I bought an actual 1915 trenchwatch off of an authorized dealer of such things a couple of years ago. When it arrived, supposedly in "working condition", I tried winding it and all the hands promptly popped off the dial and gathered in a neat pile at the 6 o'clock position. I returned it for a full refund of course, but I've been looking for a modernized version of that watch ever since and needless to say, I was one of the first backers 😁
I had a similar thing happen to me regarding the hands on a genuine trench watch, plus in end it wasn’t worth the problems I had with it , so i to have just purchased a Vario 1918 type watch , and I’m very pleased with it
Love that you actually take marketing regulations seriously, by clearly stating advertising. A rare thing on UA-cam. We don't mind advertising, as long as we know what's going on and the products are interesting.
they are going to offer it as a normal regular purchase down the road at a higher price I think. The kickstarter is just to...get things started + something for early adopters
This watch is absolutely my cup of tea. I have a few vintage pieces - cheap ones, not like vintage Omega's, Longines etc. but rather forgoten, not existen brands from 40' - 60' and I must say that this Vario is great. Vario is one of this manufacturer which I fully respect for doing something different than another boring diver or just mixing inspiration from vintage with modern look. They seems to be fully commited to make watches that could be really designed and produced decades ago. For me-they're absolutely great!
What a great watch, kudos to Vario. Love it when a vintage homage like this is done tastefully and not tacky which Vario certainly achieved here, nice one.
I could watch you review rocks and if you brought that enthusiam I'd love it also. But since I've seen other reviews and was sure then too, I want that watch. You are right about the hand wind option. I love no date hand wind watches to throw on in the morning just give it a few turns, set the time, then away you go.
First off, a huge shout out to Ivan for doing something different and not doing a dive watch! I just wish he went with a period specific font on this model....I don’t think that modern script works for this piece. Cheers!
Jody, what I love about your video's, is the fact you have the watches in your hands and the information on the brands is second to none. Thank you for the entertainment, but you do cost me a lot of money.
I just picked this one up with the all brass case. I'm in love I think it's my new fave watch. For the price it's just fantastic I get so many comments on it
Just ordered the 40mm brass cream dial with orange lume on green bund - absolute stunner imo. Thanks for the review - as always, checked it after ordering 😂. So glad to hear you like it... and yes, my first trench watch 👍
Always remember 🏵️ my great grandfather fought both ww1 and ww2.... Now more than ever should they all be remembered for the cause they fought and perished for.
I'm one of this trench watch supporters. As you said, I want something more than divers. I always wanted a trench watch, I actually managed to buy one years ago, but It was not usable, it was a delicate antique. Other modern replicas are too expensive, too updated or too stylized, losing the appeal. You have shown the exact model I chose, I think is the one that looks more like a real aged common trench watch. About the movement: they just chose the best but cheap that could do the job, it's the reason for the crown at 4, to keep the seconds at 6, and that it's automatic, other movement options increased the price. But hey, Longines did the Heritage 1918 and used an automatic too (with a terrible date window; talking about too expensive, too updated and too stylized...).
There are also the Oris 1917 and the Tissot Heritage 1936 if you like these kind of watches. And these are not homages but re-releases. Keeping them as original looking as possible.
@@MrPleersThanks, I didn't know the Tissot. My problem is, like the Longines, that I don't like them. I'm looking for a trench watch, and common trench watches were not like that. I think this Vario is a homage, but in the literal meaning of the word, not like the widespread euphemism for a knock off. Maybe someone knows if there is a brand that can claim the original design of the trench watch, I don't.
I saw this a month ago and thought it was the prettiest watch I'd seen in years. Anxiously waited the launch and am now anxiously waiting delivery. But really Jody "more smaller" we know you were educated better than that.
I think Timex used to make a version, called the Welton. Quartz movement with Indiglo and an hour-jumping feature (changes the hour for time zone hops). Less than $200 US.
@@lennyscheapwatchchannel2099 I just ordered the black Midget and am excited about it. And since Timex aided in the production of the original Midget trench watch version for ingersoll watch co. when Timex was known as The Waterbury Clock Company, it makes it collectible as well in my opinion. It essentially made an updated version of a watch it produced.
