Ceramic watches have been around for a while, but they’ve typically been associated with luxury brands and hefty price tags. Formex, a brand known for blending innovative engineering with accessibility, is bringing something new to the table with the Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC. With a full-ceramic case and bracelet, a patented micro-adjustable ceramic clasp, and a skeletonized COSC-certified movement, this release aims to refine ceramic watchmaking while keeping it practical and wearable.
The Basics
Case: Full-ceramic 41mm case with vertically brushed and diamond-polished finishing
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Movement: COSC-certified skeletonized automatic movement
Water Resistance: 100m (10ATM)
Strap Options: Full-ceramic bracelet with patented micro-adjustable clasp, interchangeable with rubber and leather options
Price: CHF 3,970 (Stradale) / CHF 4,150 (GT)
Availability: Limited to 88 pieces per version
The Juice
The Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC isn’t just about materials—it’s about usability. Full-ceramic cases and bracelets are nothing new, but they’ve often come with some trade-offs. Adjustability has been one of them, and Formex has found a solution by creating the first-ever micro-adjustable clasp on a ceramic bracelet. That might sound like a small thing, but it’s a big deal for comfort and fit. The clasp allows for easy, on-the-fly adjustments without needing tools, which is a genuine improvement in ceramic watch wearability. Whenever a brand releases a sport watch without a microadjustment these days, that inevitably becomes one of the biggest complaints.
Beyond that, the watch features a COSC-certified skeletonized movement, giving it both technical credibility and visual appeal. Openworked dials can be hit or miss, sometimes sacrificing legibility for design, but Formex keeps things clean and balanced here. The hands and indices contrast well against the movement, and the finishing across the case and bracelet—brushed and polished—adds some refinement without being flashy.
The ceramic itself is seven times harder than steel and 30% lighter, making it durable and comfortable. It’s also hypoallergenic and highly scratch-resistant, which is always a plus for daily wear. And because ceramic doesn’t fade, the watch should look just as good years down the line as it does out of the box.
Final Thoughts
Formex has built a reputation for thoughtful engineering and good value, and the Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC fits within that approach. The micro-adjustable ceramic clasp is a real innovation that addresses a common issue with ceramic watches, and the COSC-certified movement adds a level of technical reliability that’s nice to see. For anyone who’s been considering a full-ceramic watch but held off due to sizing limitations, this one might be worth a look. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but refining it in a way that makes a real difference on the wrist.
How Much does the Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton watch cost?
The Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton will be available in four different variations, all limited to 88 pieces each. The Ceramica Skeleton COSC GT retails for CHF 4,150 (around $4,700 USD) and the Ceramica Skeleton COSC Stradale (available in 3 different lume color variations white, violet and blue) retails for CHF 3,970 (around $4,500 USD). These watches are definitely a significant investment, but in the landscape of ceramic watches, it offers something different without the usual premium pricing. You can learn more about it at Formex’s website.