Just got the black tuxedo version and am super impressed with this watch. Beautiful Art Deco dial excellent case finishing and design. The black strap it came on is really nice too. Your video here was a big reason I decided to go for this watch and I must say I’m delighted with it. Keep up the good work.
Great review. I don't want my collection to grow, but this watch is beautiful. Also, I don't have anything like it. You highlighted many things I love that I would not have otherwise noticed. I'm an art deco nut to begin with, but they also executed this watch very well with lots of nice touches. And, yes, I love the tweed straps, too!
Thanks for the review. I wasn't aware of this brand. I agree that the gunmetal tuxedo is a great option. Also, I'm loving your watch selection today. I have the same Hamilton on my wrist!
Another great watch the Vario Empire. The Silver and the Gunmetal are particularly attractive. I'm sure too the other two variants are attractive in person. I like the size, well except for the thickness. Why is it mechanical, or automatic, watches from the '50's to the '70's could be made thinner than these modern day examples and have complications too? Harris Tweed for watch straps is a new one for me. I owned several of their sports coats over the years and enjoyed their quality.
Great review and a very nice looking series from Vario. Your macro shots are really looking sharp. Thanks for sharing. The Harris Tweed strap is a nice enough look but just not my style at all. Maybe I could get used to it but it's nothing I'd ever choose and I doubt I would wear it.
I’ll try to answer your questions, however; let me first say kudos to you for producing such an interesting and informative video! Nice job. I really like the look and design of the Various Empire models. It’s very difficult for me to identify my favorite of the various models. The Silver seems to be more traditional and definitely fits the profile of a very nice dress watch. Having said that the green model really caught my eye. I think I will need more time to adequately let you know my favorite. My hunch is that the watch, with its various models will be a big success depending on the pricing. There are so many very nice features, and while I rarely give much thought to a watch’s case back, the Vario Empire designed a very interesting and appealing case back which I thoroughly enjoy looking at. My only disappointment with the watch is that it does not hack. Bummer...I have mixed feelings on the extra strap they sent you. From my perspective it might be one of those pieces that one either loves or hates. I think it will look nice with a limited number of watches and if I owned one, I’m not sure how often I’d wear it. Sorry, but I feel as if I’m not much help in offering an option on the strap. Overall, I really like the watch and enjoyed watching your well put together production. Ed
How was the legibility on this? I'm generally a legibility nut. The main watches that have bothered me on that front have been super busy chronographs and one simpler chronograph that had silver hands that blended in with the background. I think the white with blue hands would be the best for pure legibility, but I love this silver one and would probably like to give it a try *if* you say it's more readable than not.
It's hard to say for certain because I've only ever seen the silver version. I think the contrast on this one between the dial and the hands is pretty good. I never had an issue, and I think it would be fine. However, the Arabic numerals that are just brushed silver are not quite as clear here. Looking at the picture with all 4 on the front page of Vario. vario.sg/ I think the white dial version is the best when it comes to contrast and legibility. Just for that reason. So if that is your main concern, the white dial would be the safe bet. Personally, I'd go with this silver one, just because it's a more unique look. So I'd sacrifice a little bit of legibility for that. Hope that helps. I'm sure someone got the white dial version to review, but I never saw the video pop up.
@@RelativeTime They are sold out now. I want one of those because of the movement and exhibition display back. If you know how I can get one, please let me know. Thanks. -Chad
When this comes out again, I'm snapping one up. I just have to decide which to get - I was initially going for the black, but now you're getting me revved up for the silver. Decisions, decisions.
I've probably said it a few times but I personally don't like numerals on a dial. Much prefer indices. However I love Art Deco and the numerals fit it perfectly. Beautiful silver dial, stunning movement and that sweeping second hand is so smooth. I'm in the process of not buying indeed reducing my collection, but this has really sparked my interest 🤔. Thanks for a great video
Personally I think white is most enduring. I agree with Shane... silver is perhaps the most different from the lot. U dont see Gunmetal and Tuxedo in the market so often.