Some part of me expects Seagull (or another Chinese brand using their movements) to make a handwinding version in the near future. It's like a Flieger, they all look very similar anyway.
I like Kickstarter but I feel as though there can be a lot of variables of quality and you have to put a lot of trust in the creators. The watch is very charming as you mentioned a hand wound version would've been fitting - looking forward to the giveaway and the sotc!
If you are keen on this one, I've purchased from Vario multiple times before and they are excellently made. They make great straps too if you check out their website. Plus, you usually get a hand-signed card from the brand owners in the box. It's the little touches that make a great brand.
I started out wanting to use a handwound but Japanese didn't offer any handwounds now..let alone small seconds. Swiss would drive my prices to compete with Longines and Oris and I don't heritage to back me up. I didn't want to bother with Chinese QC issues as a young brand so this was my best choice.
Agreed. In this specific case, I will third that Vario is an excellent company run by a passionate and honest chap with tons of experience bringing successful watches to us watch freaks. No worries here. :)
I backed the black and white. Had my eye on it for so,e time. My second Vario. I’m a big fan. I think it’s wonderful. The Vario logo doesn’t bother me unless I am looking at it under severe magnification. We only see watches that way in really picky UA-cam reviews. Heck, I can barely see date windows these days. Agreed with the bund strap length. It’s bund or nothing at all. As for the screw down crown and movement, I’ll take both. I don’t want appropriate. I want something that will last and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Just FYI, The Time Teller was able to wear the bund with a little room to spare on his 7.5 inch wrist I believe.
Great review of, as several comments have pointed out, not just another dive watch! I’m not a diver, so water resistance has never been an issue (beyond washing my hands or rain: call it splash resistance). My only moan/niggle would be the lack of options regarding the straps. The bund strap is a nice looking option, I simply prefer the Nato straps or a stainless steel band, as normally found on divers. That said, these are brilliantly legible, which is ultimately the purpose of any watch, isn’t it? Great review, Jody!
Um I actually have 6 genuine trench watches Jody. All work & keep pretty good time. A couple are a tad fragile but they all get the occasional wind up if not worn. I have eyed this tribute for some time. Just not sure if I’d get one. Having said that aesthetically they look good.😎👍🏻
I really dig that. I’d love one in bronze. Trench watches have always been my favorite style. My daily wear beater is the Swiss Army Calvary I got by smoking too many marlboros back in the 90s. If I start saving my pennies, I think this might replace it
Hand wound version would be v cool. Such a cool watch be very nice paired with a vintage car or bike. For me I like the medics version I'm a nurse by trade. I guess if your after the style you could by an original trench style watch there's lots about and they're usuaĺly cheaper. Great vid Jody.
Hi Jody, Great watch you explanation of it and it's style is better than I first saw on Time Teller review, so I may now get one. Thanks for your hard work bringing all these great watches to us. Stay Safe
My great grandfather was the type of person who never threw anything away, especially not his watch. He died in World War I holding on to a hand grenade. ;)
You mentioned they off a brass case version. Have a few vintage watches with chromed brass and they look good at their age. Why don't more makers go that way? Bump the other specs(movement, crystal, bracelet/strap) and use a brass coated case.
Another great review in the can. Right now I'm backing the Kickstarter for a black and a grey trench, and now darn it maybe an orange/white thanks to ye. Very impressed with Vario. The Empire is my #2 favorite in my collection of 24. Geckota also giving strong competition in here with the G-01 42mm autos and 39mm Space Age versions. But for everyday use, good looks, comfort, legibility, and strap flexibility... the white dial Empire just keeps giving the joys. Ivan really is onto something here. And their straps are very good too. Keep an eye on these guys... they're going up up up.
I like this watch and the concept of this watch. I like that Vario was willing to take a risk on something that was not a dive watch. I dont think that 100 meters of water resistance is a bad thing. I do like the (nowadays) unique inclusion of the wire lugs, and see that as a plus rather than a minus. I would cast my vote for a future version with a hand wound movement, even at a price premium. I would vote for a future version that was larger. And I am REALLY hoping hard that the lume on this watch is better than average. Lame lume is so depressing - it is almost like a watch has given up or cant be bothered when the lume is weak. All in all, I feel this watch represents the right idea at the right time, and according to the Kickstarter site, several hundred folks agree with that.
