I’m a big fan of reversible watches. There’s something about the concept that I find genuinely fascinating. Perhaps it’s the clever engineering, perhaps the fact that you essentially get two different perspectives from a single watch. My personal favourite is the Vario Versa which has become one of my most worn watches in my collection. So naturally, whenever I come across a new take on the reversible watch concept, it catches my attention.
And now there’s something interesting coming from Italy.
Forma, the creative division of Out Of Order, has introduced the Trenta Flip, the third chapter in its collection inspired by the decades that helped shape modern watchmaking. Following the Settanta and the Venti, the Trenta takes inspiration from the 1930s, but instead of simply borrowing the aesthetics of the era, it brings back one of its most interesting watchmaking concepts: the reversible case.
A quick note before we dive into it: As always, this is not a paid or sponsored introduction. My thoughts and impressions are based on the information, materials and photographs provided by the brand. I haven’t had the opportunity to handle the watch in person(yet), so these are my initial impressions rather than a hands-on review.
A different kind of flip
Of course, when we talk about reversible watches, the first name that usually comes to mind is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, introduced in 1931. It’s an absolute icon, and for good reason. But Forma has decided to approach the idea from a slightly different direction.
Rather than turning the entire watch around, the Trenta Flip uses a new mechanism that allows the central case to rotate while the lugs and strap remain in place on your wrist. It’s a rather clever solution, and according to the brand, the mechanism is protected by a registered European design.
In other words, you don’t have to take the watch off to flip it. Just rotate the case and enjoy the other side.
The stainless steel case measures 30 x 47mm, with a thickness of 9.4mm. These are proportions that feel right at home in the world of vintage rectangular dress watches. The polished 316L steel construction is complemented by a classic onion-shaped crown, while the sapphire crystal features anti-reflective treatment.
Two sides worth looking at
The black dial is probably where the Trenta Flip makes its strongest visual impression. At the centre is Forma’s Doppio Delta guilloché pattern, CNC-machined with additional vertical lines that create an interesting play of light. Around it, a radial-finished outer ring carries polished applied indices.
The leaf-shaped hands complete the look, giving the watch a distinctly vintage character without making it feel like a direct reproduction of something from the past.
But here’s where things get even more interesting. Flip the case and you’ll find a sapphire exhibition caseback revealing the automatic movement inside. Forma has also fitted it with a custom IP Gold rotor decorated with the same Doppio Delta pattern found on the dial.
And I quite like the idea that you might end up keeping the movement side facing upwards simply because you enjoy looking at it. Of course, if you prefer something more personal, the brand also offers the option of replacing the exhibition caseback with a solid one that can be engraved.
The movement
Powering the Trenta Flip is a Miyota 9039 Top Grade automatic movement, regulated in-house to an accuracy of +8/-8 seconds per day. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve.
It’s a reliable Japanese movement that should make the watch perfectly suitable for everyday wear, at least mechanically speaking and helps to keep a thin profile.
The watch comes fitted with a vegetable-tanned bovine leather strap, made in Italy. It features the Doppio Delta pattern, tapers from 22mm to 18mm and is secured by a stainless steel deployant clasp.
Water resistance is rated at 50 metres (5 ATM), which is fairly typical for this kind of dress watch.
A rather interesting proposition
At €1,150, the Forma Trenta Flip is certainly not an impulse purchase, but it’s also a watch that offers something a little different from the usual rectangular dress watch. Between the custom case construction, the Miyota 9039 Top Grade movement and the attention to detail, there’s quite a bit going on here.
I think Forma has done a good job of bringing a 1930s-inspired design into the present without simply relying on vintage looks. The result is something that feels familiar at first glance but has a rather unexpected feature waiting to be discovered.
It’s always nice to see brands experimenting with ideas that make watch collecting interesting. And while I still have a few things I’d like to experience firsthand, more on that later before forming a final opinion, the Trenta Flip has certainly caught my attention.
Would I rock it?
Absolutely! At least, based on what I’ve seen so far. As I mentioned I’m a big fan of reversible watches, and the Trenta Flip looks like a very interesting take on the concept. I particularly like that Forma has gone its own way with the rotating central case rather than simply following the familiar Reverso-style approach.
From the photographs, I really like the overall design, the proportions and the vintage-inspired dial. When it comes to dial colours, though, I’m usually drawn to lighter and more playful shades. Something somewhere between salmon and off-white would be right up my alley. That’s purely a matter of personal taste, of course, and I can definitely appreciate the character of the black version as well.
I’d love to try one in person. I’m especially curious about how the flipping action feels, how easily and naturally the case turns, and how comfortable the watch is on the wrist. With a reversible watch, the mechanism is such an important part of the experience. From what I’ve seen so far, it looks very promising, but that’s something I’d really like to experience for myself. After all, you can only properly appreciate these little details when you have the watch in your hands.
Overall, this looks like a great interpretation of the reversible watch concept, and certainly something I’d be happy to have on my wrist.
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Specifications:
- Case: 316L stainless steel
- Dimensions: 30mm x 47mm with 9.4mm thickness
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
- Dial: Black, CNC Doppio Delta guilloché
- Movement: Miyota 9039 Top Grade automatic
- Water resistance: 50m / 5 ATM
- Strap: Italian vegetable-tanned bovine leather
- Price: €1,150
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