Nice to see another Vario Empire review , I recently bought their Gunmetal version of this watch and I'm really loving it. Also to be honest their straps are one of the best in the market for that price tag. And I have to say owner Ivan is a really cool guy. He takes care of his customers very well, I have nothing but good comments for him and his products so far.
I really like the brand but back of my head I’m always wondering if it is one of those opportunist marketing gimmicky companies trying to prey on new watch enthusiasts.
I backed the Empire on KickStarter in the silver dial with blued hands and the handwound gilt Miyota 6T33 movement. Even though I liked the concept of the watch I found that it was very hard to wind due to the small crown and also was hard to pull out to set the watch. I have to say that there was nothing wrong with the watch and the quality was excellent, but the small crown on a hand wind only was a deal breaker. The accessories that Ivan sell are top notch and I have purchased 2 watch pods and a micro-fiber wipe for my watches. Thanks again, Brian.
I bought some straps and G Shock adapters from Vario a couple months ago. Very happy with the products and the service. I've ordered one of the trench watches on the kick starter. Ivan has been terrific responding to any questions I've had and I'm really looking forward to getting the watch. I wasn't quick enough to get the one I wanted on the first run so I have to wait till May.
This is really an adorable watch and you've really done this watch justice with your review. I've been pondering for quite some time if should get one. The color options I like most are sold out now sadly. I hope Vario will restock this watch at some point.
Iove the vario, paticularly the tuxedo or bullseye dial. Gorgeous. I think I'm at the stage were I've bought a lot of watches and I'm happy with them and struggle to see what a new watch would replace in the collection. But this is one I've considered a lot over the last year
Hi Dave, the Vario Empire is one gorgeous looking watch the gold on green is such a classy combination, unfortunately I'm not in the market for another watch at present, but as soon as I am I think Vario will certainly be one to consider, stay safe.
Have the Silver colourway of the Auto version and have been loving it ever since, would have preferred a Tuxedo dial (white center part with the black outer ring) but they were already sold out.
I was late to the game so I missed out on this watch and the kickstarter project, but according to their website they will be making some new variants for their automatic version this year. I can't wait to see what they'll release.
Very nice review! As I don't really like divers, I think this is a pretty versatile piece. Easy to dress down and wear with casual clothes. Great size, too even on my 7.5 inch wrist. I think this Empire and the Trench watch are beautifully designed, great size and seem to be great quality. Vario deserves a lot of success. And maybe in future they'll offer up quartz versions, too. I do have a dress watch. I wear it to weddings and other formal functions, as well as more casual occasions. Sometimes though I wear it just to go to the supermarket or hanging around at home. Depends on my mood. I believe it is easier to dress down a more formal watch that to dress up a more casual piece.
with the rise of crowdfunding platforms and microbrands, the competition in certain product categories is getting tougher than ever, so it is really the best time to be a watch enthusiast. watch manufacturers favor the dress-divers/desk-divers for a reason, they are the most usable watches for any scenario, and they kinda make it unnecessary for most people to buy a dress watch. there are a lot of desk divers that are in the sub40mm range with cases under 12mm thickness and are still capable of 200+meters of water resistance, but are also perfect for a more dressy attire with the right strap. that said, i think the field watches and dress watches are going to be the new desk divers of these microbands, the market for a sub400usd vintage styled diver watch is just too competitive and too crowded with options. it's a smart move for a microband to come out with a dress watch that is very conservatively sized, and which can be dressed up and down, hence fulfilling both a dress watch and a field watch function. that's where i see most of the microbands going in 2021. my favourite ever similar offering is the Traska Summiteer, it ticks every box for me and it isn't a dive watch :D I gotto admit that I was very close to getting a Zelos Horizons 39mm Dusk though... but i just couldn't rationalize that purchase as I already have a 38mm Maen Hudson Mk1. this vario is amazing though, more a dress watch than an everyday/field watch though, but there probably are people looking for a specifically dressy option for a watch, im certainly not one of them though. good video as always Dave, cheers!
