From The Trenches - Vario 1918 Trench Watch

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With 580+ orders already in the bag, it just goes to show that there is a big demand for somethign other than dive watches. Ivan at Vario has long ploughed his own furrow, and if the success of the 1918 is anything to go by, he'll be a fixture on the micro scene for a long time to come. I have issues with the movement and the length (or lack thereof) of the Bund strap, but the enamel dial looks amazing and $250USD is a very fair price, I think. Cheers, Jody

[@ManiacWithGrenades]

I bought an actual 1915 trenchwatch off of an authorized dealer of such things a couple of years ago. When it arrived, supposedly in "working condition", I tried winding it and all the hands promptly popped off the dial and gathered in a neat pile at the 6 o'clock position. I returned it for a full refund of course, but I've been looking for a modernized version of that watch ever since and needless to say, I was one of the first backers 😁

[@russell6777]

I had a similar thing happen to me regarding the hands on a genuine trench watch, plus in end it wasn’t worth the problems I had with it , so i to have just purchased a Vario 1918 type watch , and I’m very pleased with it

[@andersestes]

Love that you actually take marketing regulations seriously, by clearly stating advertising. A rare thing on KZbin. We don't mind advertising, as long as we know what's going on and the products are interesting.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Sponsorship, not advertising I would argue! But I appreciate the comment mate. 👍

[@timesylvania]

This watch is the bomb. I was totally blown away. Your video had me entrenched for minutes.

[@timesylvania]

This comment might not be appropriate...

[@letsexperienceearth3034]

I see what you did there

[@KoolKyurem25]

I quite like it. Handsome and reserved while paying homage to the poor souls who fought in The Great War

[@ejames6431]

Amen to that.👍🏼

[@JDRevene]

Beautiful, but I’m not a fan of the Kickstarter sales model; I’d prefer something I can buy right now.

[@user-vu4qp1py1n]

they are going to offer it as a normal regular purchase down the road at a higher price I think. The kickstarter is just to...get things started + something for early adopters

[@davidhailstone7794]

Hello.... and welcome to something other than a damn dive watch!!!" Damned fine watch, Livingston. Damn fine.

[@CTRL84]

This watch is absolutely my cup of tea. I have a few vintage pieces - cheap ones, not like vintage Omega's, Longines etc. but rather forgoten, not existen brands from 40' - 60' and I must say that this Vario is great. Vario is one of this manufacturer which I fully respect for doing something different than another boring diver or just mixing inspiration from vintage with modern look. They seems to be fully commited to make watches that could be really designed and produced decades ago. For me-they're absolutely great!

[@djapojunior]

What a great watch, kudos to Vario. Love it when a vintage homage like this is done tastefully and not tacky which Vario certainly achieved here, nice one.

[@edwardgreenaway1808]

I could watch you review rocks and if you brought that enthusiam I'd love it also. But since I've seen other reviews and was sure then too, I want that watch. You are right about the hand wind option. I love no date hand wind watches to throw on in the morning just give it a few turns, set the time, then away you go.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Agree Ed! My Yema Navygraf is getting a lot of wrist time for that very reason....

[@chrisdavis8399]

First off, a huge shout out to Ivan for doing something different and not doing a dive watch! I just wish he went with a period specific font on this model....I don’t think that modern script works for this piece. Cheers!

[@doihatd4595]

... thats the font on the contemporary Rolexes (rolexs? Rolex's?)

[@Gravel1331]

I really don't mind the "sponsored" videos. You present the moans and niggles (fairly in my opinion) regardless of how you came by the watches.

[@arsefff]

When it comes to sponsored content, you're at least transparent, so it doesn't bother me. You do you, Jodie!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate!!

[@reezevlog]

i owned a 1910 Levrette trench watch..and that triggered my love for trench watches.....i am quite liking this Vario..😍

[@jamespetkwitz8737]

I just picked up the Timex Welton, which ia the timex version of this watch. I love it.

