Daniel Oliver 
Together with dive watches, field watches have always been among the most popular ones. They are appreciated for their reduced thickness, their robustness and discretion. When a well-known brand like Formex decides to enter this niche, it’s with some excitement that I was waiting to see the result, and I wasn’t disappointed! Here is a review of the brand new Formex Field.
The specs
- Movement: Self-winding Sellita SW200-1 with date, 41h power reserve
- Case: Titanium grade 2 with sandblasted finishing
- Glass: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Dial: recessed numbers and hours markers, Old Radium Super-Luminova
- Diameter: 41mm
- Height: 10.6mm (8.8mm perceived)
- Lug width: 20mm
- Lug to lug: 47mm
- Weight: 65g (case only)
- Straps: nylon velcro or leather
- Features: automatic movement, screw-down crown, Water resistance 150m, Patented fine adjustment system, Tool-free change of straps
The case
The case is a bit like the Essence one, with a few differences: the Field one is in sandblasted titanium, and it does not benefit from the suspension system. On the other hand, it keeps these frank and marked lines that give the impression of wearing a adventurer version of the Essence.
Sandblasted titanium gives the Field case a matte look. It is an ideal material that combines lightness and solidity, the perfect choice for a toolwatch! It is complemented by an engraved screwed-in caseback.
The Field is thin (as are the latest models of Formex) and light. The sapphire crystal glass is flat and (as always with Formex) has an exceptional anti-reflection treatment. Regarding the crown, it is located at 3 o’clock, and it is screwed-down (unlike one of the Essence), which allows the Field to benefit from a 150m water resistance.
The dial
The Field’s numeral indexes are recessed in the dial, and the chapter ring is slightly angled to increase depth and legibility. The logo is painted. The hands are brushed and their central part as well as the hours numerals are filled with Old-Radium Super-Luminova.
The whole thing is well-balanced and very legible, day and night, and thus fulfils its function perfectly.
The movement
The Field is equipped with a non-COSC SW200, unlike the Reef and the Essence that meet the COSC standard. The movement remains reliable and robust, and therefore offers the advantage of a lower price. It has a date function and 41h power reserve.
The strap
The version I was able to test has a very qualitative leather strap and benefits from the fantastic carbon composite buckle that already equips the Essence and the Reef. This buckle is both light and very practical because it allows a very fine adjustment without tools.
On the wrist
The Field is extremely comfortable thanks to its lightness and contained dimensions. I was afraid that such a diameter would be too small for my 19.5cm wrist, but it’s not, it’s just perfect!
Conclusion
Formex has succeeded perfectly in its entry into the field-watch category. The quality is top notch as always and the legibility is excellent regardless of the position of the wrist or the light conditions, hats off!
The Field represents a new pricing segment at Formex, more affordable but without compromising on quality, I have no doubt about its future success.
From 740€ on Formex’ website