Oh my ..... That is a beautiful dial. I actually like all the designs you have shown. I do agree the height really should be a tad smaller, but I'm not letting that stop me from getting one. The only problem is which one ....
@@VARIOeveryday yeah with this movement it'd be a shame to lose it. But I feel like the dial and hands are so beautiful and interesting they could hold your attention without the smooth sweeping second hand.
Tastefully executed. Flame blue hands. Textured dial, applied indices, drilled lugs, and a high beat movement. Partial to the silver. Will sell out quickly.
Oh dear, shouldn't have watched this! Have gone an ordered the white tuxedo (as you predicted) with a black strap, absolutely stunning! Latest ones now come with the NH38A movement
Silver is the easy favorite for me. I agree with everything you said, the exception being that I like hand wind movements. The form is striking andit's elements have a symbiosis in design. The metallic, industrial design, with rivets for minute markers contribute to a wholeness seldom seen. I like it.
One nice thing about a mechanical with the exhibition case back, is that you really do get a good look at it. Rather than the rotor always halfway in the way.
Another great review. It was hard to really engage with the watch not knowing what it cost. Still, it is a neat piece. I'd definitely rock that funky strap on the right watch. 😁
According to the Time Bum, Early bird pricing $218, then $238. Retail after the Kickstarter will be around $348. www.thetimebum.com/2019/03/vario-empire.html Which I think was close to what they did with the Eclipse.
I actually like the one you reviewed with the brushed ring in the dial! Looks like a very nice watch.Will have to look into it further! Don't think the tweed watch band is for me though. At least not in CA. Somewhere cold possibly!:)
I dunno, gets kind of chilly in the Bay Area. At least I always remember it being a little windy and cold... and wet. Might go with some Birkenstocks. 😎
@@RelativeTime Gotcha! Thanks for reply. Looking at the Vario more. Wow! I Already have one Kickstarter watch funded and looking at a Helm watch and now this Vairo!
I like the style, definitely a step above my Hammy Visodate as far as the art deco goes, but I’m not sure if I’d pay around $300 for it, especially with only a 40 hour reserve and no hacking... on the other hand, or rather wrist, I would consider the black tweed strap for my Hammy, a nice bit of uniqueness goes a long way!
I regret that I missed the Kickstarter because the price was quite well (around 220 USD) but current retail price is a bit steep I think(around 350 USD). I wish Vario would bring the prices down to 260-280 line then it would make sense to get one , I'm too much in between to buy or not to buy because of current pricing.
Oooh, engine turning. Well, sort of. It does seem a bit odd to see a watch which is making such an effort to look pre-war with centre seconds, but it would perhaps be a pity to eat into that centre panel with a sub-dial. I'd probably prefer it, though. Good job on the numerals; less so on the branding, and the hands are everything one could wish for. For me it's the "tuxedo" version which stands out, but I've always been a sucker for those bullseye dials. All told, and depending on the price, these deserve to sell well. As for Harris tweed straps, that's an eccentricity too far, even for me.
Interesting watch. I have a vintage hand wound Pontiac watch that I inherited from my godfather. I have always wondered about how small the watches from that period ('60's last century) are. Like 36mm.
I think the early Kickstarter price is going to be $218, then $238 for the rest of it. Afterwards, it will go up to around $348. Which is quite a jump.
I was half expecting them to be itchy, but it has nice leather on the back. I don't think I'd wear a watch with it too much. But could be great for some photos.
I like gunmetal version and white-black one :) But I preffer some vintage watches - the history behind brands and story of single vintage watch is the best proof of their immortal look :)
u can't replace that heritage of vintage watches but i am doing these vintage inspired watches because it is not cheap to upkeep vintage watches and I wanted something more reliable but inkeeping with the styling of vintages.