[@martinc.720]

Good to see they got “Gradué pour 30 pulsations” right, unlike that Chinese watch you reviewed a while ago :)

[@heymul25]

Clear, informative review, by a reviewer who's entertaining, but realizes that the real star is the watch.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate!!

[@user-vu4qp1py1n]

some comments are really nitpicky when we should be glad its not another diver. Putting this watch on my "future consider purchase" list

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks for the shoutout! Fantastic watch and I love how different it is. Great job covering it!

[@gerardogarcia-trio3572]

I'm one of this trench watch supporters. As you said, I want something more than divers. I always wanted a trench watch, I actually managed to buy one years ago, but It was not usable, it was a delicate antique. Other modern replicas are too expensive, too updated or too stylized, losing the appeal. You have shown the exact model I chose, I think is the one that looks more like a real aged common trench watch. About the movement: they just chose the best but cheap that could do the job, it's the reason for the crown at 4, to keep the seconds at 6, and that it's automatic, other movement options increased the price. But hey, Longines did the Heritage 1918 and used an automatic too (with a terrible date window; talking about too expensive, too updated and too stylized...).

[@MrPleers]

There are also the Oris 1917 and the Tissot Heritage 1936 if you like these kind of watches. And these are not homages but re-releases. Keeping them as original looking as possible.

[@gerardogarcia-trio3572]

​@@MrPleersThanks, I didn't know the Tissot. My problem is, like the Longines, that I don't like them. I'm looking for a trench watch, and common trench watches were not like that. I think this Vario is a homage, but in the literal meaning of the word, not like the widespread euphemism for a knock off. Maybe someone knows if there is a brand that can claim the original design of the trench watch, I don't.

[@watchalot919]

I can never understand people moaning about the spinning rota on the Miyota movements. I never hear or feel it. Looks great on the bund.

[@bigfootsburneraccount9160]

You can only feel stuff like that when you're specifically trying to, not when you're simply going about your day

[@watchalot919]

@@bigfootsburneraccount9160 Yes, it's really noisy when you hold your wrist to your ear and shake it. I am sure most people do that all the time, LOL

[@PhantomObserver]

I think Timex used to make a version, called the Welton. Quartz movement with Indiglo and an hour-jumping feature (changes the hour for time zone hops). Less than $200 US.

[@josephc30]

www.amazon.com/Timex-Midget-Japan-Limited-TW2R45000/dp/B076JC9YFH

[@mrjasonrowland]

They still do. They also make The Midget. About $55 on Amazon, but not up to these excellent specs and standards. Still, they look nice.

[@lennyscheapwatchchannel2099]

I have one and I love it!

[@Aldemas]

@@lennyscheapwatchchannel2099 I just ordered the black Midget and am excited about it. And since Timex aided in the production of the original Midget trench watch version for ingersoll watch co. when Timex was known as The Waterbury Clock Company, it makes it collectible as well in my opinion. It essentially made an updated version of a watch it produced.

[@davemerchant8788]

Just ordered the 40mm brass cream dial with orange lume on green bund - absolute stunner imo. Thanks for the review - as always, checked it after ordering 😂. So glad to hear you like it... and yes, my first trench watch 👍

[@brighammmer]

Not gonna lie. I open these videos as soon as I get them before I intend to watch, just to see the shirt. Never fails to disappoint.

[@eazye619]

I like it and i want one because of the vintage aesthetic but the lugs make straps a little difficult

[@henryswatches6496]

My great grandfather was the type of person who never threw anything away, especially not his watch. He died in World War I holding on to a hand grenade. ;)

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I'm not sure if liking this comment is appropriate!? 🤔😱

[@thethirdman225]

Yeah, nah.

[@S-Ltd1000]

@@JustOneMoreWatch I had to read that a couple of times.🤔

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Pull the pin !!

