Summary Formex has combined a high-tech ceramic case with a dial made from real meteorite with its latest Essence Ceramica "Dark Matter" model. While most luxury brands would require a five-digit number for such a combination, Formex has managed to keep the price under $5,000/Euro, which in the world of watchmaking is bordering on magic – or at least excellent production logistics. So – let's take a look at the Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter 2025.
Let's be honest. In the world of haute horology, the phrases "ceramic case" and "meteorite dial" usually mean one thing: expensive. Very expensive. We're talking prices that would make your bank teller start to sweat. But the Swiss independent brand Formex decided to turn this logic on its head with Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter 2025.
Just this week, they unveiled the Essence Ceramica “Dark Matter.” It’s a watch that combines their innovative spring-loaded ceramic case (which they introduced earlier this year for their 25th anniversary) with the kind of space-age material you usually only see in brands like Rolex or Omega. And the best part? They’ve managed to pack it into a product that costs less than a used city car.
When science meets aesthetics
The star of the Formex Essence Ceramica Dark Matter 2025: it is undoubtedly the dial. It is not a printed metal that imitates the look of stone. It is a real piece of the Muonionalusta meteorite that crashed into Scandinavia about a million years ago.
Most watch brands take the easy way out when using meteorite: they take a thin slice of the stone and glue it to a brass plate. Not Formex. In their signature engineering style, they have crafted the entire dial from a solid piece of space rock. This is not just an aesthetic whim; it has allowed them to solder the dial legs directly into the material and machine-cut the slanted date window at the 6 o’clock position. If you know anything about machining fragile materials, you know that this is a technological nightmare that they have solved with distinction.
The dial is then treated with a dark nickel electroplating process. This highlights the natural Widmanstättner pattern – geometric crystals formed over millions of years as they cool in space – and creates a look of “stealth” luxury.
Ceramics that don't fit in a display case
The 41 mm diameter case is made of zirconium ceramic (ZrO2). For those of you who are not chemists: this is a material that is extremely scratch-resistant. If you accidentally hit your watch against a door frame, you are more likely to damage the door than the watch.
But Formex’s “secret sauce” is their patented case suspension system. The mechanism is actually mounted on springs inside the case, which absorbs shocks and protects the watch’s sensitive parts. It’s technology you’d expect to find in a race car, not necessarily on your wrist.
The watch also features the world's first ceramic screw-down crown and a ceramic micro-adjustment clasp, which allows you to lengthen or shorten the bracelet by 5mm without taking the watch off your wrist. Perfect for days when your wrists get a little swollen due to the heat (or too much salty food).
Engine under the watchmaker's pearl hood
Inside, an automatic mechanism ticks. Newton P092. This is not just another “off-the-shelf” movement. It is COSC certified, which means it is officially verified as a high-precision chronometer. Formex developed this movement in collaboration with the manufacturer specifically for the Essence line.
Through the sapphire caseback you can see the modern finish of the movement with its black and gold electroplating, blue screws and skeletonized rotor. It looks technical, clean and very Swiss.
Why is the price so low?
You might be wondering, “Where’s the catch?” The watch costs $4,920 (€4,590). That’s not a small amount of money, but for a full ceramic watch with a real meteorite and COSC certification, it’s extremely competitive in today’s watchmaking world.
The answer lies in vertical integration. The Granito family, which owns Formex, also owns Dexel (which makes cases for high-end brands like Hublot and Ulysse Nardin) and Cadranor (a manufacturer of dials). In other words: Formex doesn't pay middlemen because it makes its own parts. This is an advantage that is ultimately felt by the customer.
Technical data at a glance
Model: Essence Ceramica Automatic COSC “Dark Matter”
- Case size: 41 mm
- Material: Zirconia ceramic with suspension system
- Dial: Solid meteorite Muonionalusta
- Mechanism: Soprod Newton P092 (COSC chronometer)
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Availability: Limited to 100 pieces per year
If you're looking for a watch that combines serious engineering, rare materials, and a price that makes sense, the Formex “Dark Matter” is one of the most interesting offerings on the market right now. Hurry, as they will only be making one 100 pieces per year.
