2 Watches For The Price Of 1!

[@VARIOeveryday]

Thanks for the feature! To clarify the thickness. movements are 2 mm, protruding out by 1mm+ for the hands, sapphire is 1mm, abit of clearance from crystal to hands x 2 + inbetween section between the 2 movements where the rotating screw goes in 2mm and factoring hand assembly and easier battery change = 12mm. Not too shabby when you compare it with other reversibles with 2 quartz movements. We're at the design phase of the slightly larger single face automatic which can be brought down to around 10mm thickness.

[@ibnunadzir223]

Looking forward for the new design. It would be great if you could reverse the face without the need to take off the watch from your wrist

[@TheGrenadier97]

Extremely clever move by Vario. The combination of a dress style with proper size and quartz movements without seconds hands is top-notch.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Pretty sure they're looking to try and take over the world but that's just my opinion

[@LukeMcf]

The case shape/movement flipping mechanism reminds me more of a Cartier Basculante than a Reverso.

[@OwynDavies]

I would absolutely love a Tank or JL but I cannot justify that outlay when I seldom need to wear a dress watch. Let's be honest, very few people find themselves in a position these day with a NEED to wear one. This is a fabulous alternative.

[@OwynDavies]

I assumed there would but disappointed there's no gold options!

[@aremel42]

Instead of the JLC Reverso, I'd say it's more of an homage to the Cartier Tank Basculante.

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

I own the Vario Trench and Vario Empire with the Salmon dial. Their quality to price ratio is second to none. Love these new Versa's!

[@AbdulRWatches]

I love my Versa, really cool concept, and great addition to my travelling watches, as it gives more options while travelling. I have the green dial version, definitely my favorite version.

[@tooslow8150]

I've got one with the silver/burgundy dials on a burgundy strap. I love the watch. Quirky and fun. Haven't changed batteries yet, that's a bit funky, you can find a video though.

[@punkypink83]

really interesting. i could probably do with another rectangle watch in the collection. the only one ticking the box at the moment is a casio poptone.

[@JanKowalski-rd7yb]

I'm already following Vario site for some time; unfortunately both color versions of Versa I'm most interested in (blue and red) are sold out. I'm hoping they'll "reboot" them at some point. Currently though I'm going for one of their trench medic watches on a bund strap. Here the only problem I have is to... choose one, because there's so many models, and they all look great 😄

[@karlsenula9495]

How thick is the Reverso Duoface? Thickness might be the only issue here.

[@PhantomObserver]

Suggestion for the next time you do a pocket shot with s dress watch : could you do one wearing a long sleeved shirt so we can see how the watch works with a cuff?

[@glennbeadshaw727]

How about no?

[@thebrownhat1]

Absolutely love this watch! I went with the white sector dial version and have worn it most on a beads of rice bracelet for the summer.

[@sl8ight_yt]

I have the blue colour and I absolutely love this one. Highly highly recommend it. It's become one of my most worn pieces in a 40+ collection.

[@ocb05]

I bought the blue enamel version. Still have it in my collection now ❤ Definitely great value and unique design.

[@binyard1972]

Hi can you get a strap to fit this maybe a blue leather or stainless steel one or is that something for the future?

[@andrewd7586]

I have the blue dial & silver dial. A very nice alternative dress watch. There’s already a video out, well I found one Jody on the battery replacement procedure. Not too daunting. Especially for the likes of yourself mate.😎👍🏼

[@kleanovodust-bin69]

Care to share the link for battery replacement mate?

[@andrewd7586]

@@kleanovodust-bin69 Search Vario Verso battery replacement.👍🏻

[@joshkent4888]

Oh man. This one had me hook line and sinker. I was absolutely impressed and about to buy one but :( woe despair a quartz is a no for me. Fingers crossed for a mechanical version.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

Idk, honestly when i buy a dress watch, im looking for 10mm thickness or less. It needs to slip under a dress shirt cuff with ease.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yeah I think we're asking a lot for a dual face, but 10mm would have been nicer.

[@simply_psi]

I'm not a lover of tank shape watches, however a reverso is on my lotto winning list, soI'm very interested in this beautiful watch, and I'm a sucker for blue hands on white dials.