[@dunderhay9169]

I completely agree, it would be so much better with a hand winding movement. More authentic and it would sit lower on the strap too. Good review 👍

[@steven3379]

Priced right but I'll wait for the "retail" release I like the "style" que's of this microbrand... 👍👍

[@bboooobbyy]

*Cue

[@liangweihao7932]

There's no other budget movement that's manual wind with a sub second dial. That's why they chose the Miyota.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Some part of me expects Seagull (or another Chinese brand using their movements) to make a handwinding version in the near future. It's like a Flieger, they all look very similar anyway.

[@omerkutayboru7584]

1:23 You are such a fair guy. I admire this attitude.

[@jonathandavenport2500]

I agree, I would have preferred a manual wind, when they are they just feel extra special. However, I still want it.

[@officialsamuels]

Looks nearly identical to a Longines Heritage 1918. This WAS on my list, another copy design bites the dust.

[@leisurewatches8180]

I just looked google, they look fucking exactly the same. What the fuck.

[@VARIOeveryday]

I would argue it looks closer to Oris 1917 but then most Trench watches lookalike

[@Alias_Anybody]

It looks like a pocket watch, and they all kind of looked the same, so ...

[@user-vu4qp1py1n]

no design exists in a vacuum, even watches like the rolex sub is based off something else. Imagine complaining about a $300 watch.

[@S-Ltd1000]

@@user-vu4qp1py1n there's a good few of them on here.

[@duk4you]

Great review on a watch that I have not noticed before

[@Trex100]

I think this is a delightful watch. It’d be a groovy look with short sleeves and jeans.

[@chrisjackson376]

Jody, what I love about your video's, is the fact you have the watches in your hands and the information on the brands is second to none. Thank you for the entertainment, but you do cost me a lot of money.

[@mrjasonrowland]

I backed the black and white. Had my eye on it for so,e time. My second Vario. I’m a big fan. I think it’s wonderful. The Vario logo doesn’t bother me unless I am looking at it under severe magnification. We only see watches that way in really picky KZbin reviews. Heck, I can barely see date windows these days. Agreed with the bund strap length. It’s bund or nothing at all. As for the screw down crown and movement, I’ll take both. I don’t want appropriate. I want something that will last and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Just FYI, The Time Teller was able to wear the bund with a little room to spare on his 7.5 inch wrist I believe.

[@rick3670]

Great review of, as several comments have pointed out, not just another dive watch! I’m not a diver, so water resistance has never been an issue (beyond washing my hands or rain: call it splash resistance). My only moan/niggle would be the lack of options regarding the straps. The bund strap is a nice looking option, I simply prefer the Nato straps or a stainless steel band, as normally found on divers. That said, these are brilliantly legible, which is ultimately the purpose of any watch, isn’t it? Great review, Jody!

[@JungleEddie]

I like it and appreciate the water resistance. As a landscape photographer I have often ended up wetter than I intended. Unfortunately I have an 8.25 inch wrist. I wonder if third party bund straps could be an option.

[@theworkinggentleman8146]

I saw this a month ago and thought it was the prettiest watch I'd seen in years. Anxiously waited the launch and am now anxiously waiting delivery. But really Jody "more smaller" we know you were educated better than that.

[@Vidmr2407]

looks very nice, but for $50 on amazon (20% of the Vario) i got my first trench style watch by timex - 38mm quartz -not bad and has indigo.

[@Qualiareedauthor]

I just picked this one up with the all brass case. I'm in love I think it's my new fave watch. For the price it's just fantastic I get so many comments on it

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

Pretty, but not sold on the bund strap. More Longines than Longines.

[@nickbyrne1962]

Always nice to see something a little bit different ))

[@sterlingarcher857]

I like vario, and they way they carry themselves. I bought the empire off the back of your review of it.

[@daithi1966]

I have a real 1918 trench watch with a brass "shrapnel" guard. It looks really cool. Unfortunately, it is manual wind and doesn't wind easily. It is also smaller than I'd like. I'd actually like to get a Vario because it is an automatic and a bit bigger, but first I'd need to see if I can find someone that will make a brass "shrapnel" guard as that is what really elevates the watch to a whole other level of coolness.

