watches Formex Reef 39,5 Forged Carbon 2201.1.6399.100

Swiss diving watch Formex Reef 39,5 Automatic Chronometer Forged Carbon 2201.1.6399.100 impresses at first sight with its bezel and the unique forged carbon dial, which gives each piece a completely original look. The characteristic case with clean lines then underlines the modern, versatile and technically advanced character of the entire Reef collection.

Carbon brings a new visual experience to the Reef collection. Each dial and bezel insert has, thanks to the manufacturing process, a unique structure and pattern. Short carbon fibres are pressed under pressure and heat into a composite, creating a surface with natural depth and variability. When light hits it, the dial resembles the movement of the water surface, subtle, smooth and constantly changing.
The basis of the dial is a galvanically blackened brass base, which ensures visual cleanliness and undisturbed depth of the carbon structure. The demanding process is also connected with the production of the bezel. Its markings are created by a femtosecond laser, which removes material without generating heat that could damage or alter the composite; the carbon is thus essentially evaporated. The resulting cavities are then hand-filled with a luminescent layer, which is then also cured.

The steel case of the Formex Baby Reef 39,5 Automatic Chronometer watch combines striking brushed and polished surfaces and, despite the robust-looking construction, retains a comfortable height of only 11 mm. The case is dominated by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a forged carbon insert.
The case is complemented by a steel strap finished with a folding buckle with fine micro-adjustment and the possibility of length adjustment up to 10 mm. The strap is equipped with a quick-release system and its replacement is therefore very easy even without the use of tools.

The watch is powered by the Sellita SW300-1 automatic mechanical movement with COSC certification (Chronometer Grade) and a power reserve of around 56 hours. The movement with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour offers the option of winding by crown, a seconds stop function when setting the time (hacking) and a date at the 6 o'clock position.
The watch’s 300 m (30 ATM) water resistance is supported by a screw-down crown and case back, making the watch an ideal accessory for all water activities.
The case diameter is 39,5 mm, so the watch fits most men’s wrists very well and may also be suitable for women looking for a larger sports model.

The classic distinguishing features of the Formex Baby Reef watch include a bold and highly legible dial, higher water resistance, a buckle with fine micro-adjustment and the option of easy bezel replacement. The clear dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating and high scratch resistance. Better legibility in poorer light conditions is ensured by luminescence (BGW9 Super-LumiNova) placed on the hands and indices. The dial from Formex pleases, in addition to the special material, also with hand-applied triangular indices, sloping from the edges towards the centre of the dial. The overall impression is underlined by the sensitively designed date display at the 6 o'clock position.

You will appreciate the watch primarily for its versatility; with its set of features it is intended for use in sport, in water, but also for everyday use.

It is possible to purchase an additional silicone, nylon, or leather strap finished with a carbon folding buckle with an innovative fine micro-adjustment system in a range of 7 mm, where the length adjustment can be easily made by pressing the side button without the need to take the watch off the wrist.
Similarly, the character of the watch can be changed by purchasing one of the available interchangeable bezels. 3 bezels are fitted with a ceramic insert and one is entirely steel.

You can also find the watch under the designation Formex 2201.1.6399.100

Reviews, articles and tests:

• Geneva: we set off for watches – report 1/3