[@dylanharrington744]

A great little Watch this. It is thick, compared to its other dimensions but does look good. Gary at ILW did a review a while back and took it apart too..

[@WatchmakerErik]

Jody, Great video and review. Your footage of the watch was very elegant and professional. I'm not sure why you say it's not a strap monster though. I would think that with two faces, both of the neutrally colored, it would be right for opportunities to wear all kinds of straps. All of the strap monsters in my collection have neutral colored faces. As for the four screws, I think the case probably comes apart once those are undone. I would also suspect but obviously can't confirm that once you have it open you could swap the black dial to the silver side, and vice versa. Interesting watch and great review, thank you.

[@DaveSP196]

I've been keeping an eye on these as a massive fan of square, dressy and reverso watches. Glad you reviewed this! Was interested to see how the dimensions really look.

[@WatchWitt]

So sharp! I’m surprised the silver/black isn’t sold out. Will be cool to see more colors down the road…

[@VARIOeveryday]

The 2 monochrome colours are not limited so at least there would be some watches for customers to buy. I didn't want to go crazy with too many SKU (like my Trench) which translates to more $ stuck in inventory and that prevents me from making more new watches.

[@alvinmick218]

I’m so glad you reviewed this watch as a JLC Reverso will likely never be in the cards for me. I wasn’t aware of the watch or the brand. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this review. Thanks so much and please continue your excellent work! 🥃

[@aron6815]

can someone suggest more unique watches like the versa within the same budget? i have one and i love it, trying to get more into watches

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

This/these is/are very interesting indeed. I'd definitely be using that supplied buckle and tag though I think. Overall I actually quite like... Surprisingly. The coloured options are certainly more interesting though. Great review as always Jody.

[@marksaxby607]

Definitely an interesting watch, but as you say very niche. I've a Vario trench watch and an Empire, with that lovely dial, but I won't be adding the Versa, too small for my taste (The Empire doesn't get much wear for a similar reason) and too thick for the size (I have some 34mm vintage watches that I wear, but they're far slimmer). One for some really wanting this style of watch on a budget, IMO.

[@1998apple]

I wonder how the glass feels on skin. That seems like it would be a concern to me. Also, can't tell about the same thing for stem (if that is flush or not).

[@matsigh]

The glass feels fine. It’s a comfortable watch.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

Listen here you delicate Little Flower don't buy the watch okay I don't want to hear you sniveling about it afterwards

[@1998apple]

@@glennbeadshaw727 lol you ok bud?

[@lukasz_zegarkowy]

Hi there. The other color variants sold out not only because of the playfullness but mainly because they were released a long time before the second (white/black) batch. But I agree that they were offering more wearing fun. I own one of them - the blue/silver variant. And I am really happy with it. It also looks cool on other straps. I switched mine to a brown one and looks so cool. You shouldnt be also bothered with the battery switch. Four screws (or eight if the second watch needs it) and it is done

[@joethomas6557]

HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE BATTERY? 😱

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

When are we gonna see what you have in the works?

[@philliprackow7153]

The JLC is somewhat of a grail of mine, so i'll be jumping on this... next month.

[@jayeyesacks1604]

The Rotary Cambridge (Model: GS05280/70 ) is a nice Reverso Monoface alternative. Just over $200 USD, sapphire crystal, Japanese Miyota quartz movement, slimmer case profile, and much more of a strap monster. Dave at Just the Watch gave a quick review a year or so ago. The only knock on it is a minuscule date window, but otherwise a great option.

[@SilentCanary]

I was looking for this. That watch is awesome!

[@outcastkatsuki]

However the Rotary Cambridge doesn't have any reversing capability, making it more like a standard tank-style dress watch... you should consider the Rotary Revelation GS02901 series which was an actual Reverso homage with dual faces that could be flipped on wrist like the JLC. Unfortunately they were discontinued a long while ago and there's nothing similar in their current line-up... :(

[@jayeyesacks1604]

@@outcastkatsuki Yes, I'm familiar with the Revelation models. There's also an Elite version which uses an ETA 2824-2 movement at 41mm, which is quite nice. I'd read somewhere on a forum that battery change for the quartz Revelation was a little difficult, and I felt the prices I found for used pieces were a bit on the high side.