[@willywantoknow2563]

Always remember 🏵️ my great grandfather fought both ww1 and ww2.... Now more than ever should they all be remembered for the cause they fought and perished for.

[@jims4539]

You mentioned they off a brass case version. Have a few vintage watches with chromed brass and they look good at their age. Why don't more makers go that way? Bump the other specs(movement, crystal, bracelet/strap) and use a brass coated case.

[@jwags24]

Beautiful watch! I find it hard to connect with small seconds watches though. There is something about seeing a large second hand tick around a dial.

[@callum5733]

I like Kickstarter but I feel as though there can be a lot of variables of quality and you have to put a lot of trust in the creators. The watch is very charming as you mentioned a hand wound version would've been fitting - looking forward to the giveaway and the sotc!

[@gamesetmatt23]

If you are keen on this one, I've purchased from Vario multiple times before and they are excellently made. They make great straps too if you check out their website. Plus, you usually get a hand-signed card from the brand owners in the box. It's the little touches that make a great brand.

[@VARIOeveryday]

I started out wanting to use a handwound but Japanese didn't offer any handwounds now..let alone small seconds. Swiss would drive my prices to compete with Longines and Oris and I don't heritage to back me up. I didn't want to bother with Chinese QC issues as a young brand so this was my best choice.

[@mrjasonrowland]

Agreed. In this specific case, I will third that Vario is an excellent company run by a passionate and honest chap with tons of experience bringing successful watches to us watch freaks. No worries here. :)

[@andrewd7586]

Um I actually have 6 genuine trench watches Jody. All work & keep pretty good time. A couple are a tad fragile but they all get the occasional wind up if not worn. I have eyed this tribute for some time. Just not sure if I’d get one. Having said that aesthetically they look good.😎👍🏻

[@egwpisteuw]

That's very nice.

[@Dave-H]

Thanks Jodi, love the history and may have to pull the trigger, excuse the pun, but just bought 3 watches on 11-11 AliExpress sale

[@Mike-kr9ys]

I like this watch and the concept of this watch. I like that Vario was willing to take a risk on something that was not a dive watch. I dont think that 100 meters of water resistance is a bad thing. I do like the (nowadays) unique inclusion of the wire lugs, and see that as a plus rather than a minus. I would cast my vote for a future version with a hand wound movement, even at a price premium. I would vote for a future version that was larger. And I am REALLY hoping hard that the lume on this watch is better than average. Lame lume is so depressing - it is almost like a watch has given up or cant be bothered when the lume is weak. All in all, I feel this watch represents the right idea at the right time, and according to the Kickstarter site, several hundred folks agree with that.

[@mu11jk]

Great review and nice sharp imagery - I'm sold!

[@knowyourhistory]

You're my favorite Scottish man on KZbin

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate! You mustn't have checked out too many whisky channels. Cheers! 🥃🍻

[@stusims6567]

Nice watch! Great review Jody!!!

[@dialanddram]

Agree about the manual wind, that would have been fantastic for this one even as a daily 'driver'.

[@leonm2407]

Us 8 1/2 inch wrist guys are screwed over again... would have bought this one if Vario came through with a larger bundt strap. It would be the only 37mm that I would probably ever purchase. Nice watch though and another comprehensive review. Good job

[@earthenjadis8199]

Single pass fed through the bund for extra length.

[@VARIOeveryday]

Use the single pass with the bund?

[@immortal4942]

I was actually looking for this style of watch since they are so rare. I only know of zenith and longines making anything like this and most of them are so hard to get. I really like this design and can't wait to get my hands on them 😍

[@LukeBhite]

Check out the Timex Welton as a cheap, quartz alternative!

[@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews]

Trying to get one in Ireland/The UK, any leads? Shipping from us or Japan is closer to a third the price of the watch!

