Closer to the Sun in an unbelievable price bracket – Vario 1945 AS-11

Military watches (and any other equipment) have always been at the cutting edge of technology. They are made with the purpose of helping personnel when they needed the most, a critical situation.

But just like any artifact, wrist watches, have become obsolete in the field. Replaced by computers and hight tech equipment we are left with the nostalgia of the analogue watches that were used back then. If you ask me, the main reason why we seek these era of watchmaking is because of durability, nothing will get in the way of those watches working.

This is when the topic gets more interesting because, even if those watches are no longer needed, there are brands that are still makings them with modern standards of construction. Vario is the latest one to tackle the WWII aesthetics successfully and they have done it by adding their usual twist with their new 1945 AS-11.

Ivan and Judy who are the founders of the Singapore based brand, have done a great job crafting not only the watch but also the message that comes with it. They are not looking to revive a dark period of the past but to remind us peace is the way forward. Also, sustainability has become more and more important for consumers, and we will see why the new 1945 AS-11 attest to this.

Join me to discover more about this magnificent watch that also operates at an incredible price bracket.

The Specifications

Part of designing a new watch, is to come up with unique ways to express your brands DNA. I believe the new 1945 represents a new way on how Vario watches will be perceived, and the main reason is because this 1945 is powered by a solar quartz movement. There is a smaller mechanical version, but that is another story. The solar powered watch to me feels right at home, it is a ‘’grab and go’’ piece, easy to wear and highly legible. The movement offers 4 months of charge with 30 hours of sun, not bad for something that can be worn everyday with no issues. This new movement bring back the sustainability topic to the table, with no batteries needed, no waste is going to happen.

The movement is cased by a 40mm stainless steel body with a lug to lug of 47mm, it has all the good transitions in terms of finishing that Vario has spoiled us in the past. The main case is highly brushed and includes polished details to make the watch feel much more premium, it works quite well on the wrist.

The dial is a great example on how a texture can make a simple watch something special. Our grey variant is indeed special else under the macro; it has the invisible ‘’Vario’’ signature at 12 and it is surrounded by white numerals. There is a red triangle for orientation which breaks nicely the monochromatic scheme, so far so good.

The large sword hands are also part of the package. The are long and black coated, all filled with Superluminova BGW9, giving the 1945 that blue glow that we all watch nerds love. One of the details that I enjoyed from the watch is the centre seconds hands of lack of it. In the 1945 you can find the cap of the centre pinion with a white dot taking away the precision element when setting the watch, making it less of a war instrument and more of a daily wearer. A good twist and a noble detail that makes us remember that watches are to enjoy and not to perform.

The signed crown is at 4:30 and it has become a signature in some of the brand’s versions, we quite like how unobtrusive it is and how it fits with the overall design of the 1945. Although the watch has a push and pull system, it still offers 50 meters of water resistance.

On the wrist

As dimensions suggest, the 1945 is a very comfortable watch to wear. It is also aided by the 9.5mm thickness which ends flat on the wrist. The watch comes in a very well made Cordura strap, it is one of the elements I like the most because the holes are protected with metal rings which assures the durability aspect while touching on the sustainability element again.

Legibility also makes an impression on the 1945. The contrast of the black hands with the grey dial it is very good. I quite enjoy a white set of numerals against grey, I think it looks quite elegant and that red triangle is literally the cherry on top.

The 1945 works on many occasions, I used it mostly to work out and to relax in the sun (of course). This is a watch that feels also perfect for travelling abroad, it is very light and has presence when it needs to, it works well on a nylon strap, and it could become more elegant with a vintage leather strap. It is a chameleon.

Concluding thoughts

The 1945 is a watch that represents what I love about watches: simplicity well executed. It is a watch that brings joy because although is very niche, it still manages to find my wrist, that said we still haven’t got to the best part which is the price. This new 1945 AS-11 is a new price bracket for the brand, and while watches keep getting more expensive, Vario has decided to go the opposite route.

The 1945 AS-11 costs 148 GBP and yes you read that correctly. It is the lowest price point watch I’ve ever reviewed and by far one best built. To put this into perspective, we are talking Casio price bracket from an independent micro enthusiast brand, this is wild!

The 1945 AS-11 comes in 3 variants, a Raven Black which feels the most traditional of the bunch, a Heron White bringing a minimalist touch to the design and our beloved Eagle Grey, still my favourite.

Whatever you choose, make sure you are fast because at this price point the 1945 will be flying soon, just make sure you have it charged and ready to go.

Technical specifications

-          Case diameter: 40mm

-          Case thickness: 10mm

-          Crystal: Sapphire with inner AR applied

-          Lug width: 20mm

-          Lug to lug: 48mm

-          Lume: BGW9 Lume

-          Case Material: 316L stainless steel

-          Caseback: 316L stainless steel

-          Crown: Push-pull crown

-          Movement: Miyota 2170 solar quartz movement(Runs 4 months on full charge）

-          Water resistance: 5 ATM

-          Strap: Cordura re/cor™

-          Warranty: 2 year global warranty