Great looking watch, nice specs and well priced. and different from almost everything else outhere. I will support Vario, ordered mine, now I"ll have to wait until May.
Big wrist guy here, and agree on the bund sizing. However, the single pass straps are in the same colors as the bunds and you can select a bund pad of your choice as an option and use it with the single pass. That's what I'll be doing with my order. I too think it really needs to be paired with the bund.
I like it and appreciate the water resistance. As a landscape photographer I have often ended up wetter than I intended. Unfortunately I have an 8.25 inch wrist. I wonder if third party bund straps could be an option.
Love the looks, good size watch for a bund strap. I have a 36mm CCCP era Vostok with a bund, looks great, very comfortable. Bunds do make the watch appear a few millimetres larger. Fossils do similar style lugs, but theirs take standard spring bards which is very versatile and I think preferable. But still a really cool design.
Everything cohesive - this is apt. For this kind of watch Vario have done everything right. What I would like to know: can the big leather part of the Bund strap been taken off, so that the watch can be worn on the two pieces of leather only? Vario is also specialized in straps after all. I like this company, but the Empire is still my favourite watch from Vario, I hope they continue to make it. Cheers! ✌️
I have a real 1918 trench watch with a brass "shrapnel" guard. It looks really cool. Unfortunately, it is manual wind and doesn't wind easily. It is also smaller than I'd like. I'd actually like to get a Vario because it is an automatic and a bit bigger, but first I'd need to see if I can find someone that will make a brass "shrapnel" guard as that is what really elevates the watch to a whole other level of coolness.
I was actually looking for this style of watch since they are so rare. I only know of zenith and longines making anything like this and most of them are so hard to get. I really like this design and can't wait to get my hands on them 😍
gorgeous little watch! It's nice to see manufacturers use something other than an NH35 but when that something different is a 8000 series Miyota, it's a little bit of a put off.
Pretty cool watch, I like a lot of what Vario does. One quibble: beat error doesn't change unless the watch is adjusted incorrectly (or the hairspring is damaged, which i don't think is the case here). Very likely it was poorly adjusted from the factory.
That's a great looking watch, unique from the rest of the crowd. That rotor, sounds like my old bait caster fishing reel but oddly enough it might be OK with a faux vintage design. BTW Star trek Red Alert all day long OK with me Jody 🤘
Us 8 1/2 inch wrist guys are screwed over again... would have bought this one if Vario came through with a larger bundt strap. It would be the only 37mm that I would probably ever purchase. Nice watch though and another comprehensive review. Good job
Reminds me a bit of the ones Oris (1917) and Tissot (Heritage 1936) made. I have the Tissot myself and they wear smaller than the size suggests. Because of the wired lugs that bends downwards. These will do as well. Sidenote, I agree. It would have been more interesting to make this one handwound (like the Oris and Tissot) as trenchwatches were all handwound.
Well, Jody, you've sorta flung a craving on me here, although the whiz-bang noisiness described gives me some pause. But the LOOK of this watch absolutely grabbed me. Call it an homage, vintage, classic, retro, or what you will, that is the kind of watch that would have me frequently checking the time, just to admire it! That's another point: I have wrists a bit over 8 inches, and while that isn't huge, a lot of straps are too short for comfort, and I'd be concerned that such would be the case here. As ever, thanks for a most entertaining and fun video!
I appreciate a watch with a healthy water resistance rating. As in all things in life, it's not where you think you're going that's important. It's were you end up.
@@fergiet18 I've seen the welton, I was actually looking for the Midget, the white/cream and orange variant, but I appreciate the heads up. Cheers anyway
Maybe they could supply the bund straps in two different lengths Jody as they are 3 piece? Not my cup of tea, but well executed for those that like this style.
I've seen cathedral hands and I adore them. But I have never seen them so incredible in quality, proportion and clarity as this, given I only saw them on aged vintage pieces and poor Chinese homages. Perhaps the enamel dial helps...another rare, timeless and beautiful feature. 3-Piece case too, and unlike the originals I considered for years 100m WR. Wow! I wonder if the crown TUBE is replaceable and screwed into the case or if its a pressure design.