[@LukeBhite]

@@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews What about polish e-shops? zegarownia.pl/zegarek-meski-timex-welton-tw2r87900

[@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews]

@@LukeBhite I'll check it out and see if they have the white and orange variant, thanks for the tip!

[@fergiet18]

@@TheWatchtowerWatchReviewsit's on Amazon UK £85

[@TheWatchtowerWatchReviews]

@@fergiet18 I've seen the welton, I was actually looking for the Midget, the white/cream and orange variant, but I appreciate the heads up. Cheers anyway

[@kaokolk]

Big wrist guy here, and agree on the bund sizing. However, the single pass straps are in the same colors as the bunds and you can select a bund pad of your choice as an option and use it with the single pass. That's what I'll be doing with my order. I too think it really needs to be paired with the bund.

[@dylanharrington744]

Maybe they could supply the bund straps in two different lengths Jody as they are 3 piece? Not my cup of tea, but well executed for those that like this style.

[@spencer.watches]

Pretty cool watch, I like a lot of what Vario does. One quibble: beat error doesn't change unless the watch is adjusted incorrectly (or the hairspring is damaged, which i don't think is the case here). Very likely it was poorly adjusted from the factory.

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Another great review in the can. Right now I'm backing the Kickstarter for a black and a grey trench, and now darn it maybe an orange/white thanks to ye. Very impressed with Vario. The Empire is my #2 favorite in my collection of 24. Geckota also giving strong competition in here with the G-01 42mm autos and 39mm Space Age versions. But for everyday use, good looks, comfort, legibility, and strap flexibility... the white dial Empire just keeps giving the joys. Ivan really is onto something here. And their straps are very good too. Keep an eye on these guys... they're going up up up.

[@hqz787]

Nice piece with the bund... 11 Nov' also happens to be my grandfather's birthday... maybe on the Christmas list... 👍⌚

[@TheMainCore]

Oh man. Soooo cool. I need it. I shouldn't. But it's just so gorgeous! Damn you Jody ;)

[@waynedonovan6754]

Love the looks, good size watch for a bund strap. I have a 36mm CCCP era Vostok with a bund, looks great, very comfortable. Bunds do make the watch appear a few millimetres larger. Fossils do similar style lugs, but theirs take standard spring bards which is very versatile and I think preferable. But still a really cool design.

[@captbumbler5356]

Hi Jody, Great watch you explanation of it and it's style is better than I first saw on Time Teller review, so I may now get one. Thanks for your hard work bringing all these great watches to us. Stay Safe

[@billwhite9262]

Szanto, Stewart Dawson! If you like this watch, you'll love Stewart Dawson! I agree with many others, cutting off the 6 absolutely kills it for me.

[@jdkimple]

I'm good with the Miyota movement, it is accurate and fits the pricepoint. As for the single winding direction, it is more efficient as I understand.

[@ashneel]

I'd happily have a quartz movement with that look

[@Aldemas]

They have been threatening to produce a Seiko quartz version with the same case and all for almost a year now. It looks like they will soon.

[@robc8468]

Timex Waterbury $90 on Amazon in quartz WW1 look with sub seconds dial.

[@DogHumpsMonkey]

I really dig that. I’d love one in bronze. Trench watches have always been my favorite style. My daily wear beater is the Swiss Army Calvary I got by smoking too many marlboros back in the 90s. If I start saving my pennies, I think this might replace it

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Great video on a very cool looking watch. Thanks as always Jody.

[@misterman1371]

A display caseback for a fixed lug bar case - genius

[@jeb-zf4un]

Hand wound version would be v cool. Such a cool watch be very nice paired with a vintage car or bike. For me I like the medics version I'm a nurse by trade. I guess if your after the style you could by an original trench style watch there's lots about and they're usuaĺly cheaper. Great vid Jody.

[@DaveK385]

Boy, you must have really excellent hearing if you can hear the rotor moving.

[@47zero]

Yo Ivan Great Stuff!

[@VARIOeveryday]

Thanks!