[@karlsenula9495]

If you are just going for the tank look at Seiko SUP880 tank. Incredibly thin.

[@brianw8105]

“Nice” as you say is subjective of course. Just found video featuring that Rotary watch, and in about 30 seconds could tell it’s pretty disgustingly cheap looking. And the 28x42 size is horribly wrong

[@I-Libertine]

I like Vario alot. It would be cool if they c could either block off the back (like a single face reverso) or sell a steel cover that would clip/snap over to cover one of the dials...

[@SSS-mp8th]

I bought the blue/silver when they launched, nothing else like it in my collection.

[@Ashfielder]

I wonder how you change the battery (or batteries?) in this. Edit: I see you had the same thoughts, a curious piece indeed.

[@sweetcorn1968]

I can’t think of any occasion or reason that I would wear a watch like this but I still really really want one..

[@winc06]

I wonder why it is so thick. It looks it could house two quartz movements and do two time zones. One does wonder about design choices sometimes.

[@AtheistOrphan]

It does have two movements, Jody mentions this in the video.

[@niksoncutts]

Thankfully I always carry a Pagani Design microfiber polishing cloth in my pocket to clean my glasses and watch with at all times!

[@ashneel]

Is that strap on sale too?

[@1minutewatchguy]

Great video and watch @variosg well done Ivan and Judy 👏

[@darkeye77]

Just heard of this watch the other day, and really interested in it. Glad to see it passes the Jody test! I want a dress watch but would never spend Reverso (or even really Tank) money on a watch I don't wear every day.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

For me, the reverso would be my ultimate dress watch… That or the duo face from JLC… I may never actually own either. This would be great, but I would worry about the side, touching the wrist depending on which way it’s flipped holding up… Thanks, Jody

[@zacharypayne5213]

Love a square watch will be adding the blue into the collection when it's back in stock

[@stuartizon]

Nice one Jody. Was already thinking of getting one of these, but maybe I'll wait for the colours to reappear. Just wish it was a little bit larger!

[@rover213]

I wonder if Omega still makes its reverso version?

[@scottbeckett4190]

I love these watches and was hoping you would review it. Thank you. Really helps me with my decision to wait for the brighter colours when they return. I signed up months ago and love this brand. I think they are a true micro brand with creativity, a passionate owner who tries harder and produces great and unique watches at what seems like fair pricing! Merci!!

[@jkhcu]

The colourful versions were sold as limited editions so I doubt they would come back, or it won't be the same colours at least

[@jb6027]

Nice! I'd hate to change the battery though.

[@michaelkwan3244]

Neat! If one regularly travels in 2 time zones, each movement can be set to the relevant or preferred timezone.

[@klevenspielberg]

The dials are nice, but the gaps between the the parts of the case, the thickness, and, as Jody pointed out, the screws make it look very cheap - which it isn't. Comparing it to a Reverso Duoface is hardly fair, but JLC manged to cram in two automatic movements in a CONSIDERABLY thinner package. This is a neat concept for an affordable watch, but porly executed.

[@taham33]

Couldn't agree more

[@jkhcu]

Reversos have manual movements not automatic and they still look quite chunky at ~10mm

[@johnsrabe]

Your wrist shots show that this does NOT look tiny. The thickness and squareness make it look more like a 35mm in my book.

[@Cam-yu8wy]

Really fascinated by this style of watches, just never went for once since I'm pretty sure I can't pull off the look. It would just look too much out of place and thus I would probably not wear it other than that one day of the year when I suddenly remember I own such a cool piece, and then remember why I stopped wearing it 😄

[@tdugong]

I was wondering when you'd be reviewing the Versa.

[@lpsalsaman]

Very Cartier tank look but with the ability of a reverso type watch, excellent review Jody.

[@mazzochi2028]

ILikeWatches took one apart in one of their videos. One side is held on by the 4 visible screws, once removed there are another 4 screws underneath to remove the other side. So 8 in total to change both batteries.

[@keithsoo6360]

Picked up the original blue and white when it was released, really interesting watch

[@paulkukula6541]

Thanks again Jody for showing another style of affordable watch. Love the vids,keep it coming.

