellita SW300-1 automatic movement. This high-performance caliber serves as a reliable alternative to the well-regarded ETA 2892, known for its precision and durability. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the Sellita SW300-1 ensures accurate timekeeping. It provides a substantial 56-hour power reserve, offering extended functionality without the need for frequent winding. This certified chronometer movement underpins the watch's commitment to precision and reliability, essential attributes for any high-quality dive watch.

Adaptability and Exclusivity: Customization and Availability

The inherent versatility of the Reef series remains a defining characteristic. The innovative interchangeable bezel system allows owners to easily swap the forged carbon insert for alternative ceramic or steel options, providing diverse aesthetic choices. Additionally, a selection of quick-release straps, available in steel, rubber, leather, or nylon, can be paired with Formex's signature fine-adjustment clasps. This modularity offers unparalleled adaptability for everyday wear and various activities. The Reef 39.5 Forged Carbon model is available starting from EUR 1,960 for versions with a strap and EUR 2,070 for those with a bracelet. An initial limited production run of only 100 pieces ensures its exclusivity. For comprehensive details or to personalize your own timepiece, further information can be found on the official Formex websit

latest news

Stéphane Pierre Unveils 'L'Impétrant': A Masterpiece of Horological Innovation
April 02

Stéphane Pierre Unveils 'L'Impétrant': A Masterpiece of Horological Innovation

Stéphane Pierre, a horological veteran with a rich background in micro-mechanics and naval engineering, introduces his inaugural timepiece, 'L'Impétrant.' This watch, developed in collaboration with acclaimed prototypist Julien Tixier, features an intricate double retrograde display and meticulous case design. Crafted from grade 23 titanium, it showcases a unique blend of dynamic aesthetics and precision engineering, reflecting Pierre's profound expertise and innovative vision in watchmaking.

Albishorn Unveils the Thundergraph Khumbu: A Vintage-Inspired Chronograph for Alpine Enthusiasts
April 02

Albishorn Unveils the Thundergraph Khumbu: A Vintage-Inspired Chronograph for Alpine Enthusiasts

Albishorn, an independent watchmaker known for its 'Imaginary Vintage' concept, introduces the Thundergraph Khumbu, a new chronograph inspired by the 1952 Swiss Everest expeditions. This timepiece updates the original Thundergraph with a distinctive mint green dial and offers both leather strap and steel bracelet options, blending historical allure with modern versatility for alpine exploration.

Orlando Bloom's Journey from Porsche Enthusiast to Brand Ambassador
April 02

Orlando Bloom's Journey from Porsche Enthusiast to Brand Ambassador

Renowned actor Orlando Bloom has officially become a global brand ambassador for Porsche Design's exquisite timepieces and eyewear. This collaboration stems from his deep-seated passion for Porsche, cultivated through years of collecting their iconic cars. Bloom’s journey from a dedicated fan to a design collaborator highlights the authentic connection between his personal interests and his professional ventures, bringing a unique perspective to the luxury brand.

Raymond Weil's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Watch: The Millesime 'The Fifty'
April 02

Raymond Weil's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Watch: The Millesime 'The Fifty'

Raymond Weil commemorates its 50th anniversary with the limited-edition Millesime 'The Fifty' watch. This exclusive timepiece features 50 original, meticulously restored, and hand-decorated Valjoux 23-6 chronograph movements from 1976, the brand's founding year. Blending vintage charm with modern craftsmanship, the watch boasts a stainless steel case with an 18k white gold bezel, a multi-layered dial, and a sapphire exhibition caseback. Limited to just 50 pieces, it's a true collector's item.

Porsche Design's All-Titanium Chronograph 1: A New Era of Watchmaking
April 02

Porsche Design's All-Titanium Chronograph 1: A New Era of Watchmaking

Porsche Design has unveiled a new, limited-edition Chronograph 1, marking a significant milestone with the opening of its dedicated watch manufacturing facility in Grenchen, Switzerland. This latest iteration of the iconic timepiece features an all-titanium, bead-blasted finish, a departure from its traditional black coating. This development underscores Porsche Design's long-term commitment to its watch division, focusing on heritage, innovation, and bespoke customer experiences.

Montblanc's 2026 Watch Collection: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
April 02

Montblanc's 2026 Watch Collection: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation

Montblanc introduces its diverse 2026 watch collection, featuring a blend of historical inspiration, material innovation, and vibrant aesthetics. The collection includes the historically significant Rieussec, the robust Iced Sea series with its distinct distressed and coral dials, the compact 1858 Small Second, and the elegant Star Legacy line, offering a range of complications and designs tailored to various preferences and wrist sizes. This early preview highlights Montblanc's continuous evolution of its beloved watch families.