Introduction
I am once again delighted to review a Vario watch. This is a brand that consistently puts out cool designs and stays active in the watch community, especially in Asia and around Singapore. Today’s review is a little different for me because it is about a true beater quartz watch, which is not my usual choice, but this one really feels like it could survive anything and keep you on time even in a post-apocalyptic world.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Comfortable and lightweight thanks to the quartz movement, solar powered, excellent raised printing, good lume, and a fantastic quality-to-price ratio.
Cons: A screw-down crown would have been a great addition for extra water resistance, as 50 meters feels a bit low for swimming or water activities.
The Brand
Vario specializes in vintage-inspired watches with a modern twist, and after reviewing several of their models, I can confidently say they excel in delivering value for money. They offer plenty of variations within each collection, and I have long been a fan of their trench watches with enamel dials. They are absolutely stunning, especially paired with a Bund strap.
Packaging
The watch arrives in a utilitarian travel pouch with a hard outer shell and soft, cushioned interior. It is perfect for carrying a watch when you are on the move and is ideal for someone who travels with one or two watches.
Design
The 1945 A-11S takes its inspiration from WWII field watches but adds a few modern twists.
One standout feature is the crown at 4 o’clock. This is not something I have seen on vintage field watches, but it makes a lot of sense. In a watch meant for active use, a crown at 3 o’clock can dig into your wrist, while at 4 o’clock it is comfortably out of the way.
Another clever touch is the “second hand” which is not a traditional hand but a rotating disc in the center with a small white circle that lets you know the watch is running. The Vario logo is embossed in the same color as the dial, keeping it subtle and clean, which is a refreshing break from brands that plaster their name across the dial.
Otherwise, the dial is classic field watch. You have painted black hands for legibility, crisp printing on a white textured background, and minute markers at 10-minute intervals. I also like the small red arrow at 12, which may nod to British military field watches. The case gets a modern upgrade with a polished bevel on the bezel and chamfered lugs, and the crown features a lume-filled Vario logo which is another fun detail.
I received mine on a rugged nylon strap, but I quickly swapped it for a French parachute strap, which suits the watch perfectly and adds even more comfort.
Quality
Case and Crown
The brushed finish is well executed, especially the circular brushing on the top of the lugs. The polished edges and chamfers are sharp on the bezel, less so on the lugs, but at this price point that is forgivable.
Dial and Hands
The textured dial has impressively thick, shiny printing with no visible flaws, even under magnification. The slightly raised printing catches the light nicely. The painted black hands match the tool-watch aesthetic.
Strap and Buckle
The supplied strap is sturdy with metal-reinforced holes for durability. The clasp, though generic, has a vintage flair that suits the watch.
Lume
The lume is respectable for the price, likely BGW9, and is applied to the hands and crown logo. It is not the best lume I have seen, but it is still solid value for under 200 dollars.
Movement
The solar quartz movement is accurate to about ±10 seconds a month, and the best part is you will likely never need a battery change. I like the idea of a watch that will keep running as long as there is sunlight, and if the sun is gone then timekeeping will be the least of my worries.
Worth Noting: It can run 4 months on a full charge in the dark.
Quality Conclusion
For 200 dollars, you are getting solar power, good finishing, decent lume, and excellent printing. It punches above its price point even if it is still a simple design overall.
On the Wrist (Comfort)
On my 17cm wrist, the 40mm case wears perfectly, with lugs that do not overhang. The light weight makes it disappear on the wrist, especially with the parachute strap. There is also a 36mm option for smaller wrists or those wanting a more vintage feel.
Price vs Quality
At 198 USD (about 169 EUR), this watch offers tremendous value. Compared to many fashion brands charging the same or more for basic quartz watches, the 1945 A-11S delivers solar power, thoughtful design details, and solid build quality.
Conclusion
Vario has once again created a vintage-inspired watch with modern functionality and strong specs at an affordable price. It is an ideal pick for anyone who spends time outdoors or wants a no-nonsense daily watch that is always ready to go. And with its solar movement, it just might outlast you.
