Rugged titanium, ready for anything
There are watches you wear for a meeting, and there are watches you wear to war. The Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 doesn’t care which one you choose—it was made for both, and anything else the day throws your way. It’s the rare piece that bridges the line between the backcountry and the boardroom, wearing its scars and its polish with equal swagger.
From Racetracks to Rugged Trails
Formex isn’t some centuries-old institution coasting on nostalgia. The brand was forged in the fire of motorsport, where split seconds and shattered suspensions decide everything. That DNA—engineering that absorbs shock, prizes function over fluff—still beats beneath every Formex watch, even as the Field Automatic Gen 2 trades the tarmac for something rawer. When Formex first dipped into military-inspired territory, it wasn’t just to play dress-up. They brought titanium cases and sandwich dials to the fight, delivering a tool watch that did its job and then some. Now, the Gen 2 takes that original formula and makes it smarter, sharper, and just a little more rebellious.
Titanium, Hardened for the Hunt
A field watch should be ready for a brawl. The Field Automatic Gen 2’s case is 40mm of Grade 2 titanium—lightweight, hypoallergenic, and naturally corrosion-resistant. But Formex didn’t stop at “good enough.” Their proprietary hardening process boosts the metal’s surface hardness from a respectable 145 Vickers to a beastly 900 Vickers—nearly three times tougher than most “hard” titanium on the market. The result is a watch that shrugs off scratches and keeps its rugged charm, slowly developing a patina that’s as unique as your own story. Sandblasted and matte, it feels like a tool built to be used, not coddled.
A Dial with Depth and Attitude
The heart of the Field Automatic Gen 2 isn’t just a set of hands sweeping across another faceless field. This dial is a study in contrasts and craft. You get a raised, sunburst-finished center surrounded by a sloped chapter ring, all dancing with light and shadow. Recessed stencil numerals, deep-filled with Super-LumiNova, jump out at you day or night—especially in those wild new colorways: Ice Blue, Coho Salmon, and Basalt Grey. Each dial is paired with a color-matched date wheel and beveled window—little details that don’t scream for attention, but reward the curious. Legibility is never sacrificed; the field watch’s first commandment remains unbroken.
Built for the Elements—and for You
Water-resistant to 150 meters, shock-resistant, and powered by the reliable Sellita SW200-1 Swiss automatic movement, this is the sort of watch you can take anywhere, do anything, and never baby. The nylon Velcro straps are as practical as they are comfortable, tough enough for river crossings and urban commutes alike. Feeling civilized? Switch it up—no tools needed—to a Bolgheri leather strap with Formex’s patented carbon fiber deployant clasp, offering a micro-adjustment you can dial in on the fly, without even taking the watch off. Every detail has been sweated, right down to the quick-release system that lets you change your style as fast as your mood.
The Essential Companion
Some watches are all show, hiding mediocre bones beneath a shiny skin. Not the Formex Field Automatic Gen 2. Here, every decision is built on the promise of performance: Swiss automatic movement, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and enough real-world toughness to make even the most jaded adventurer nod in respect. The Field Automatic Gen 2 doesn’t just survive the unexpected—it thrives in it.
The Verdict
Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 is more than just another titanium tool watch. It’s a statement—rugged when you need it, refined when you want it, and always ready to move. Whether you’re bushwhacking through the unknown or sealing deals under fluorescent lights, it adapts. At $870 on nylon and $995 on leather, it’s a rare kind of value: genuine Swiss precision, born of innovation, ready for whatever your next chapter demands. In a world full of watches that talk a big game, the Field Automatic Gen 2 simply does the work. And when the dust settles, that’s what matters.
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The Grade 2 titanium case, hardened to 900 Vickers, makes the Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 significantly more scratch-resistant than typical titanium watches—almost three times tougher than Grade 5 titanium—while retaining its lightweight and hypoallergenic qualities.
- Versatile Design: With a reduced 40mm size and three distinctive colorways (Ice Blue, Coho Salmon, Basalt Grey), the Gen 2 version adapts seamlessly from rugged outdoor adventures to city life, appealing to both field watch enthusiasts and style-conscious wearers.
