Introducing the Newest FORMEX Field Automatic Gen 2: Rugged. Refined. Ready. Redesigned.
- Balance & Bridge
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Titanium toughness, dial depth, and daily versatility – now in three bold new colors.
The FORMEX Field Automatic was already a solid contender in the everyday adventure category—lightweight, durable, legible, and surprisingly good-looking for something meant to take a beating. But now, with the release of the Field Automatic Gen 2, FORMEX isn’t just tweaking the original. They’re evolving it.
Three new dial colors—Ice Blue, Coho Salmon, and Basalt Grey—headline the update, each adding its own personality to a watch that’s built for real-world wear, whether you're hiking a rocky ridge or just catching a train across town. But this isn't just about color. Underneath that pop of personality is a suite of subtle but significant upgrades that make the Gen 2 more capable, more comfortable, and—somehow—more stylish.
A Titanium Case That Earns Its Keep
At the heart of the Field Gen 2 is its 40mm Grade 2 titanium case. Titanium already has a reputation for being tough, light, and hypoallergenic—ideal for anyone who wears their watch all day, every day. But FORMEX takes it a step further. Through a proprietary hardening process, they’ve boosted the material’s surface hardness from 145 HV to a whopping 900 HV—that’s nearly triple the hardness of even Grade 5 titanium.
The result? A case that resists scratches, feels featherlight on the wrist, and picks up a unique patina over time based on your individual wear. It's the kind of watch that tells a bit of your story every time you glance down.
And the finishing? It’s matte and sandblasted, giving it that purposeful, no-nonsense texture you'd expect from a true field watch—but with subtle beveling and crisp lines that elevate it beyond your average tool watch.
Dialed In: Depth, Dimension, and Detail
If the case is all about function, the dial is where FORMEX flexes its design chops. Each dial is a dual-component construction, with a sunburst-finished center surrounded by a sloped minute track and recessed stencil numerals that glow thanks to color-adjusted Super-LumiNova®.
It's a small but meaningful thing—Super-LumiNova that's matched to the dial color by day, yet still shines strong when the lights go down. And because the numerals are cut out and filled from below (a classic "sandwich dial" technique), you get that extra sense of dimensionality that makes the watch feel alive on the wrist.
Whether you go for the icy, clean punch of Ice Blue, the warm, earthy tone of Coho Salmon, or the grounded utility of Basalt Grey, you’re getting a dial that balances clarity and character in equal measure.
A Strap for Every Scenario
FORMEX hasn’t overlooked what holds the watch to your wrist, either. The Gen 2 introduces a trio of new nylon straps, woven with just the right amount of texture and color depth to complement the case and dial. These join existing options like rugged nylon-velcro and leather straps—each of which is tool-free swappable, making it easy to change up the look or feel depending on your day.
Opt for leather, and you’ll also get FORMEX's patented carbon deployant clasp with on-the-fly micro-adjustment. No tools. No hassle. Just all-day comfort that adapts as your wrist changes with temperature, activity, or time.
Built to Be Worn—Anywhere
Under the hood is a Swiss automatic movement, delivering reliable mechanical performance day in and day out. And with 150 meters of water resistance, shock protection, and that ultra-hardened titanium case, this watch isn’t just desk-diving friendly—it’s built for real adventure.
But what sets the Field Gen 2 apart isn’t one big thing—it’s a series of small, thoughtful touches that add up. A beveled date window that feels integrated, not tacked on. A clean stencil aesthetic that nods to vintage military watches without going full cosplay. And a wear profile that slides easily under a cuff without disappearing altogether.
Field Watch, Reimagined
So who’s this watch for? It’s for people who appreciate engineering and value, sure—but also for those who want something a little different from the usual suspects. The Field Gen 2 wears like a serious tool watch but looks sharp enough for dinner downtown. It's equally at home on the trail or in the office, which is exactly the point.
FORMEX CEO Raphael Granito puts it best:
“What I love about the Field collection is that it lets us challenge expectations. We see the field watch as a piece of kit that is bare bones but sophisticated — meaning it can be thoughtfully engineered, beautifully finished, and still deliver the rugged dependability people expect. The FORMEX Field embodies our approach of offering exceptional value, of exceeding expectations not just in materials and finishing, but in the entire experience of wearing the watch. This isn’t just a watch that does the job — it takes pride in how it gets it done. That’s why the Field isn’t just rugged or refined; it’s both, in equal measure.”
And at a starting price of $870 (on nylon/Velcro) or $995 (on leather with the deployant clasp), it punches well above its weight. Pre-orders opened May 22, with deliveries starting in late June 2025.
Final Thoughts on the FORMEX Field Automatic Gen 2
The FORMEX Field Automatic Gen 2 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—but it absolutely refines it. More color, more character, and even more capability make this a watch that’s hard to beat in the under-$1K space. If you’re after a timepiece that balances rugged functionality with modern design—and one that grows with you over time—this just might be your next daily wearer. FORMEX has been top of mind here at Balance & Bridge since we included them in our best brands of 2023.
More info at: formexwatch.com
BALANCE & BRIDGE