Other than a date display or possibly a chronograph, it’s hard to think of a feature on a watch that has more practical applications in people’s everyday lives than the classic GMT complication. Swiss watch manufacturer Formex seems to recognize this and has just unveiled a GMT version of its fan-favorite Reef dive watch that expands upon the existing range by introducing a new mesh bracelet to the collection, along with the ability to simultaneously display three different timezones. Additionally, rather than being a single model, the Formex Reef GMT Automatic Chronometer 300M is offered with the option of six different dials and six different bezels — and since the Reef GMT uses the same patented interchangeable bezel system as the Reef diver, the actual number of configurations that will be available will be rather extensive once you factor in all of the different straps and bracelets that are cross-compatible with the watches from the existing Reef range.

The case of the Formex Reef GMT Automatic Chronometer 300M measures 42mm in diameter by 47mm lug-to-lug, and it follows the collection’s signature symmetrical profile that extends on either side at the 3 and 9 o’clock locations to offer protection for the screw-down winding crown and to create a distinct overall appearance. Fitted above the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with five layers of anti-reflective treatment on the inside, and unlike the Reef dive watch, the new GMT model also features a second sapphire crystal set into the center of its exhibition-style caseback. Generally speaking, display casebacks often slightly add to the overall height of a watch, yet the Formex Reef GMT still measures the same 11.4mm thickness as its dive watch sibling, and it even offers the same 300 meters of water resistance. Furthermore, the Reef GMT uses the same tool-free interchangeable bezel system as the current Reef diver, and although the motion of the bezel is determined by the case of the watch itself, the bezels (which feature either brushed steel or zirconium oxide ceramic inserts) will be interchangeable between Formex Reef models, and they will be available for purchase separately to enable additional customizability.

All of the different dials fitted to the new Formex Reef GMT Automatic Chronometer 300M watches feature color-matched date wheels, and both components are produced entirely in-house by Formex’s own dial factory located in the Jura mountains of Switzerland. Dial colors include black, white, and green, and the six total options can be found with different finishing on their hour markers and with different splashes of color for the “GMT” text that appears above the date windows located at 6 o’clock. Hand-applied angular hour markers are filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova BGW9, and they work in conjunction with the four centrally mounted hands to offer a blue glowing display of the time in dark environments. Additionally, a 24-hour scale sits along the interior of the applied hour markers, and this enables the Formex GMT to track two different timezones with just its dial and hands, freeing up its bezel to be used for quick access to a third.

Inside the Formex Reef GMT is the Swiss-Made Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement, which runs at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers users a power reserve of approximately 56 hours. The Sellita SW330-2 is essentially the exact same movement as the ETA 2893-2, and while it is considered to be somewhat of a known quantity within the luxury watch industry, there are also multiple different grades available. The Formex Reef GMT uses the highest quality version that Sellita produces, which is COSC chronometer-certified and features a handful of premium components that are not found on the base-level version of the SW330-2, along with more ornate finishing and decoration that includes blued screws, perlage on the bridges, and a custom-manufactured skeletonized rotor. Just as you would expect to find on a watch powered by this well-known and proven movement, the Reef GMT features an independently adjustable 24-hour hand that is controlled by the crown’s secondary setting position, which allows it to be adjusted backward or forward in one-hour increments.

Although the new Formex Reef GMT will be compatible with all existing straps and bracelets from the collection, the model also marks the introduction of a new Milanese mesh bracelet to the Reef lineup. Despite its mesh design, the bracelet features a screw-in link construction, meaning that the overall length can be adjusted similar to a normal watch bracelet, without the need to cut the mesh material itself or have excess layers of metal doubled up along the inside of the bracelet and its clasp. Additionally, since the new Milanese mesh bracelet includes the same micro-adjustment clasp that can be found on the bracelet of the Reef dive watch, its screw-in link design enables owners to first size the bracelet to their wrists, and then take full advantage of its 10mm of tool-free micro-adjustment. Along with the Milanese mesh bracelet, the Formex Reef GMT will also be available with the solid-link bracelet from the Reef diver, a textured rubber strap, or three new leather straps that feature a carbon fiber composite folding clasps with integrated micro-adjustment systems.

With identical case proportions and water resistance ratings, the new Formex Reef GMT Automatic Chronometer 300M is almost guaranteed to appeal to anyone who was already a fan of the brand’s original Reef dive watch. Additionally, since straps, bracelets, and bezels are all interchangeable among other Formex Reef models, the new Reef GMT is just as much a new addition to the collection as it is an expansion of the greater Reef watch ecosystem. Official retail pricing for the Formex Reef GMT will range from $1,800 USD to $2,250 USD depending on the specific configuration, and the model will be available for pre-order online and from selected Formex retail partners, with shipping scheduled to start in early August 2022. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.