Formex is one of the more exciting independent/microbrands today and the Formex Field Automatic 41mm is a welcome addition to the Formex lineup. With unique designs, and a willingness to try new things, it stands out in an increasingly crowded space. It also stands out for its longevity – Formex Watches was originally established in 1999, well before the recent explosion in interest in small independents and microbrands. So when I visited New York for Windup back at the end of October, Formex was one of the brands I was most excited to see in person. And I wasn’t disappointed – these are fantastic watches with some very unique features such as removable/swappable bezels (Reef/Reef GMT) and a case suspension system to improve wearability.

What I walked away with on my wrist was the Formex Field Automatic 41mm – launched a little over a year ago. Field watches tend to be extremely derivative in their design language with models across brands sharing many similar aesthetics. The Formex Field is a departure and well worth a closer look.

At 41mm in Grade 2 Titanium, the listed height is 10.6mm, but due to the downward turned lugs and nearly flush screw-down caseback, the watch wears thinner. The Formex website lists it as 8.8mm perceived thickness and I can’t disagree. It is very lightweight (65g on the velcro strap). One of the most unique elements of the watch is the proprietary on-the-fly micro adjust system on the lightweight carbon composite deployant that comes with the leather strap. Really a unique engineering feat and is very much appreciated if you’re like me and typically have trouble getting a good fit with a deployant. With the lightness and great fit on the wrist, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it. IMO, the leather strap is well worth the additional $125.

But lightweight and comfortable doesn’t mean it isn’t ready to stand up to the rigors of day-to-day wear. The special hardening process applied to the Titanium resists scratches and the water resistance is 150m. The watch feels extremely well put together, despite the lightness. The yellow-ish lume color matches well with the muted matte grey of the titanium case and complements all of the somewhat unique color options, including blue (mine), charcoal, green (olive/military green), mahogany, grey, and violet.

You would think such a slim watch would lack dial depth, but two small visual tricks erase that notion. The first is a slight upward curve at the edge of the dial – although subtle provides a hint of added depth. The second, and more obvious, is the recessed numbers filled with Super LumiNova. These two elements, along with the custom font create the feel of something different than a typical field watch. The syringe-style hour and minute hands are easy to read, and the lollipop seconds match well with the hour markers placed on the inside of the chapter ring. A nicely sloped date window at the 6 o’clock position rounds out the thoughtful design. Overall it is very easy to read quickly.

The case itself also provides a distinctive but obviously well thought out appearance and the angular-ish design catches the light and highlights the varying surfaces. It shares design cues from the Formex Element. This isn’t your father’s field watch, providing a distinctly modern look. The caseback has the logo within a really nice honeycomb pattern. It fits the watch extremely well and is a pretty cool design.

The Formex Field Automatic 41mm is a well-engineered, well-designed, lightweight, comfortable, and unique take on the every day field watch. It is well worth the sub-$1000 price tag. The Formex Field not only stands out in a crowded field but pushes the envelope with a distinctive look and non-standard features and engineering you won’t find in many other field watches.