This watch screams Great Gatsby...! BEAUTIFUL and Love the unique woven strap...! The Empire Black Tuxedo looks like a version of the Longines Heritage Tuxedo model.
The green and gold is definitely cool! Still, I think I prefer my tuxedo variant. The miyota movement in mine is the "gold" version. That would have looked really cool in this green color! Great review!
Huge fan of the Empire series and what Vario is doing in general. One of my top favorite microbrands along with Geckota. The new Kickstarter trench watch looks incredible (backed the campaign). Out of my collection of 24 watches, the Empire is top 3.
Hang on a minute - 60-something comments and no one's asked the *important* question: "Dave, how did you break a watch cushion?" I'll wait . . . It's a beautiful watch. I had a chance to look at the white dial version and it was lovely.
I have the first Vario they did and went for the quartz version to keep the price down.I would encourage you to check out the Perpetual SC03 I have one and found it to be extremely well regulated on my timegrapher.They are highly specialised in their range of watches and stick to more traditional designs,I love mine even though I'm not a dress watch person.......................
Oh, that strap on that watch... again! Lovely! But now i know i'll go for the white dial, sometime... (ty Shane... haha). Green looks way too vintage. (ty Dave...LOL). If this watch was 100m WR too, could easily be a watch to wear every day. Still can though IMO. PS 1:18 Loved the jumpin'Samurai on the back, "...you serious big guys, i can fly!!!" LOL
I would totally wear that as a daily, or in a normal rotation (though I would pick a different color). And I'm not a dressy guy; the casual side of business casual is as formal as I go.
What a looker.. my goodness! Would prefer a 40mm however for my taste... 38 just a tad small for my liking. But that dial and numeric setup is definitely stunning
Nice looking watch. I had my eye on the Trench Watch. But, they have (for some unknown reason) limited it to those with small wrists. The Bund strap will simply be too small for me. That's a shame because I really did like the aesthetic of it. This one is nice, but; at the age I am now will unlikely need a dress watch again.
One problem with cheap fashion watches that have glutted the market... and our sensibilities, is that when an actual mid-priced quality piece comes around, with style, that it might get pushed to the side by the consumer.... " I can get a watch that LOOKS like that $400 watch for like $27.00.
Really cool to see this green version in more detail. I love my white dial one, can't say that enough.
A watch i always refer to. Cheers Shane.
White for me too.
Thanks guys!
I absolutely love the retro/vintage look of this. Interesting movement choice too.
Nice to see another Vario Empire review , I recently bought their Gunmetal version of this watch and I'm really loving it. Also to be honest their straps are one of the best in the market for that price tag. And I have to say owner Ivan is a really cool guy. He takes care of his customers very well, I have nothing but good comments for him and his products so far.
Looks very Gatsby, big fan of that art deco almost 20s look!
Vario seems to be a brand to keep in mind. Their trench watch looked nice. As for dress watches, my SARB033 is there.
I really like the brand but back of my head I’m always wondering if it is one of those opportunist marketing gimmicky companies trying to prey on new watch enthusiasts.
I backed the Empire on KickStarter in the silver dial with blued hands and the handwound gilt Miyota 6T33 movement. Even though I liked the concept of the watch I found that it was very hard to wind due to the small crown and also was hard to pull out to set the watch. I have to say that there was nothing wrong with the watch and the quality was excellent, but the small crown on a hand wind only was a deal breaker. The accessories that Ivan sell are top notch and I have purchased 2 watch pods and a micro-fiber wipe for my watches. Thanks again, Brian.
I absolutely love this! Love the green dial with gold numerals. It's so beautiful.
That's a pretty watch, the gold on green is also a classic combination.
I bought some straps and G Shock adapters from Vario a couple months ago. Very happy with the products and the service. I've ordered one of the trench watches on the kick starter. Ivan has been terrific responding to any questions I've had and I'm really looking forward to getting the watch. I wasn't quick enough to get the one I wanted on the first run so I have to wait till May.