Love this featured watch! May have to pick one up.,.I have an amphibia which has turned out to be a great watch!I I’m starting to feel as if I’m not rough enough with my watches as this one has not one scratch after a year of owning it it,
Oh wow that tweed strap! I really want a maroon tweed strap as we go into the winter but I keep getting talked out of it... any thoughts on them? Worth it? It feels like a sign I should trust my gut and go for it
I bought an actual 1915 trenchwatch off of an authorized dealer of such things a couple of years ago. When it arrived, supposedly in "working condition", I tried winding it and all the hands promptly popped off the dial and gathered in a neat pile at the 6 o'clock position. I returned it for a full refund of course, but I've been looking for a modernized version of that watch ever since and needless to say, I was one of the first backers 😁
I had a similar thing happen to me regarding the hands on a genuine trench watch, plus in end it wasn’t worth the problems I had with it , so i to have just purchased a Vario 1918 type watch , and I’m very pleased with it
@@russell6777So true. They make nice modern ones and have a vintage one, is probably only good for display and nothing else.
Love that you actually take marketing regulations seriously, by clearly stating advertising. A rare thing on UA-cam.
We don't mind advertising, as long as we know what's going on and the products are interesting.
Sponsorship, not advertising I would argue! But I appreciate the comment mate. 👍
This watch is the bomb. I was totally blown away. Your video had me entrenched for minutes.
This comment might not be appropriate...
I see what you did there
Beautiful, but I’m not a fan of the Kickstarter sales model; I’d prefer something I can buy right now.
they are going to offer it as a normal regular purchase down the road at a higher price I think. The kickstarter is just to...get things started + something for early adopters
I quite like it. Handsome and reserved while paying homage to the poor souls who fought in The Great War
Amen to that.👍🏼
Hello.... and welcome to something other than a damn dive watch!!!"
Damned fine watch, Livingston. Damn fine.
This watch is absolutely my cup of tea. I have a few vintage pieces - cheap ones, not like vintage Omega's, Longines etc. but rather forgoten, not existen brands from 40' - 60' and I must say that this Vario is great. Vario is one of this manufacturer which I fully respect for doing something different than another boring diver or just mixing inspiration from vintage with modern look. They seems to be fully commited to make watches that could be really designed and produced decades ago. For me-they're absolutely great!
What a great watch, kudos to Vario. Love it when a vintage homage like this is done tastefully and not tacky which Vario certainly achieved here, nice one.
I could watch you review rocks and if you brought that enthusiam I'd love it also. But since I've seen other reviews and was sure then too, I want that watch. You are right about the hand wind option. I love no date hand wind watches to throw on in the morning just give it a few turns, set the time, then away you go.
Agree Ed! My Yema Navygraf is getting a lot of wrist time for that very reason....
i owned a 1910 Levrette trench watch..and that triggered my love for trench watches.....i am quite liking this Vario..😍
First off, a huge shout out to Ivan for doing something different and not doing a dive watch! I just wish he went with a period specific font on this model....I don’t think that modern script works for this piece. Cheers!
... thats the font on the contemporary Rolexes (rolexs? Rolex's?)
When it comes to sponsored content, you're at least transparent, so it doesn't bother me. You do you, Jodie!
Thanks mate!!
1:23 You are such a fair guy. I admire this attitude.
Thanks for the shoutout! Fantastic watch and I love how different it is. Great job covering it!
I can never understand people moaning about the spinning rota on the Miyota movements. I never hear or feel it. Looks great on the bund.
You can only feel stuff like that when you're specifically trying to, not when you're simply going about your day
@@bigfootsburneraccount9160 Yes, it's really noisy when you hold your wrist to your ear and shake it. I am sure most people do that all the time, LOL
Priced right but I'll wait for the "retail" release I like the "style" que's of this microbrand... 👍👍
*Cue
Not gonna lie. I open these videos as soon as I get them before I intend to watch, just to see the shirt. Never fails to disappoint.
