When Formex launched the original Essence back in 2018 via Kickstarter, the Swiss brand proved that innovative engineering didn’t need to come with luxury pricing. Seven years later, they’re still pushing that same philosophy with the Space Ghost 41mm, a watch that could have easily been just another case size to fill a gap between their existing 39mm and 43mm models. Instead, Formex treated this as an opportunity to debut what might be their most visually striking dial to date.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Sitting directly in the middle of their current Essence models, the 41mm keeps things low profile with a 10.6mm thickness and 46.5mm lug-to-lug. The stainless steel construction maintains the brand’s signature brushed surfaces with polished chamfers and a titanium inner container, while the patented Case Suspension System continues to set Formex apart in the sub-$2,500 sports watch category.
At risk of burying the lede, we have to mention the new integration of a screw-down crown — the first in the Essence lineup. Engineering this feature to work seamlessly with the floating case system required significant rework, but the payoff is substantial. While water resistance remains at 100m, the psychological comfort of a properly secured crown shouldn’t be underestimated.
Meteorite Done Right
The Space Ghost’s dial steals the show with its slice of 4.5-billion-year-old Muonionalusta meteorite. Rather than the typical rough-hewn approach many brands take with space rock, Formex and sister company Cadranor developed a proprietary rhodium treatment that preserves the natural Widmanstätten pattern while adding a refined silvery finish. Heat-blued hands and indices provide the perfect contrast against the cosmic surface, creating depth without overwhelming the intricate iron crystalline structure beneath.
Each dial benefits from the slow cooling process that created these patterns over millions of years, ensuring no two pieces will ever be identical.
Ancillary Yet Crucial Details
The watch is powered by the workhorse Sellita SW200-1 automatic, a COSC-certified chronometer with 4Hz frequency and a 41-hour power reserve.
However, the real engineering story lies in the new butterfly clasp system on the stainless steel bracelet. Most micro-adjustable clasps require opening to operate, but Formex’s design allows three adjustment positions (0mm, 3mm, and 6mm) while keeping the watch secured to your wrist. Nylon, rubber, and leather straps are also available.
Spec Sheet
Model: Formex Essence Space Ghost 41mm
Case Size: 41mm
Case Thickness: 10.6mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46.5mm
Case Material: 316L stainless steel with titanium inner container
Movement: Sellita SW200-1, COSC-certified chronometer
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire front and back with AR coating
Dial: Muonionalusta meteorite with rhodium treatment
Bands: Stainless steel bracelet, nylon, rubber, and leather straps
Limited Production: 150 pieces annually
Pricing & Availability
The Space Ghost is available for pre-order now at $2,190 on straps or $2,290 on the steel bracelet, with delivery expected in late September. While not technically limited, annual production caps at 150 pieces, making this more exclusive than typical Essence releases. For US customers, Formex is honoring pre-tariff pricing despite recent Swiss import duties.
Recap
Formex Essence 41 Space Ghost
Formex brings down the size of its Essence model to a 41mm sweet spot, while also adding a rhodium-plated meteorite dial and its first-ever screw-down crown.
