Introducing Formex Reef Radiant Bronze COSC 300M For Collective (With Live Pics)

Like the other Reef 300M models from Formex, this Collective edition measures 42mm wide, 11.4mm thick, and 47mm lug-to-lug. It has a sapphire crystal up front, a steel case back, and 300 meters of water resistance aided by a guarded screw-down crown. For those that are unaware, Collective (aka. Collective Horology) is a west-coast-based membership and shop platform that specializes in working with brands to create limited collaboration watches. In the past they have worked with brands like IWC, Urwerk, Armin Strom, Czapek, and J.N. Shapiro. 

In an interesting twist, and certainly one that is surprising, if, like me, you aren’t familiar with the Reef line from Formex, the bezel is user swappable without the need for tools. By simply grasping it at the 12 o’clock point and giving it a firm pull, it pops off and can be swapped for other colors. Formex sells additional bezels for $170 and currently offers, silver-tone, green, and blue. That’s not all that is user-swappable as both mounts – the watch is offered with a rubber strap or a steel bracelet – have quick-change systems built-in. 

Hidden beneath that bright bronze dial, Formex has fitted a Sellita SW300-1, which is a COSC chronometer with a rate of 4 Hz and 56 hours of power reserve. The date display has been nicely executed at six o’clock on the dial with a ramped date aperture and a color-matched date wheel. The markers are applied and, like the hands, feature an ample layer of blue BGW9 Super-LumiNova. 

As mentioned, buyers will have a choice of either a full steel bracelet with screwed links and a sliding micro-adjust system or a black rubber strap with a carbon fiber composite fold-over clasp that, get this, has toolless micro-adjust built into the clasp itself. I don’t believe I’ve ever come across a similar clasp, which feels both weightless and very sturdy while also offering the added comfort of being able to manage a bit of wrist-swell. 

While not specifically limited in terms of production, the Reef Radiant Bronze will be exclusive to the Collective shop and the brand expects to have the first 50 units ready this year. Pricing is set at $1,935 on rubber or $2,065 on the steel bracelet.

The bezel action is good, with a light 120-click action and plenty of feedback, which is surprising for a bezel that can be easily popped off and swapped for a different color. I had expected the bezel to be a bit wobbly, or incredibly over-tight, but it fit nicely and worked just like a normal bezel. Furthermore, I like the idea that you could mix-n-match a bit and I’d wager that any of the additional color options would look great with the bronze dial. 

And really, that dial is the main event for this special creation made in collaboration with Collective Horology. For this execution, Formex has applied a lacquer to the dial that will prevent any oxidation. Interestingly, while I am usually pretty lukewarm on bronze coloring or the idea of two-tone watches in general, this vertically brushed dial glows and changes color in a way that I found really entertaining. Matched by the dark tones of the bezel, I think they’ve managed to make the most of a new dial color and I really enjoyed my time with it on my wrist.

Even when swapping in from a smaller, sub-40mm dive watch, this 42mm case from Formex didn’t wear especially large and the combination of the low profile and the ergonomic shape of the lugs kept the case flat and balanced on my wrist. Matched with the rubber, it has a summery vibe that feels more expensive than the actual number on the price tag. 

Considering the special bronze dial, the proportions, the swappable bezel, the COSC movement, and the micro-adjusting strap options, the handsome Formex Reef offers an attractive and feature-rich experience for anyone wanting a modern dive watch from a young and capable brand. 

Brand: Formex
Model: Reef Radiant Bronze COSC 300M for Collective
Reference Number: TK

Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 11.4mm
Lug-to-lug: 47mm
Weight: 90g
Case Material: Steel
Dial Color: Bronze
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes, blue BGW9 Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber with deployant clasp or a steel bracelet (both options with tool-less change and micro-adjust). 

Caliber: Sellita SW300-1
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date.
Power Reserve: 56 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 Goh
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC

Price: $1935 on rubber, $2065 on the steel bracelet.
Availability:
Limited Edition: Non numbered but produced in limited quantities only for the Collective. The first 50 units will be available this year. 

Click here for more information about the Formex Reef Radiant Bronze COSC 300M for Collective.