The Time Bum had some pricing info. according to him, early bird will be $218 then 238, after that retail will be around $348. www.thetimebum.com/2019/03/vario-empire.html
Now live on Kickstarter. And fully funded in 5 min! kck.st/2ULrp9n Tour Videos: The Time Bum had some pricing info: Early Bird will be $218, then $238 after. Retail after the Kickstarter will be closer to $348 www.thetimebum.com/2019/03/vario-empire.html Tuxedo: Peter Von Panda: th-cam.com/video/X_BCeiLeV6Y/w-d-xo.html OFD: th-cam.com/video/4bYqd7Bz4RI/w-d-xo.html Watches Galore: th-cam.com/video/TlcL5_5nlSk/w-d-xo.html
Just got the black tuxedo version and am super impressed with this watch.
Beautiful Art Deco dial excellent case finishing and design.
The black strap it came on is really nice too.
Your video here was a big reason I decided to go for this watch and I must say I’m delighted with it.
Keep up the good work.
beautiful watch . how much ?
Great review. I don't want my collection to grow, but this watch is beautiful. Also, I don't have anything like it. You highlighted many things I love that I would not have otherwise noticed. I'm an art deco nut to begin with, but they also executed this watch very well with lots of nice touches. And, yes, I love the tweed straps, too!
We may be in the minority on the tweed straps. 😀
@@RelativeTime Seems like these tweeds sell pretty ok in Europe.
Thanks for the review. I wasn't aware of this brand. I agree that the gunmetal tuxedo is a great option. Also, I'm loving your watch selection today. I have the same Hamilton on my wrist!
Do check us out!
Thanks! Just got the hammy. I sold my Khaki Aviation and picked up a Khaki King. I was going to wait but found a deal I couldn't resist on it.
It looks very good, very thoughtful and functional design, the Tuxedo looks amazing. Very tempting.
I'm sure these will be fully funded on Kickstarter. After that, they will have some for sale regularly. Although I'm sure their price will be higher.
Thanks and glad you liked it :)
Another great watch the Vario Empire. The Silver and the Gunmetal are particularly attractive. I'm sure too the other two variants are attractive in person. I like the size, well except for the thickness. Why is it mechanical, or automatic, watches from the '50's to the '70's could be made thinner than these modern day examples and have complications too?
Harris Tweed for watch straps is a new one for me. I owned several of their sports coats over the years and enjoyed their quality.
That's a good question. Some of it is better and bigger seals for water resistance, but a lot of it is dictated by the movement.
Technically it is possible to go thinner but I like the double curved bezel effect so I kept this proportion.
Very nicely done videos on some very well designed and executed watches. I will definitely have my eye on this line.
Thanks!
Great review and a very nice looking series from Vario. Your macro shots are really looking sharp. Thanks for sharing.
The Harris Tweed strap is a nice enough look but just not my style at all. Maybe I could get used to it but it's nothing I'd ever choose and I doubt I would wear it.
Yea.. not everyone likes Harris Tweed. I am trying to offer more non leather alternatives to the market.
Thanks!
@@VARIOeveryday by all means. The more variety the better.
I’ll try to answer your questions, however; let me first say kudos to you for producing such an interesting and informative video! Nice job. I really like the look and design of the Various Empire models. It’s very difficult for me to identify my favorite of the various models. The Silver seems to be more traditional and definitely fits the profile of a very nice dress watch. Having said that the green model really caught my eye. I think I will need more time to adequately let you know my favorite. My hunch is that the watch, with its various models will be a big success depending on the pricing. There are so many very nice features, and while I rarely give much thought to a watch’s case back, the Vario Empire designed a very interesting and appealing case back which I thoroughly enjoy looking at. My only disappointment with the watch is that it does not hack. Bummer...I have mixed feelings on the extra strap they sent you. From my perspective it might be one of those pieces that one either loves or hates. I think it will look nice with a limited number of watches and if I owned one, I’m not sure how often I’d wear it. Sorry, but I feel as if I’m not much help in offering an option on the strap. Overall, I really like the watch and enjoyed watching your well put together production. Ed
i certainly hope to sell out for this model. prices willl be affordable. do sign up on our newsletter to be informed!
How was the legibility on this? I'm generally a legibility nut. The main watches that have bothered me on that front have been super busy chronographs and one simpler chronograph that had silver hands that blended in with the background. I think the white with blue hands would be the best for pure legibility, but I love this silver one and would probably like to give it a try *if* you say it's more readable than not.
