The Scottish Watches Podcast has been disrupting the airwaves for over half a decade with their often sarcastic, frequently biting, but always fun brand of humor, honesty, and fairness. They present unfiltered opinions and conversations with various guests, from Metropolitan Police officers to the wife and daughter of arguably the most famous watch designer of our time. Likewise, Formex has been setting its own course since 1999, but it wasn’t until 2018, with the launch of its Essence line, that they truly disrupted the market. Their offerings showcase a level of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that is rarely seen at this price point.
If a collaboration between these two entities sounds like a match made in heaven, they have a special treat for you. In fact, you will feel as if the dial has been pulled directly from the sky. The Scottish Watches x Formex “Skye” limited edition, based on their bestselling Essence 39, brings an aventurine dial to the sports watch line. This unique dial was inspired by the misty Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands, where they say you can witness the Aurora Borealis on a clear night, and follows other limited edition Formex pieces featuring exotic dials made from meteorite, malachite, and more.
Formex didn’t just stop at replacing a standard dial with aventurine glass. They went further by infusing it with tiny luminous dots that glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, setting themselves apart from other brands using the same material. Markers are applied by hand, featuring green luminescent paint on the indices from 10 to 2 o’clock and blue from 3 to 9. The faceted hands also glow blue, but these are not the only features with glowing properties. When you shine the supplied UV torch on the back of the watch, a drawing of Dunvegan Castle is revealed in the sapphire display. Matt Webster, a loyal listener of the Scottish Watches podcast, sketched this drawing.
The Essence 39 features a 39mm diameter, hence its name, and is 10mm tall. It measures only 45mm from lug tip to lug tip, making it suitable for wrists of various shapes and sizes. The case features a patented suspension system, allowing the inner case to “float” within the outer case. This provides shock resistance and comfort, enabling the watch to flex on your wrist. It is also water-resistant to 100 meters. Powering the Essence is a chronometer-grade Sellita SW200-1 with a custom Formex rotor. It provides 41 hours of power reserve, has 26 jewels, beats at 28,800 BPH, and is COSC certified.
The Scottish Watches x Formex “Skye” collaboration can be purchased with a leather or rubber strap, supplied with industry-best carbon-fiber deployment clasps and tool-less push-button removal. It can also be bought with a fully articulated stainless steel bracelet, which includes screws for sizing, a very clever micro-adjustment link, and a concealed butterfly clasp, not to mention tool-less removal as well. Prices are $1,890 for leather or rubber and $1,990 for a steel bracelet, and the watch is limited to 100 numbered pieces. Delivery is expected to begin in October. Scottish Watches x Formex
