Best Watch Winder for Formex | Tempus
Founded in 1999 in Lengnau, Switzerland, Formex has built its reputation on one simple idea: Swiss-made mechanical watches engineered to be worn hard. The young brand's mantra of being "field-tested in Switzerland" shows in everything from its patented 4GS shock-absorption case suspension to the screw-down crowns and 100m+ water resistance across the range.
The Essence 39 is Formex's everyday icon — a 39mm automatic with the leg-spring case suspension that absorbs shocks instead of passing them to the movement. The Reef 39.5 takes the same engineering spirit underwater as a serious 300m dive watch. Both run on proven Swiss automatic calibres, which is exactly what a good watch winder is built to keep healthy and ready.
Formex TPD Requirements
Formex automatics are refreshingly straightforward: the Essence and Reef lines settle at 725 TPD in bi-directional mode, which sits comfortably in the middle of any quality winder's range.
| Model | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|
| Formex Essence 39 | 725 TPD, bi-directional |
| Formex Reef 39.5 | 725 TPD, bi-directional |
| Most other Formex automatics | 725 TPD, bi-directional |
Tap any model above for its full settings page, including setup advice.
What to Look for in a Winder for Formex
A Formex is built to be worn, so a winder's job is simply to bridge the days it isn't. Quiet operation, a secure holder and a 725 TPD bi-directional setting are all you need — every Tempus winder covers these, with three winding directions and a 3-year warranty as standard.
Tempus Picks for Formex Owners
Tempus 2 Biometric (£446)
A compact, secure home for two automatics — fingerprint access keeps your rotation protected, with independently programmable TPD on each rotor.
Tempus 4 Biometric (£971)
Our most popular multi-watch unit — four individually controlled rotors behind a fingerprint-secured lid. Ideal for a growing collection.
Tempus 6 Biometric (£1121)
Six independent winding programmes under biometric lock — built for serious collectors who want every watch ready to wear.
Why Formex Owners Use a Winder
Formex owners tend to wear one watch hard for a while, then swap — an Essence for the week, a Reef for the weekend. Each time the watch runs down, you're resetting the time and (on date models) the calendar. A winder keeps the off-rotation watch ticking so the swap takes five seconds, not five minutes of crown-twisting. Given how Formex rewards daily wear, keeping the reserve topped up also means the movement spends more of its life in its most accurate power band.
Single vs Multi-Watch for Formex
One Formex plus a daily wearer? A single or double winder covers you. But Formex collectors rarely stop at one — the Essence and Reef lines are priced to invite a second or third — and that's where a 4- or 6-watch unit earns its place. One footprint, one power supply, the whole rotation ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TPD setting does a Formex need?
Formex automatics — including the Essence 39 and Reef 39.5 — need 725 TPD in bi-directional mode. Set your Tempus winder to 725 TPD bi-directional and your Formex will stay perfectly wound.
Do Formex watches need a watch winder?
No automatic watch needs a winder, but a Formex left off the wrist will run down within a couple of days, and you'll be resetting the time and date each time. A winder keeps it ready to grab and go — ideal for rotating between an Essence and a Reef.
Can Tempus winders handle Formex's winding direction?
Yes. Formex automatics wind bi-directionally, and every Tempus winder offers clockwise, counter-clockwise and bi-directional modes — so all three directions are covered with room to spare.
What warranty do Tempus winders carry?
Every Tempus watch winder includes a 3-year warranty. Tempus can also repair any Tempus-brand winder even after the warranty period has ended.
For model-specific settings, see our TPD settings guide.
What TPD setting does a Formex need?
Formex automatics — including the Essence 39 and Reef 39.5 — need 725 TPD in bi-directional mode. Set your Tempus winder to 725 TPD bi-directional and your Formex will stay perfectly wound.
Do Formex watches need a watch winder?
No automatic watch needs a winder, but a Formex left off the wrist will run down within a couple of days, and you'll be resetting the time and date each time. A winder keeps it ready to grab and go — ideal for rotating between an Essence and a Reef.
Can Tempus winders handle Formex's winding direction?
Yes. Formex automatics wind bi-directionally, and every Tempus winder offers clockwise, counter-clockwise and bi-directional modes — so all three directions are covered with room to spare.
What warranty do Tempus winders carry?
Every Tempus watch winder includes a 3-year warranty. Tempus can also repair any Tempus-brand winder even after the warranty period has ended.