I completely agree, it would be so much better with a hand winding movement. More authentic and it would sit lower on the strap too. Good review 👍
Good to see they got “Gradué pour 30 pulsations” right, unlike that Chinese watch you reviewed a while ago :)
I just picked up the Timex Welton, which ia the timex version of this watch. I love it.
Clear, informative review, by a reviewer who's entertaining, but realizes that the real star is the watch.
Thanks mate!!
Great review on a watch that I have not noticed before
Always nice to see something a little bit different ))
Jody, what I love about your video's, is the fact you have the watches in your hands and the information on the brands is second to none. Thank you for the entertainment, but you do cost me a lot of money.
I just picked this one up with the all brass case. I'm in love I think it's my new fave watch. For the price it's just fantastic I get so many comments on it
Just ordered the 40mm brass cream dial with orange lume on green bund - absolute stunner imo. Thanks for the review - as always, checked it after ordering 😂. So glad to hear you like it... and yes, my first trench watch 👍
Always remember 🏵️ my great grandfather fought both ww1 and ww2.... Now more than ever should they all be remembered for the cause they fought and perished for.
Pretty, but not sold on the bund strap. More Longines than Longines.
I'm one of this trench watch supporters. As you said, I want something more than divers. I always wanted a trench watch, I actually managed to buy one years ago, but It was not usable, it was a delicate antique. Other modern replicas are too expensive, too updated or too stylized, losing the appeal. You have shown the exact model I chose, I think is the one that looks more like a real aged common trench watch. About the movement: they just chose the best but cheap that could do the job, it's the reason for the crown at 4, to keep the seconds at 6, and that it's automatic, other movement options increased the price. But hey, Longines did the Heritage 1918 and used an automatic too (with a terrible date window; talking about too expensive, too updated and too stylized...).
There are also the Oris 1917 and the Tissot Heritage 1936 if you like these kind of watches. And these are not homages but re-releases. Keeping them as original looking as possible.
@@MrPleersThanks, I didn't know the Tissot. My problem is, like the Longines, that I don't like them. I'm looking for a trench watch, and common trench watches were not like that. I think this Vario is a homage, but in the literal meaning of the word, not like the widespread euphemism for a knock off. Maybe someone knows if there is a brand that can claim the original design of the trench watch, I don't.
I agree, I would have preferred a manual wind, when they are they just feel extra special. However, I still want it.
I saw this a month ago and thought it was the prettiest watch I'd seen in years. Anxiously waited the launch and am now anxiously waiting delivery.
But really Jody "more smaller" we know you were educated better than that.
I think Timex used to make a version, called the Welton. Quartz movement with Indiglo and an hour-jumping feature (changes the hour for time zone hops). Less than $200 US.
www.amazon.com/Timex-Midget-Japan-Limited-TW2R45000/dp/B076JC9YFH
They still do. They also make The Midget. About $55 on Amazon, but not up to these excellent specs and standards. Still, they look nice.
I have one and I love it!
@@lennyscheapwatchchannel2099 I just ordered the black Midget and am excited about it. And since Timex aided in the production of the original Midget trench watch version for ingersoll watch co. when Timex was known as The Waterbury Clock Company, it makes it collectible as well in my opinion. It essentially made an updated version of a watch it produced.
Some part of me expects Seagull (or another Chinese brand using their movements) to make a handwinding version in the near future. It's like a Flieger, they all look very similar anyway.
I really don't mind the "sponsored" videos. You present the moans and niggles (fairly in my opinion) regardless of how you came by the watches.
some comments are really nitpicky when we should be glad its not another diver. Putting this watch on my "future consider purchase" list
I like vario, and they way they carry themselves. I bought the empire off the back of your review of it.
Agree about the manual wind, that would have been fantastic for this one even as a daily 'driver'.
I like Kickstarter but I feel as though there can be a lot of variables of quality and you have to put a lot of trust in the creators. The watch is very charming as you mentioned a hand wound version would've been fitting - looking forward to the giveaway and the sotc!
If you are keen on this one, I've purchased from Vario multiple times before and they are excellently made. They make great straps too if you check out their website. Plus, you usually get a hand-signed card from the brand owners in the box. It's the little touches that make a great brand.
