Have you seen this VARIO model before?
Brands like Vario, Zelos, Reverie, Gane, etc. all originated from Singapore. As a Singaporean, there's always this burning desire within to purchase and support a homegrown brand (or probably it's just me giving myself an excuse to purchase more watches 🤤)
However, I was either too late to the game (Yes, Zelos Nova Salmon in 38mm, I am referring to you), or there's simply something that is holding me back from a purchase (Dial, Size, Movement, etc.).
Last week, I received a newsletter from Vario on their latest release of Empire Chronograph x AMWG (Asia Mechanical Watch Group). It's a collaboration between Vario & AMWG whose most FB group members I believe are based in Hong Kong. A reminiscence of the different experiences, relationships and connection which Ivan (Vario founder) have towards Hong Kong.
Feel free to read up more here if you'd like: https://vario.sg/blogs/journal/vario-empire-chrono-x-amwg
I immediately knew then I needed to try get my hands on this beautiful piece even though the post clearly indicate there's a high chance this limited release of 20pcs have already been sold out.
From the photo above, it's safe to say my efforts have been well paid off! 😎 Finally...a homegrown brand and a piece I so adore!
The blue & gold accent, that textured detail between both sub-dials, that gold hands and silvery-chrome sub dials, no second hands, smooth fly-back on the chronograph have completely taken me over..To the extent that it being a Seiko VK64 MecaQuartz movement does not even matter in my eyes.
Not to mention at est. SGD 500, you get a decent watch size of 38mm, Thickness of 11.5mm, Strap width of 20mm, Sapphire crystal with inner AR coating and Water resistance of 5ATM (though 10ATM might be ideal, but I could care less as it's more of a dressier piece to me than sports).
So here's to my 1st home grown brand purchase! 🍻 Probably a piece I will keep in my collection for a long time. ❤
A good watch tells time, while an awesome watch tells a story. Watch enthusiast > Brand enthusiast. Down the rabbit hole of horology collection.
Congratulations! That's a striking timepiece.
Good for you!
I'm a fan of Vario and have a trench watch and a few of their straps also.
Very cool! Don't own a Vario but dig their stuff!
I've enjoyed my HVD Spectre Diver, same owner as RZE who is from Singapore I believe.
Handwind, old school, non screw down, 200m, acrylic DIVE watch!! And yes it's got the WR, uses gaskets like the old school stuff it homages.
THEY RELEASED A NEW EMPIRE? Neat, gotta take a look at one of these once my self-imposed time limit of not buying another watch is over
Congratulations! That's a striking timepiece.
Thanks! Agree, striking indeed!
Good for you!
I'm a fan of Vario and have a trench watch and a few of their straps also.
Yes I’ve heard good things about their trench watches and straps too! Hope you enjoy them in good health!
Very cool! Don't own a Vario but dig their stuff!
I've enjoyed my HVD Spectre Diver, same owner as RZE who is from Singapore I believe.
Handwind, old school, non screw down, 200m, acrylic DIVE watch!! And yes it's got the WR, uses gaskets like the old school stuff it homages.
Nice piece! Crazy value of what we can get from micro brands!
THEY RELEASED A NEW EMPIRE? Neat, gotta take a look at one of these once my self-imposed time limit of not buying another watch is over
Maybe considering shortening the timeline 😆
Maybe considering shortening the timeline 😆
If that's what will happen, I'll just take a look at their upcoming flieger 😂