This is really an adorable watch and you've really done this watch justice with your review. I've been pondering for quite some time if should get one. The color options I like most are sold out now sadly. I hope Vario will restock this watch at some point.
Iove the vario, paticularly the tuxedo or bullseye dial. Gorgeous. I think I'm at the stage were I've bought a lot of watches and I'm happy with them and struggle to see what a new watch would replace in the collection. But this is one I've considered a lot over the last year
Love how you matched the watch strap to your shoes. Classy. Music was great too. Thumbs up! :)
Hi Dave, the Vario Empire is one gorgeous looking watch the gold on green is such a classy combination, unfortunately I'm not in the market for another watch at present, but as soon as I am I think Vario will certainly be one to consider, stay safe.
just subscribed love your views on the hobby and the reviews are informative and unbiased. keep up the great content
Love your little cameo ! Thanks for the nice review!
I love watching your reviews, even when I have no interest in the actual watch. I'm a dive watch all the damn time kinda guy.
That's a nice watch. It reminds me of a seiko Alpinist.
Have the Silver colourway of the Auto version and have been loving it ever since, would have preferred a Tuxedo dial (white center part with the black outer ring) but they were already sold out.
this colour way and strap for this model....I NEED IT
I was late to the game so I missed out on this watch and the kickstarter project, but according to their website they will be making some new variants for their automatic version this year. I can't wait to see what they'll release.
Very nice review! As I don't really like divers, I think this is a pretty versatile piece. Easy to dress down and wear with casual clothes. Great size, too even on my 7.5 inch wrist. I think this Empire and the Trench watch are beautifully designed, great size and seem to be great quality. Vario deserves a lot of success. And maybe in future they'll offer up quartz versions, too.
I do have a dress watch. I wear it to weddings and other formal functions, as well as more casual occasions. Sometimes though I wear it just to go to the supermarket or hanging around at home. Depends on my mood. I believe it is easier to dress down a more formal watch that to dress up a more casual piece.
with the rise of crowdfunding platforms and microbrands, the competition in certain product categories is getting tougher than ever, so it is really the best time to be a watch enthusiast. watch manufacturers favor the dress-divers/desk-divers for a reason, they are the most usable watches for any scenario, and they kinda make it unnecessary for most people to buy a dress watch. there are a lot of desk divers that are in the sub40mm range with cases under 12mm thickness and are still capable of 200+meters of water resistance, but are also perfect for a more dressy attire with the right strap. that said, i think the field watches and dress watches are going to be the new desk divers of these microbands, the market for a sub400usd vintage styled diver watch is just too competitive and too crowded with options. it's a smart move for a microband to come out with a dress watch that is very conservatively sized, and which can be dressed up and down, hence fulfilling both a dress watch and a field watch function. that's where i see most of the microbands going in 2021. my favourite ever similar offering is the Traska Summiteer, it ticks every box for me and it isn't a dive watch :D I gotto admit that I was very close to getting a Zelos Horizons 39mm Dusk though... but i just couldn't rationalize that purchase as I already have a 38mm Maen Hudson Mk1. this vario is amazing though, more a dress watch than an everyday/field watch though, but there probably are people looking for a specifically dressy option for a watch, im certainly not one of them though. good video as always Dave, cheers!
This watch screams Great Gatsby...! BEAUTIFUL and Love the unique woven strap...! The Empire Black Tuxedo looks like a version of the Longines Heritage Tuxedo model.
Nice watch n review.. But what is with the symmetry on 10..the 0 looks off to me
Nice watch. Very nice Tweed strap.
The green and gold is definitely cool! Still, I think I prefer my tuxedo variant. The miyota movement in mine is the "gold" version. That would have looked really cool in this green color! Great review!