- Enhanced Dial Sophistication: The dual-layer dial architecture—with a sunburst-finished center, sloped chapter ring, and recessed stencil numerals filled with Super-LumiNova—offers remarkable depth, dimensionality, and legibility in all lighting conditions.
- High-Quality Strap Options: Quick-release system allows effortless swapping between durable nylon Velcro straps and premium leather bands, the latter featuring a patented carbon fiber deployant clasp with intuitive micro-adjustment for all-day comfort.
- Reliable Swiss Movement: The Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement is a proven, robust workhorse, delivering consistent timekeeping with a 41-hour power reserve, making it dependable for everyday use.
- Comprehensive Water and Shock Resistance: With 150 meters of water resistance and robust shock-proof construction, the Field Automatic Gen 2 is equipped for harsh environments and unpredictable conditions.
- Crystal Clarity: The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating provides superior scratch resistance and clear legibility, even under harsh sunlight.
- Comfort and Lightweight Wear: Weighing only 54g (case only), the watch remains exceptionally comfortable during prolonged use, whether trekking through wilderness or sitting in a meeting.
- No Tools Required for Strap Changes: Tool-free strap/bracelet swapping enhances convenience, allowing quick transitions between rugged and refined looks as the situation demands.
- Thoughtful Attention to Detail: Features such as a color-matched date wheel, beveled date window, and finely crafted finishing throughout the case and dial display a high level of design sophistication uncommon in this price segment.
Cons
- No Chronometer Certification: The Sellita SW200-1 movement, while reliable, does not offer chronometer-certified accuracy, which may disappoint precision purists seeking absolute timekeeping standards.
- Limited Luxury Brand Prestige: As an independent Swiss watchmaker, Formex may lack the established prestige and secondary market value of more widely recognized luxury brands, potentially impacting long-term collectability.
- No Bracelet Option Out of the Box: The absence of a metal bracelet in the current configuration may deter those who prefer the look or durability of a titanium or steel bracelet, especially in a field watch.
- Tool-Watch Aesthetics Remain Prominent: While more sophisticated than the original, the Gen 2 still leans toward utilitarian styling; enthusiasts seeking a dressier or flashier watch may find the aesthetic somewhat restrained.
- Niche Appeal: The combination of rugged features and modern design might not resonate with traditionalists who prefer vintage field watch purity or those strictly in search of minimalist dress watches.
- Non-Limited Edition: Despite its many upgrades and unique material treatment, the Gen 2 is not a limited edition, which could diminish exclusivity for collectors seeking rarity.
Verdict
The Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 is a bold evolution of the modern field watch, merging Swiss engineering, high-performance titanium, and refined aesthetics into a package that confidently walks the line between rugged tool and everyday companion. Its hardened titanium case, dual-layer dial, and intuitive strap system speak to a product engineered for real-world use—adapting as easily to the chaos of an untamed landscape as it does to the routines of urban life. While it may not offer chronometer certification or mainstream luxury cachet, the Gen 2 more than compensates with substance, versatility, and style, all at a price that challenges the established hierarchy of Swiss field watches. For those who value resilience, functional beauty, and a willingness to go wherever adventure calls, the Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 stands out as a top contender—ready for anything and unapologetically itself.
From $870
If you’re drawn to the Formex Field Automatic Gen 2 but want something that marries true military heritage with cutting-edge materials, the Panerai Luminor Quaranta Carbotech is a standout alternative. Its 40mm case, crafted from Panerai’s ultra-lightweight Carbotech carbon-fiber composite, delivers a striking, textured look while remaining remarkably comfortable for all-day wear—nearly 80% lighter than steel, yet unyieldingly tough. Designed with the legacy of Italian Navy divers in mind, this watch balances bold, tactical aesthetics—thanks to its olive-green sandwich dial and bright Super-LumiNova X1 lume—with genuine underwater prowess, boasting an impressive 300 meters of water resistance. Inside, the in-house P.900 automatic movement offers a robust three-day power reserve, visible through a sapphire-backed titanium case. Add in the quick-change strap system and both rubber and calf-leather strap options, and you have a timepiece that’s every bit as adaptable as it is iconic. For those who demand a blend of tradition, innovation, and luxury, the Luminor Quaranta Carbotech doesn’t just compete—it sets the standard, making it a worthy and compelling replacement for any modern field watch.
