I just got a new Formex 4Speed GT325 watch, and I really like it. However, I like the watch better when it is not on my wrist, so I have traded it for an Eterna Airforce Chronograph with a Valjoux 7750 movement in it. Hopefully this Eterna will suit me better than the Formex did.

Here she is:
Formex GT325

All that aside this is a pretty nice watch. The bracelet is “hunky chunky” as one of my friends likes to call it. He owns a couple of Formex watches himself, and is completely addicted to them. Its funny because I’d always wanted one, but never bothered getting around to buying one until I showed them to him and he bought one on the spot almost!

Formex Back

The watch has a “suspension” system, which means the head will bob up and down depending on how much pressure you apply to the caseback. This is supposed to make it more comfortable… unfortunately i think this is a gimmick since it doesn’t really seem to make a difference and the watch is somewhat uncomfortable. Bracelet is made of Titanium as is the caseback, however the suspension system and the bezel are both Stainless Steel. The quality of the bracelet is not the best… I would say that it is adequate for a watch in this price range, but it is not up to the quality standards of a Breitling, Omega or Ball. It is similar in quality to an Tag Heuer Aquaracer or Formula 1 maybe.

Formex Package

The watch comes with all sorts of nifty extras… a Lanyard with Formex writing all over it, TWO extra straps.. one in black Leather with red stitching, and one in Reb Rubber. Also comes with two sets of allan keys for adjusting the straps and changing out the bracelet and sizing. The Box itself is kind of a cheap aluminum wrapped around big foam peices… but looks cool enough and suits the watch.

Formex Face

The crystal is sapphire, and it says so somewhat cheesily on the bright red dial. I’m not sure if the red dial was a bit of a turn off too… perhaps I should have gotten blue. It doesn’t really matter since I’ve got a trade deal on it now. Dial is sort of a Matte color and looks sharp under a 10x Loupe. There is absolutely no debris in the case, so it looks good. Chronograph pushers have to be pushed way in to get it going, which is a bit funny. The date is set by turning the hour hand around 24 hours, there is no quickset date in this ETA movement. Manual is very limited, includes the ETA printed manual that comes with the movement!

The movement kept accurate time. It was not off by anything after a day, but it is a quartz movement.

Overall, the watch is a nice watch, but really not for me. It is for racing enthusiasts and people that like hunky chunky watches and flashy colors. It definately fits the theme that it is chasing, but to me in the end it lacks the refinement and class that I look for in a watch. As evidenced by my friend, there are people that will really like this watch, I’m just not one of them.

Movement: 5/10 (its a quartz)
Case/Crystal/Crown: 7/10
Dial/Hands: 7/10
Strap / Buckle / Bracelet: 6/10
Accuracy: 9/10
Comfort: 5/10
Packaging / Manual: 8/10
Overall Impression: 7/10