I started out wanting to use a handwound but Japanese didn't offer any handwounds now..let alone small seconds. Swiss would drive my prices to compete with Longines and Oris and I don't heritage to back me up. I didn't want to bother with Chinese QC issues as a young brand so this was my best choice.
Agreed. In this specific case, I will third that Vario is an excellent company run by a passionate and honest chap with tons of experience bringing successful watches to us watch freaks. No worries here. :)
I think this is a delightful watch. It’d be a groovy look with short sleeves and jeans.
There's no other budget movement that's manual wind with a sub second dial. That's why they chose the Miyota.
I backed the black and white. Had my eye on it for so,e time. My second Vario. I’m a big fan. I think it’s wonderful. The Vario logo doesn’t bother me unless I am looking at it under severe magnification. We only see watches that way in really picky UA-cam reviews. Heck, I can barely see date windows these days. Agreed with the bund strap length. It’s bund or nothing at all. As for the screw down crown and movement, I’ll take both. I don’t want appropriate. I want something that will last and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Just FYI, The Time Teller was able to wear the bund with a little room to spare on his 7.5 inch wrist I believe.
Looks nearly identical to a Longines Heritage 1918. This WAS on my list, another copy design bites the dust.
I just looked google, they look fucking exactly the same. What the fuck.
I would argue it looks closer to Oris 1917 but then most Trench watches lookalike
It looks like a pocket watch, and they all kind of looked the same, so ...
no design exists in a vacuum, even watches like the rolex sub is based off something else. Imagine complaining about a $300 watch.
@@欧阳霖峰 there's a good few of them on here.
Szanto, Stewart Dawson! If you like this watch, you'll love Stewart Dawson! I agree with many others, cutting off the 6 absolutely kills it for me.
Nice piece with the bund... 11 Nov' also happens to be my grandfather's birthday... maybe on the Christmas list... 👍⌚
Great review of, as several comments have pointed out, not just another dive watch! I’m not a diver, so water resistance has never been an issue (beyond washing my hands or rain: call it splash resistance). My only moan/niggle would be the lack of options regarding the straps. The bund strap is a nice looking option, I simply prefer the Nato straps or a stainless steel band, as normally found on divers. That said, these are brilliantly legible, which is ultimately the purpose of any watch, isn’t it? Great review, Jody!
Um I actually have 6 genuine trench watches Jody. All work & keep pretty good time. A couple are a tad fragile but they all get the occasional wind up if not worn. I have eyed this tribute for some time. Just not sure if I’d get one. Having said that aesthetically they look good.😎👍🏻
This one reminds me of a pocket watch I had as a youngster. I would buy one.
Sure does have a true vintage vibe
I really dig that. I’d love one in bronze. Trench watches have always been my favorite style. My daily wear beater is the Swiss Army Calvary I got by smoking too many marlboros back in the 90s. If I start saving my pennies, I think this might replace it
Hand wound version would be v cool. Such a cool watch be very nice paired with a vintage car or bike. For me I like the medics version I'm a nurse by trade.
I guess if your after the style you could by an original trench style watch there's lots about and they're usuaĺly cheaper.
Great vid Jody.
Hi Jody, Great watch you explanation of it and it's style is better than I first saw on Time Teller review, so I may now get one. Thanks for your hard work bringing all these great watches to us. Stay Safe
My great grandfather was the type of person who never threw anything away, especially not his watch.
He died in World War I holding on to a hand grenade. ;)
I'm not sure if liking this comment is appropriate!? 🤔😱
Yeah, nah.
@@JustOneMoreWatch I had to read that a couple of times.🤔
Pull the pin !!
Great review and nice sharp imagery - I'm sold!
Great video on a very cool looking watch. Thanks as always Jody.
I like it and i want one because of the vintage aesthetic but the lugs make straps a little difficult
You mentioned they off a brass case version. Have a few vintage watches with chromed brass and they look good at their age. Why don't more makers go that way? Bump the other specs(movement, crystal, bracelet/strap) and use a brass coated case.
Another great review in the can. Right now I'm backing the Kickstarter for a black and a grey trench, and now darn it maybe an orange/white thanks to ye.