Huge fan of the Empire series and what Vario is doing in general. One of my top favorite microbrands along with Geckota. The new Kickstarter trench watch looks incredible (backed the campaign). Out of my collection of 24 watches, the Empire is top 3.
Hang on a minute - 60-something comments and no one's asked the *important* question: "Dave, how did you break a watch cushion?"
I'll wait . . .
It's a beautiful watch. I had a chance to look at the white dial version and it was lovely.
I have the first Vario they did and went for the quartz version to keep the price down.I would encourage you to check out the Perpetual SC03 I have one and found it to be extremely well regulated on my timegrapher.They are highly specialised in their range of watches and stick to more traditional designs,I love mine even though I'm not a dress watch person.......................
Love that watch strap 😍
Hey Dave any chance you do a watch of the month of art deco watches?
This it the only one I know of! It'd be a short list.
@@JusttheWatch ok, no problem Dave, thanks for your answer and for reviewing this watch
Oh, that strap on that watch... again! Lovely! But now i know i'll go for the white dial, sometime... (ty Shane... haha). Green looks way too vintage. (ty Dave...LOL).
If this watch was 100m WR too, could easily be a watch to wear every day. Still can though IMO.
PS 1:18 Loved the jumpin'Samurai on the back, "...you serious big guys, i can fly!!!" LOL
I would totally wear that as a daily, or in a normal rotation (though I would pick a different color). And I'm not a dressy guy; the casual side of business casual is as formal as I go.
Excellent review
Vario is doing things well, that is a pretty watch
Happy Thanksgiving
Vario is a great company. 👍
Before I play your videos, I always like to guess which dungeon you'll be using as your backdrop.
Did you get it right this time?
@@JusttheWatch Nope - you have so many!
What a looker.. my goodness! Would prefer a 40mm however for my taste... 38 just a tad small for my liking. But that dial and numeric setup is definitely stunning
Seems like it would be safer to get one with the nh35 movement because you could always buy a new movement for cheap if it breaks.
Nice looking watch. I had my eye on the Trench Watch. But, they have (for some unknown reason) limited it to those with small wrists. The Bund strap will simply be too small for me. That's a shame because I really did like the aesthetic of it. This one is nice, but; at the age I am now will unlikely need a dress watch again.
We do have a 40mm brass Trench and stainless steel Medic for your consideration.
The hour hand is definitely supposed to look like a sim card pin.
It does look like a sim card pin now that you mentioned it!
May I have the name of the song in the intro?
I really like this design! Thank you for the review!
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone th-cam.com/video/nH5U8ndpYA0/w-d-xo.html
The remix in the intro is called Fun Time by Dj Quad
Just a gorgeous looking watch
I covet the tuxedo dial version.
The watch looks awesome and very interesting. But one has to be very brave to wear green vintage-style watch on tweed strap on formal occasions...
Sold out on Vario's site....
Good watch
Meat looking watch however that shred of yarn that was used as a strap I'm not sure about it it looks infected with something.
Love these watches but so many models are out of stock :(
One problem with cheap fashion watches that have glutted the market... and our sensibilities, is that when an actual mid-priced quality piece comes around, with style, that it might get pushed to the side by the consumer.... " I can get a watch that LOOKS like that $400 watch for like $27.00.
I didn’t know Leonard Nimoy was into watches.
Me either!
@@JusttheWatch glad you got the joke. You should really do a video wearing some Vulcan ears just to see what everyone says. 😂
Love these watches but can’t justify that price point. Shame
Every part except crystal and movement is custom and there's alot of development fees involved...not forgetting customer service, warranty..etc.
First impression. I love the watch. Not particularly fond of the band.
I don't even own a tie, or a suit, or a sport coat.
I do have some cool Scooby Doo tees shirts through.
I don't even own a dress...
Looks great but 38 mm is rather unisex or boys watch not for adult man. Anyway, 👍 for presentation.
Dress watch is supposed to be smaller.
I disagree. 38 mm is the perfect size for this watch.
Dress watches ought to be sub 40mm.