It's hard to say for certain because I've only ever seen the silver version. I think the contrast on this one between the dial and the hands is pretty good. I never had an issue, and I think it would be fine. However, the Arabic numerals that are just brushed silver are not quite as clear here.
Looking at the picture with all 4 on the front page of Vario.
vario.sg/
I think the white dial version is the best when it comes to contrast and legibility. Just for that reason. So if that is your main concern, the white dial would be the safe bet. Personally, I'd go with this silver one, just because it's a more unique look. So I'd sacrifice a little bit of legibility for that.
Hope that helps. I'm sure someone got the white dial version to review, but I never saw the video pop up.
Nice watch, the movement is so beautiful to look at !
One of the best I've seen.
Thanks for the compliments
@@RelativeTime They are sold out now. I want one of those because of the movement and exhibition display back. If you know how I can get one, please let me know. Thanks. -Chad
@@TheChadWork2001 if they are sold out than at this point I'd say keep an eye on eBay.
When this comes out again, I'm snapping one up. I just have to decide which to get - I was initially going for the black, but now you're getting me revved up for the silver. Decisions, decisions.
I've probably said it a few times but I personally don't like numerals on a dial. Much prefer indices. However I love Art Deco and the numerals fit it perfectly. Beautiful silver dial, stunning movement and that sweeping second hand is so smooth. I'm in the process of not buying indeed reducing my collection, but this has really sparked my interest 🤔. Thanks for a great video
I am quite good at restricting myself from impulse buys. Do check out more reviews first. Our KS launch is in late April anyway..ample time.
Thanks again!
I was thinking the silver or white, but now that I've seen the gunmetal one,,, I DON'T KNOW!!! Good video thanks!
Personally I think white is most enduring. I agree with Shane... silver is perhaps the most different from the lot. U dont see Gunmetal and Tuxedo in the market so often.
Oh my ..... That is a beautiful dial. I actually like all the designs you have shown. I do agree the height really should be a tad smaller, but I'm not letting that stop me from getting one. The only problem is which one ....
They did a great job designing these. I'm waiting to see if a video on the Gunmetal Tuxedo comes out.
You have lots of time to decide. :)
@@VARIOeveryday I've signed up to the email alert and I've managed to narrow my choice down to one of .... four.
You know I almost wish they released this without the second hand, give it an even more dressy identity.
I love the smooth 6T33 second hands too much to drop it. ;)
@@VARIOeveryday yeah with this movement it'd be a shame to lose it. But I feel like the dial and hands are so beautiful and interesting they could hold your attention without the smooth sweeping second hand.
I already set my eye on the gunmetal tuxedo one. On the grey leather strap they feature this could be a very sharp watch.
Should be a great combo.
Thanks in advance!
Tastefully executed. Flame blue hands. Textured dial, applied indices, drilled lugs, and a high beat movement. Partial to the silver. Will sell out quickly.
I certainly hope so. I don't like to keep stock. Would love to work on my next watch sooner.
Oh dear, shouldn't have watched this! Have gone an ordered the white tuxedo (as you predicted) with a black strap, absolutely stunning! Latest ones now come with the NH38A movement
Silver is the easy favorite for me. I agree with everything you said, the exception being that I like hand wind movements. The form is striking andit's elements have a symbiosis in design. The metallic, industrial design, with rivets for minute markers contribute to a wholeness seldom seen. I like it.
One nice thing about a mechanical with the exhibition case back, is that you really do get a good look at it. Rather than the rotor always halfway in the way.
thanks for liking it. do share it with your friends. We will be making an auto version and we're 4k short to make a cream dial at this point of time.
I love the white version with black numeral ring. I'm a sucker for art deco watches.
Do sign up our newsletter for best pricing and launch date!
For this style of watch 11mm thickness is perfect... if 3-4mm of that thickness was crystal dome! Great review, keep it up!