[@bassmanbowman3266]

I love this watch, I’d get the burgundy one, but I’ve got a 9 inch wrist !, does anyone know of a watch like these that’s a bit bigger please ? 😎

[@rontierney559]

Love these, but I also wish Vario would bring out cheaper, single-sided tank watches. There really are no microbrands with a range of tanks and Vario could really fill that gap.

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

I like it a lot, and I'd really like to see more oblong watches. Feels a little clunky to me - would really like something similar but slimmer with just the white dial.

[@GreenPizza577]

I would like to see it go to the gym if you know what I mean. My taste in square watches is like the nomos tetra or the swatch what if.

[@Jpjc474]

Damn you Jody this is lovely. I like the green version and it would be nice if the white side had Roman numerals but I’m not sure if it’ll look too much like a Cartier.

[@almostjefri]

It looks like a mash up between the Basculante and the Duoface. The mechanics is akin to the Cartier Basculante and the dual dials of JLC Reverso Duoface. Anyways, awesome video as always.

[@robertlittlehawk7713]

No jlc but you can afford lunch dinner and a used car with he savings I think it's a reasonable buy.

[@nigelh4617]

Imagine a version with analogue on one side and jump hour digital on the other side.

[@jimmccaig7946]

Lovely watch. Great show as always.

[@Phil-S8]

I WANT THE GREEN ONE SO BAD If it was in stock it would've been bought immediately 💚

[@Hrethgir]

It's quartz, should be easy to mod. Like take it apart, pull the hands and swap the dials so you have the screws on the black face instead of the silver. Do it... do it.

[@fergiet18]

Good looking watch. Some lovely shots in the review, the old Brownie is doing well. Great review again. Hope you get over the cold soon.

[@holtmoore5313]

Interesting watch but your t-shirt is great.

[@captainbungee]

I'd agree the silver dial would look better without the four "caseback" screws, but if you can split the watch for battery changes, then swapping over the movements is the next logical step.

[@davidstewart3868]

Very retro art deco reverso design. My only critique is it appears to be too thick.

[@neogeijutsu]

wow, I want one!

[@Justme0495]

Its a nice looking watch, but not really for me. Still something I consider as refreshingly different though

[@dazherbert2782]

They've just made tank watches interesting. Nice watch(es).

[@marchills4131]

Excellent review as always, Jody. I'm sure there are design and material constraints I'm not fully appreciating, but it's a shame it's not about 2 mil thinner. Maybe a more svelte center section (essentially, the case back for each of the two movements)? And if the pivot point had been moved a half a mil lower, and the case frame correspondingly shallower, it seems like you'd still get that desirable stepped effect while trimming down the watch's overall height on wrist. A Versa v2 perhaps?

[@jkhcu]

If by pivot point you mean the hand stack, that's fixed with the movement and can't really be changed

[@marchills4131]

@@jkhcu actually no. I was talking about the thickness of the watch, about which the hand stack would have absolutely no bearing. Specifically the pivot point at which the dual sided body flips; this watch's calling card. It's set high in the stationary outer case and that contributes to its ungainly thickness. Set a bit lower and a mil or two could have been shaved off that dimension.

[@jkhcu]

@marchills4131 You do realise the inner case is already flush with the bottom of the outer? Moving it down will just make the underside protrudes out, it won't affect thickness at all. About hand stack, different movements (or even different versions of the same movement) have different vertical distances between the hands and between the bottom hand and movement base. This affects the total height from the bottom of the movement to the top of the seconds hand pinion. Check out the NH35 type M (7.6mm) vs type L (8mm) for an example. The NHs have their notorious thick reputation partly due to the hand stack, which is why the rehauts on most NH watches are so ungainly high. This is especially evident with the GMT version, the NH34. I have to give props to Seiko for being able to partially hide that on their Seiko 5 GMTs with a sloped rehaut. But looking at other watches such as the Nodus Sector GMT and the total clearance between the dial and crystal sticks out like a sore thumb. Another one I have noticed in person is when Lorier switched their Hyperion GMT from the very thin Soprod C125 to Miyota 9075 movement, not only did the overall thickness increase, but also the rehaut got higher to compensate for the higher hand stack. Lorier themselves have commented about this. Compared to another GMT watch, the Farer Lander, the hands on its ETA 2893 are also closer to each other than those on the Lorier's Miyota.