Very impressed with Vario. The Empire is my #2 favorite in my collection of 24. Geckota also giving strong competition in here with the G-01 42mm autos and 39mm Space Age versions. But for everyday use, good looks, comfort, legibility, and strap flexibility... the white dial Empire just keeps giving the joys. Ivan really is onto something here. And their straps are very good too. Keep an eye on these guys... they're going up up up.
I like this watch and the concept of this watch. I like that Vario was willing to take a risk on something that was not a dive watch. I dont think that 100 meters of water resistance is a bad thing. I do like the (nowadays) unique inclusion of the wire lugs, and see that as a plus rather than a minus. I would cast my vote for a future version with a hand wound movement, even at a price premium. I would vote for a future version that was larger. And I am REALLY hoping hard that the lume on this watch is better than average. Lame lume is so depressing - it is almost like a watch has given up or cant be bothered when the lume is weak. All in all, I feel this watch represents the right idea at the right time, and according to the Kickstarter site, several hundred folks agree with that.
You're my favorite Scottish man on UA-cam
Thanks mate! You mustn't have checked out too many whisky channels. Cheers! 🥃🍻
Great looking watch, nice specs and well priced. and different from almost everything else outhere. I will support Vario, ordered mine, now I"ll have to wait until May.
Love the watch... I think it’s my favorite micro brand watch so fat.
Thanks for reviewing it Jody.
Thanks Jodi, love the history and may have to pull the trigger, excuse the pun, but just bought 3 watches on 11-11 AliExpress sale
Its not my style, but I see the appeal. I really appreciate the respectful way the war is approached on the case back.
Big wrist guy here, and agree on the bund sizing. However, the single pass straps are in the same colors as the bunds and you can select a bund pad of your choice as an option and use it with the single pass. That's what I'll be doing with my order. I too think it really needs to be paired with the bund.
I like it and appreciate the water resistance. As a landscape photographer I have often ended up wetter than I intended. Unfortunately I have an 8.25 inch wrist. I wonder if third party bund straps could be an option.
Love that grey one.
Thank you for the video. Have a great day.
Love the looks, good size watch for a bund strap. I have a 36mm CCCP era Vostok with a bund, looks great, very comfortable. Bunds do make the watch appear a few millimetres larger.
Fossils do similar style lugs, but theirs take standard spring bards which is very versatile and I think preferable.
But still a really cool design.
Everything cohesive - this is apt. For this kind of watch Vario have done everything right. What I would like to know: can the big leather part of the Bund strap been taken off, so that the watch can be worn on the two pieces of leather only? Vario is also specialized in straps after all. I like this company, but the Empire is still my favourite watch from Vario, I hope they continue to make it. Cheers! ✌️
Yes the bund can be removed and worn with the 2 peices of leather only
I have a real 1918 trench watch with a brass "shrapnel" guard. It looks really cool. Unfortunately, it is manual wind and doesn't wind easily. It is also smaller than I'd like.
I'd actually like to get a Vario because it is an automatic and a bit bigger, but first I'd need to see if I can find someone that will make a brass "shrapnel" guard as that is what really elevates the watch to a whole other level of coolness.
I'd happily have a quartz movement with that look
They have been threatening to produce a Seiko quartz version with the same case and all for almost a year now. It looks like they will soon.
Timex Waterbury $90 on Amazon in quartz WW1 look with sub seconds dial.
Beautiful watch!! And you got the colorway I want too!
I was actually looking for this style of watch since they are so rare. I only know of zenith and longines making anything like this and most of them are so hard to get. I really like this design and can't wait to get my hands on them 😍
gorgeous little watch! It's nice to see manufacturers use something other than an NH35 but when that something different is a 8000 series Miyota, it's a little bit of a put off.
They definitely should have gone for a hand winding movement instead. It would have been more fitting, and would eliminate that awful rotor noise too.
Love the Rotor noise and loud ticking let's me no I've got a mechanical watch on ,same with desk clock !
I don’t hear the rotor on this movement in any watch unless I put a microphone next to it in a watch review video. Seriously.
Pretty cool watch, I like a lot of what Vario does.