That is a good point. The other mechanical I've had was a Hamilton Khaki, I think that was about 9.5
I know. I had wanted the double curved bezel to give that Art Deco look but technically it could go abit thinner.
Another great review. It was hard to really engage with the watch not knowing what it cost. Still, it is a neat piece. I'd definitely rock that funky strap on the right watch. 😁
According to the Time Bum, Early bird pricing $218, then $238. Retail after the Kickstarter will be around $348.
www.thetimebum.com/2019/03/vario-empire.html
Which I think was close to what they did with the Eclipse.
We are working on the KS campaign and the moment. Prices will be released soon :)
@@RelativeTime 220 to 240 seems like a great buy.
@@AltonJRuffRev there are still some early birds available
Would be hard to choose between the silver dial and the gunmetal tuxedo. The easy choice is avoiding the Tweed strap.
Not for everyone. I just think it's interesting it exists. Although I don't think it would go with my usual casual attire.
If u need assistance, do email me at customer_service@vario.sg to chat up with me.
One of my current faves for sure. Thank you!
I dig the silver and blue ...nice call....
Reminds me of my 60's & 70's vintage nos DUXOT , & ELPAR swiss watches.
Thanks for the compliments :)
Beautiful watch! Great review!
Thanks man!
very nice watch.
Great video again
thanks!
I actually like the one you reviewed with the brushed ring in the dial! Looks like a very nice watch.Will have to look into it further! Don't think the tweed watch band is for me though. At least not in CA. Somewhere cold possibly!:)
Thanks Andy. Let me know if I can be assistance.
I dunno, gets kind of chilly in the Bay Area. At least I always remember it being a little windy and cold... and wet. Might go with some Birkenstocks. 😎
That's where you are at? LOL - thought you were back east somewhere! I am in Sacramento area! Well, it is colder in San Fran for sure!
@@Andrew-J316 No I'm in Dallas. But grew up in San Diego. Had an Aunt in the bay area, always seemed cold and wet and windy when we visited.
@@RelativeTime Gotcha! Thanks for reply. Looking at the Vario more. Wow! I Already have one Kickstarter watch funded and looking at a Helm watch and now this Vairo!
That's a great looking watch. Nice Review, keep them coming.
Thanks! Shane did a very good job!
wow.. realy nice.. if the price is in my range, this can probably be my first dress watch and my first handwinding
I put some pricing info in the pined comment at the top. Early bird Kickstarter should be $218, then $238.
fingers crossed!
I like the style, definitely a step above my Hammy Visodate as far as the art deco goes, but I’m not sure if I’d pay around $300 for it, especially with only a 40 hour reserve and no hacking... on the other hand, or rather wrist, I would consider the black tweed strap for my Hammy, a nice bit of uniqueness goes a long way!
What's a hammy visodate? I've heard of a tissot visodate
If you join the newsletter, I will explain briefly on the cost of the watch
mr bacchus Sorry, I meant my Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic, I guess my thinking was a little fuzzy
VARIO I will definitely subscribe to the newsletter, really love the style of the watch, can’t wait for the Kickstarter!
I regret that I missed the Kickstarter because the price was quite well (around 220 USD) but current retail price is a bit steep I think(around 350 USD). I wish Vario would bring the prices down to 260-280 line then it would make sense to get one , I'm too much in between to buy or not to buy because of current pricing.
Oooh, engine turning. Well, sort of. It does seem a bit odd to see a watch which is making such an effort to look pre-war with centre seconds, but it would perhaps be a pity to eat into that centre panel with a sub-dial. I'd probably prefer it, though. Good job on the numerals; less so on the branding, and the hands are everything one could wish for. For me it's the "tuxedo" version which stands out, but I've always been a sucker for those bullseye dials. All told, and depending on the price, these deserve to sell well. As for Harris tweed straps, that's an eccentricity too far, even for me.
Tux white is the most striking to the eye
I dunno. On the web page, the pictures of the Tuxedo on a coal tweed strap look pretty good to me.
@@RelativeTime I did look ... leather jacket and tweed watch strap. Seems against the natural order of things to me. ;-)
I agree the silver dial is the option that I would choose. Tweed strap...not so much, definitely like the leather one better.
