Skip to main content

Formex expands the Essence collection with the Space Glacier watch model

A new Formex watch that will take you to space

Formex Space Glacier
Formex Space Glacier Formex / Formex

Formex presents a new watch, the Space Glacier, in different sizes to diversify the Essence collection. Like the original model dating back to 2018, the 2025 edition stands out due to the Widmanstätten pattern, which is accentuated by a rough texture that adds depth to the front face. The crystal-like appearance is unique and varies from one model to the next.

This new addition draws some inspiration from older models launched in the past few years, such as the Essence Space Gold.

Recommended Videos

Such models garnered a lot of popularity, so Formex reimagined the watches with new colors and materials. The new model features a meteorite dial topped off with silver and zapon teintée. It has an interesting blue shade highlighted by the lacquer finish for a contemporary look.

Apart from the high-quality finish, this model was cleverly engineered to withstand multiple external forces. It comes with a shock absorption system that’s firmly secured on the watch with four different screws. Even though the screws are mechanical, they make the front face look more interesting. The stainless steel bezel complements the dial with a vertical brushed finish and a mirror finish.

At the heart of the watch is the SW200-1 Swiss Made, an automatic movement featuring 26 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve—enough power to last for two days. This new model is paired with an Italian calf strap, designed for high comfort levels. As a limited edition model, the new blue Essence Space Glacier will be capped at 100 pieces. The 39mm and 43 mm options cost $1,990 when paired with a stainless steel bracelet and $1,870 when offered with a leather strap.

Nathan S.R
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…
Topics
Longines blends vintage charm and modern precision in this stunning 39mm watch
Longines Spirit Zulu Time 1925 Review: Vintage aviation luxury reimagined
The Longines 1925 timepiece worn by Henry Cavill

As one of the leading luxury watch brands in the industry, Longines is known for horological excellence, and with the recent release of the Spirit Zulu Time 1925 Edition, this homage to aviation combines elegance with state-of-the-art precision. 

A striking design and aesthetic

Read more
anOrdain launches handcrafted porcelain watches
From fire to clay: anOrdain's porcelain revolution brings accessible artistry
anOrdain launches handcrafted porcelain watches

AnOrdain, a Glasgow-based company, built a loyal following—it made excellent hand-enameled watch dials and offered clear customer service. The Scottish maker then moved into a new material: porcelain. The company introduced its Model 2 Porcelain collection after three years of focused study. This collection gives customers a way to experience anOrdain's handmade dial art.
Work with porcelain began in 2022. At that time, anOrdain saw a need to broaden its selection. The company also wanted to keep its standards for handmade products high. Instead of buying porcelain dials from others, the company chose to learn this old art itself. AnOrdain's team spent three years with master potters from Stoke-on-Trent—a town known as a center for English pottery—learning how to make watch dials from English clay.
Making porcelain dials requires different methods than working with enamel. AnOrdain’s well-known grand feu enamel dials use glass powder on metal discs, which are baked at 840°C. But the new porcelain dials use English clay. Workers paint them with glass-like coatings and fire them at much higher temperatures, up to 1300°C. To achieve the black finish seen in the collection, the company experimented with many glaze mixtures, finally using a high amount of iron oxide.
After this hot firing, each dial shows slight differences. Small dips and dots appear as a sign of the handmade process. AnOrdain says these natural variations mean no two porcelain dials look the same. This celebrates the human touch in making fine watches.
The Model 2 Porcelain keeps the well-liked size and look of anOrdain’s enamel collection, but with some updates. The 39.5mm steel case holds the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement, which performs well. The hands have been significantly improved. White glowing material now fills loops that were previously empty, finished with fine gold frames. The seconds hand is more striking, with a bright red outer coat and a white tip.
Production capacity is small—anOrdain can finish about 30 pieces each month. The price is $2,440, which is $750 less than the enamel versions, even though they use the same cases and movements. The current wait time is six months, and customers can buy only one watch each. The Model 2 Porcelain shows anOrdain's commitment to preserving traditional crafts in modern watchmaking. It also offers affordable luxury through transparent dealings with customers.

Read more
Breitling honors Scott Carpenter with platinum watch
Orbital legacy: Breitling's platinum tribute to space exploration pioneer
Breitling scott carpenter platinum watch

Sixty-three years after Scott Carpenter circled Earth, a custom Breitling Navitimer sat on his wrist. The Swiss maker now honors him with a platinum watch, which has a limited run. The Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Scott Carpenter Centenary observes the American pilot's 100th birthday—it also recalls the story of the first Swiss watch to leave Earth's air.

On May 24, 1962, Carpenter became the second American to circle Earth. He flew as part of NASA's Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. A special Navitimer was on his wrist. Breitling altered it for space travel. The work began with a personal letter from Carpenter—he requested specific changes. He wanted a wider bezel for gloved hands and a stretch metal band for his space suit. Most notably, he asked for a 24-hour dial. In orbit, sunrise and sunset happen every 90 minutes. A regular 12-hour display does not show time well there.

Read more