One quibble: beat error doesn't change unless the watch is adjusted incorrectly (or the hairspring is damaged, which i don't think is the case here). Very likely it was poorly adjusted from the factory.
A display caseback for a fixed lug bar case - genius
Love the look of this watch.
That's a great looking watch, unique from the rest of the crowd. That rotor, sounds like my old bait caster fishing reel but oddly enough it might be OK with a faux vintage design.
BTW Star trek Red Alert all day long OK with me Jody 🤘
Us 8 1/2 inch wrist guys are screwed over again... would have bought this one if Vario came through with a larger bundt strap. It would be the only 37mm that I would probably ever purchase. Nice watch though and another comprehensive review. Good job
Single pass fed through the bund for extra length.
Use the single pass with the bund?
looks very nice, but for $50
on amazon (20% of the Vario) i got my first trench style watch by timex - 38mm quartz -not bad and has indigo.
Boy, you must have really excellent hearing if you can hear the rotor moving.
Reminds me a bit of the ones Oris (1917) and Tissot (Heritage 1936) made. I have the Tissot myself and they wear smaller than the size suggests. Because of the wired lugs that bends downwards. These will do as well. Sidenote, I agree. It would have been more interesting to make this one handwound (like the Oris and Tissot) as trenchwatches were all handwound.
Beautiful watch! I find it hard to connect with small seconds watches though. There is something about seeing a large second hand tick around a dial.
Well, Jody, you've sorta flung a craving on me here, although the whiz-bang noisiness described gives me some pause. But the LOOK of this watch absolutely grabbed me. Call it an homage, vintage, classic, retro, or what you will, that is the kind of watch that would have me frequently checking the time, just to admire it! That's another point: I have wrists a bit over 8 inches, and while that isn't huge, a lot of straps are too short for comfort, and I'd be concerned that such would be the case here. As ever, thanks for a most entertaining and fun video!
No need or want for a trench watch, but it does look nice! Thanks Jody!
I'm good with the Miyota movement, it is accurate and fits the pricepoint. As for the single winding direction, it is more efficient as I understand.
I appreciate a watch with a healthy water resistance rating.
As in all things in life, it's not where you think you're going that's important. It's were you end up.
Nice watch! Great review Jody!!!
That's very nice.
Oh man. Soooo cool. I need it. I shouldn't. But it's just so gorgeous! Damn you Jody ;)
Check out the Timex Welton as a cheap, quartz alternative!
Trying to get one in Ireland/The UK, any leads? Shipping from us or Japan is closer to a third the price of the watch!
@@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews What about polish e-shops? zegarownia.pl/zegarek-meski-timex-welton-tw2r87900
@@LukeBhite I'll check it out and see if they have the white and orange variant, thanks for the tip!
@@TheWatchtowerWatchReviewsit's on Amazon UK £85
@@fergiet18 I've seen the welton, I was actually looking for the Midget, the white/cream and orange variant, but I appreciate the heads up. Cheers anyway
Already backed it after Shane's review.
Maybe they could supply the bund straps in two different lengths Jody as they are 3 piece?
Not my cup of tea, but well executed for those that like this style.
I've seen cathedral hands and I adore them. But I have never seen them so incredible in quality, proportion and clarity as this, given I only saw them on aged vintage pieces and poor Chinese homages. Perhaps the enamel dial helps...another rare, timeless and beautiful feature. 3-Piece case too, and unlike the originals I considered for years 100m WR. Wow! I wonder if the crown TUBE is replaceable and screwed into the case or if its a pressure design.
Great review. Thank you.
Very cool. Vario is an interesting brand!
Love this featured watch! May have to pick one up.,.I have an amphibia which has turned out to be a great watch!I I’m starting to feel as if I’m not rough enough with my watches as this one has not one scratch after a year of owning it it,
Thank you for the video. Not a watch for me. I can see the allure for some. Keep the cool videos coming!!!
Oh wow that tweed strap! I really want a maroon tweed strap as we go into the winter but I keep getting talked out of it... any thoughts on them? Worth it? It feels like a sign I should trust my gut and go for it
nice, I like the unusual stuff