[@brianbuchert6382]

Love this featured watch! May have to pick one up.,.I have an amphibia which has turned out to be a great watch!I I’m starting to feel as if I’m not rough enough with my watches as this one has not one scratch after a year of owning it it,

[@jackdillon4467]

I just might have to pick up one of these

[@danielhristov6175]

Love the watch... I think it’s my favorite micro brand watch so fat. Thanks for reviewing it Jody.

[@S800VCS]

Great looking watch, nice specs and well priced. and different from almost everything else outhere. I will support Vario, ordered mine, now I"ll have to wait until May.

[@duncanidaho2130]

Love that grey one. Thank you for the video. Have a great day.

[@arikjohnson412]

Cool and different!

[@SilverSergeant]

This one reminds me of a pocket watch I had as a youngster. I would buy one.

[@KrazyApeKlub]

Nice one Jody... However, the head of the 6 cut off ruins it for me, either a full 6 or no 6 at all. Love the grey dial.

[@thinredline2795]

You can always use the bund strap with single pass and open end straps and match up different colors, lots of options if you use your imagination

[@calebnewton_]

Beautiful watch!! And you got the colorway I want too!

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

gorgeous little watch! It's nice to see manufacturers use something other than an NH35 but when that something different is a 8000 series Miyota, it's a little bit of a put off.

[@AlexanderB.]

Everything cohesive - this is apt. For this kind of watch Vario have done everything right. What I would like to know: can the big leather part of the Bund strap been taken off, so that the watch can be worn on the two pieces of leather only? Vario is also specialized in straps after all. I like this company, but the Empire is still my favourite watch from Vario, I hope they continue to make it. Cheers! ✌️

[@VARIOeveryday]

Yes the bund can be removed and worn with the 2 peices of leather only

[@Miginath]

Myota rotor spin isn’t a bug... it’s a feature!

[@Furniture121]

Its not my style, but I see the appeal. I really appreciate the respectful way the war is approached on the case back.

[@user-yy9lg6gs4h]

I've seen cathedral hands and I adore them. But I have never seen them so incredible in quality, proportion and clarity as this, given I only saw them on aged vintage pieces and poor Chinese homages. Perhaps the enamel dial helps...another rare, timeless and beautiful feature. 3-Piece case too, and unlike the originals I considered for years 100m WR. Wow! I wonder if the crown TUBE is replaceable and screwed into the case or if its a pressure design.

[@calnative4904]

Sure does have a true vintage vibe

[@ejames6431]

I like the watch and may have wanted one but I just bought a "Glycine Combat Sub" in 48mm for this type of use. Awesome review Sir! 👍🏼

[@lastofmykind8]

Very cool. Vario is an interesting brand!

[@darkovilos]

I have 1 trench looking watch on my collection... I think... it's the Timex TW2P86700. I mean it looks like a trench watch.

[@3rdpig]

As a guy with a big wrist, I tend to avoid watches that are 40mm and smaller. They just look too little on me. 37mm on me looks like one of the tiny little dress watches my Mom used to wear. But anything that's not a Sub homage is worth considering.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

They definitely should have gone for a hand winding movement instead. It would have been more fitting, and would eliminate that awful rotor noise too.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Love the Rotor noise and loud ticking let's me no I've got a mechanical watch on ,same with desk clock !

[@mrjasonrowland]

I don’t hear the rotor on this movement in any watch unless I put a microphone next to it in a watch review video. Seriously.

[@carldagroundskeeper]

They gotta put that crown at 3 o' clock imho. Besides that, neat lil piece :D 9:00 You could get a speidel twist-o-flex and make Butch's dad's watch from pulp fiction :p

[@stevefox8605]

Love the style, very odd choice making it so small considering the originals would have been quite big being based on pocket watches. That rotor noise is worse than my VJ7750!! Wouldn't buy a kickstarter but will keep an eye on the second hand market....wonder if I can find a non leather bund strap?? (veggie since 82) Nice watch, Cheers mate 👍🏻