ince Formex’s new ownership in 2016, the Swiss brand has stepped into the field of premium watches with collections such as the Essence and REEF that are priced above the $1k mark. While those offer COSC-certified movements and multiple patented features, the Formex collection lacked a solid, accessible field watch.

The new Field Automatic Collection is Formex’s take of a modern field watch. Rather than just ticking boxes, the Formex Field uses the sturdiest of available materials and a colourful selection of highly legible dials. The 41mm case and crown are entirely made of titanium grade 2, a material that is stronger and lighter than stainless steel. Titanium is also extremely hypoallergenic, anti-magnetic and corrosion-resistant.

A special hardening treatment increases the Field’s surface hardness from 145 Vickers to approximately 900 Vickers while retaining the light weight, comfort and hypoallergenic properties of titanium.

One of the main features of a field watch is its high contrast dial. Formex offers six different colour options that are inspired by vintage machinery; Charcoal, Petrol Blue, Ash Grey, Mahogany Red, Ultra Violet and Sage Green.

The numbers and markers are recessed, while the outer chapter section is curved upwards. This gives each dial a visible depth and enhances its legibility. The recessed surfaces and the brushed hands are filled with old radium (100% safe) Super LumiNova that emits a bright yellowish-green at night.

Adding a mere 5g to the case weight of 65g, the nylon velcro straps, available in blue and black, are waterproof and sit comfortably on the wrist. The leather straps, available in five different colors, come with Formex’s carbon composite clasp that adjusts to the ever-changing wrist circumference throughout the day.

The built in fine-adjustment system allows to fit the length of the strap in 5 micro steps over 7mm. The clasp is interchangeable with all leather straps, meaning that only one clasp is required when switching it up with multiple straps. All straps can be changed without the use of any tools and the Field’s case does allow to mount 3rd party straps with a width of 20mm.

Driving the hands is a Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. This automatic movement is among the most trusted in modern mechanical Swiss Made watches, and can be serviced by literally any certified watchmaker around the world. The movement is safely stored in an enclosed case back with an engraved honey-comb pattern.

Formex CEO, Raphael Granito, said of the launch: “After setting expectations high with our most recent launches, it was important to me not to cut corners in the design, material choice and build quality of our newest release, even though we are offering it at an entry level price point. I love the look of the sandblasted titanium which gives the Field a distinctive tactical touch. Wearing the Field prototype for some time now, I have to say it is one of the most comfortable timepieces I have worn to date. Also, we wanted to offer the option to upgrade the straps and include our much-praised carbon fiber clasp with our patented fine-adjustment system. “

The Formex Field Automatic collection is available from $795 on the Formex Online Boutique on two nylon and five leather straps.