The very first customer Vario 1918 Pilot

If you've read any of my posts before, you may note I like to tell a story. Let's get into it then. I can't remember exactly when or how I first came across Vario, but I was immediately taken by the 1918 Trench watch. In fact, I came very close to buying one, but then I spotted the 1918 Pilot.

The web page was only showing a drawing of the intended design, but I was smitten with it and wanted to buy one straight away. Unfortunately the watch hadn't yet been released.

The web page stated that the watch was coming towards the end of 2023, so I sat back and waited. Eventually, that info was updated to show a release date of December 4th.

Well the day came, and I was there ready to hit the buy button as soon as the order page went live. I knew I was going for the blue dial, though I was tempted with the black dial. I'm pleased I chose blue as I now have a very special black dial piece arriving soon.

I made my order and headed back over to Watch Crunch where I had messaged @varioeveryday previously to see if the watch would be delivered before Christmas. They confirmed they'd got my order and that it was the very first customer order!! I was told it would be sent out by express delivery from Singapore and would be with me very soon.

It was then just a case of waiting for DHL to get the parcel to my front door, and that showed up this afternoon. Inside was the grey canvas strap roll I had ordered with the watch, along with a travel case holding the watch and an additional leather bund strap that they had thrown in as a thank you for being the first order!

Everything was packaged really well and the watch itself was surrounded by multiple layers of bubble wrap and it's travel case.

In the hand, the watch is every bit as cool as I had hoped. That dark blue dial looks almost black in some light. The domed crystal is fantastic. The case shape is delightful. The crown is super tactile and well sized.

I also want to talk about the strap. This leather bund strap is genuinely the highest quality leather strap I've ever handled. It is super soft to the touch, it's pliable, the stitches are precise, the buckle is well shaped, overall it's a fantastic addition to a fantastic watch!