The leather one is really nice, you can't go wrong with that one.
An elegant execution watch wise and your presentation. Personally would prefer an automatic, and a calendar which to me is almost essential.
we will have the auto but i m afraid no dates :(
Interesting watch. I have a vintage hand wound Pontiac watch that I inherited from my godfather. I have always wondered about how small the watches from that period ('60's last century) are. Like 36mm.
36mm is perfect for me.
Cool watch! 😃
Thanks!
Very interesting dress watch, I like it's style. Tweed strap not so much ha
Tweed is an acquired taste I guess.. You either love it or hate it.
This watch is dope, and I can only hope it’s not pushed up market.
I think the early Kickstarter price is going to be $218, then $238 for the rest of it. Afterwards, it will go up to around $348. Which is quite a jump.
affordable!
the golden surround rim looks the best
Which one had the golden rim?
lighting effect ;)
Thx! The tweed strap is very nice:
Thanks!
Tuxedo. Like the fact that it's hand wind only. Non-hacking is a non-issue. Nice job.
Thanks for the compliments :)
They did a real nice job on this watch. Certainly is different. Personally not for me, but done very well.
Tweed straps are a definite no here.
I was half expecting them to be itchy, but it has nice leather on the back. I don't think I'd wear a watch with it too much. But could be great for some photos.
Thanks for the compliments :) Do recommend to your friends who might?
the time bun say, the startprice aon kickstarter will be 218$ plus 20 $ shipping.. not to expensive
If that's true, then that's a pretty good price.
@@RelativeTime More or less thats it. Working on multiple watch pricing now
I like gunmetal version and white-black one :)
But I preffer some vintage watches - the history behind brands and story of single vintage watch is the best proof of their immortal look :)
u can't replace that heritage of vintage watches but i am doing these vintage inspired watches because it is not cheap to upkeep vintage watches and I wanted something more reliable but inkeeping with the styling of vintages.
Ooooh, all right :)
Wow, thanks for showing this off. Fingers crossed on the price :-)
The Time Bum had some pricing info. according to him, early bird will be $218 then 238, after that retail will be around $348.
www.thetimebum.com/2019/03/vario-empire.html
price will be affordable. do sign up our newsletter to be informed.
Sweet watches! I'll definitely keep an eye out for them. But 38mm is a tad too small for me though..
It was 40mm at first but reduced to 38mm coz majority liked smaller dress watches. It is not ultra thin so it won't feel much smaller.
Yeah i like that .Nice vid as usual .
thanks!
cool watch i like... how much i wonder... cheers
I updated the pined comment with that. Supposed to be $218 early bird, $238 after that. Then more after the Kickstarter.
thanks for liking it. let me know if u have any questions regarding this watch
Very nice, but which one hmmmm!
still have 1 month to think about it before our kickstarter campaign launches
There should be some other early reviews out before the Kickstarter. So you can get a better look at the others.
Now live on Kickstarter. And fully funded in 5 min!
kck.st/2ULrp9n
Tour Videos:
The Time Bum had some pricing info:
Early Bird will be $218, then $238 after. Retail after the Kickstarter will be closer to $348
www.thetimebum.com/2019/03/vario-empire.html
Tuxedo:
Peter Von Panda: th-cam.com/video/X_BCeiLeV6Y/w-d-xo.html
OFD: th-cam.com/video/4bYqd7Bz4RI/w-d-xo.html
Watches Galore: th-cam.com/video/TlcL5_5nlSk/w-d-xo.html
Silver or tuxedo
Videos for both now. Although I haven't seen one for white or the gunmetal yet.
Tux seems to be more popular
It is not small for a dress watch, 38mm is the modern standard for dress watches
I meant a little on the smaller side compared to all watches today. Not just dress watches.
They should remove the name from the dial or come up with a logo
Comes with a DeLorean
It does have that look.
Non-hacking? Maaan... I wish they just omitted the second hand then.
Yikes. Those furry straps will haunt my sleep.
😎 LOL