Review: Vario 1945 D12 Automatic Field Watch

In all fairness to Vario, I must start with this disclaimer. This is the third watch I’ve purchased this year. Watch number one is a Rolex Datejust. Watch number two is a Tudor Black Bay 41mm. Coming third in this lineup puts the Vario at a serious disadvantage.

My natural inclination is to compare it to my other watches. In that regards, it doesn’t stand a chance. If anything, it made me realize how special my Rolex and Tudor are. On the other hand, that I still enjoy the Vario and it stands toe-to-toe with my other watches is a huge compliment.

You can search online and find out about the husband and wife team that runs this microbrand. You can also read about the “dirty dozen” field watches of WW2. I’ll stick with the personal impressions.

When I first put the D12 on, I realized right away it wasn’t a Rolex. I felt it sitting on my wrist and not melting into my wrist like my Datejust. But it does feel comfortable on my 6.5 inch wrist. Vario makes nice straps, but once again, it’s no match against my jubilee bracelet. The Cordura nylon strap feels well made, but is stiff when new.

Here’s where the Vario beats the Rolex: the straps are quick release and with some quick release spring bars, I am able to swap the strap with a Vario nato strap in seconds. I would not even try to pry out the Rolex or Tudor bracelets for fear of scratching the lugs. The nato strap really changes the feel of the D12, making it mold to my wrist better.

Other impressions: this is by far the easiest watch to tell the time at a glance. It’s also easy to set, since the minute hand reaches the minute railroad track and the hand ends in a nice needle point. I like the combination of polished and brushed details on the bezel, lugs, and caseback. Speaking of the caseback, the design pays gratitude to the British soldiers who liberated Singapore in WW2. Finally, the most noticeable design decision was to place the crown at the 4:30 mark, where it juts into the lug. I like that decision. The crown is nice and big and easy to manipulate.

But the best feature of the D12 is the price. It’s $368 US dollars and discount codes can be found. Did I mention my other watches are a Rolex and a Tudor? The tax on one of those watches is more than what I paid for the Vario.

Finally, the owners seem like very nice people. They sent me a personal email when they received my order, and kept me apprised of the shipment. Kudos to them!

Final Verdict: Buy!

PS: the Rolex and the Tudor haven’t been worn lately. This watch is too fun to remove!