[@donnyboon2896]

Yes

[@khronokraze]

The watch is yours, yes? Why don't you just try and swap the dials if u prefer the silver side to have cleaner frame/bezel without the screws? I imagine you'd swap the entire unit including the quartz movement and not just the dials themselves. Trick might be removing the crowns which is probably could be uncoupled via a small tab nearby on the movement or perhaps a small screw. Other than that, I can imagine they'd somewhat easily drop out once you open the case to access changing the batteries. The only thing I wish was it was designed to be able to flip the faces while on wrist instead of having to take it off to do so.

[@luisdamian6979]

I really wish Vario would make these thinner. I find the 12mm doesn't really fit the design.

[@adk7962]

I almost… almost skipped this video because I had zero interest in this style nor size but the more I look at it, the more I’m thinking I may need one of these tank style watches. 🧐.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

You will learn to love the watches don't be a prude any watch is a good watch your preferences are nothing to the rest of us because we love all the watches and overtime so will you and it will be so

[@adk7962]

@@glennbeadshaw727 You’re absolutely right.

[@glennbeadshaw727]

@@adk7962 well done

[@chenkuangyap]

It occurred to me that this kind of watch could be spun left to right instead of over and under, wherein the hands would then auto adjust and the dial could be polarized-switched from white to black.

[@thomasoliverpryce4914]

Looked at this. Bought a Reverso 270.8.08. Not Duoface but got the look I wanted. Edit. I still think the Vario is worth it.

[@steffenaarsnes8066]

With that price, the thickness and those huge gaps I'd much rather buy another vintage Must De Cartier Tank instead. Interesting review though, thank you!

[@jkhcu]

The Cartier is at least 3 times the price and no dual face, not exactly an alternative

[@steffenaarsnes8066]

I just bought one in the same price range, and see plenty at online auctions going for the same. They don't have dual face for that price, but like I said, I'd rather buy another one of those than one of these which is copying a similar look. It's not a one for one, but certainly an alternative, and with that thickness and those gaps I'd argue it's the better alternative. @@jkhcu

[@ewrochna3504]

Appreciate the watch, but not my 2 cups of tea....and don't think it would go with my hoodie and shorts👌

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Amazing watch for the $

[@sleeplessengineer1450]

I would've been really interested in this watch, but quartz is just a hard pass.

[@jeff1176]

Interesting watch for sure. As a bigger guy, this design is definitely not for me. I couldn't pull it off. The thickness wouldn't allow for easy under the cuff wearability, especially for me.

[@TinBin-Craig]

cool watch... cheers

[@Masterpsflood]

Kinda disappointed the dial isn't actually split into 2 colors

[@P_Ezi]

The MTP-M305 was the highlight if this video.

[@c.s2001]

Enjoyed the review.

[@chrischarlton422]

It looks like a nice quality piece, but it's essentially 2 dress watches without much varation. Maybe a dress side and a sport/tool/digital side would be more useful, especially considering that it's something you would want to wear all day and into the evening, in a situation where you can't carry a spare watch to change into. For now I'll stick with my reversible 1983 Zeon Ana-calc which is white analogue front and lcd calculator on the back.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Sold. It can join my Rotary Revelation!

[@dylanakent]

MORE SQUARE AND RECTANGULAR WATCHES PLEASE! 👍👍👍

[@matsigh]

I have the original blue one, but I almost never wear it. Both my dials are tilted a bit and every time I wear I can’t not notice that. It’s a real bummer because if there was better QC it would be a great watch. Although it would be better still if their logo was different. I don’t think their logo works great on a dressy watch.

[@ocb05]

Maybe you should return it and get a refund. Obviously you are not into these kind of watches. My unit is great and nicely built.

[@matsigh]

@@ocb05I have reached out to Varios support about this and nothing came of it. I’m just letting people know because I’ve seen pictures of other versas and I know mine isn’t the only one off angle. I’m glad yours is good though.

[@nicomillhouse]

Waiting for a Casio homage of the Omega Equinoxe

[@kirinasaari]

Speedy Reverso (I mean Recovery)Jody!

[@D_SQ]

It's so nice.

[@eristoff3782]

Cool moustache, Vario