Inspired by the first men's wristwatches

The Vario 1918 Trench Watch is a modern interpretation of the "trench watch" – the first wristwatches used by soldiers during World War I. They are faithful to the spirit of the original classics. They are robust, functional, and versatile, perfectly suited for both uniform and evening attire.

Technical details:

Case: 37 mm or 40 mm steel (10 mm height),

Lug to lug: 45mm (37mm) or 48mm (40mm)

Dial: enameled
Glass: 2 mm thick sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: Japanese mechanical movement with automatic winding Miyota 82s5, approx. 40-hour power reserve, hacking;
Strap: leather strap, width 18mm (37mm) or 20mm (40mm)

A tribute to WWI "trench" watches

When World War I began in 1914, soldiers faced a new problem. In the chaos on and off the battlefield, where precise timing was crucial for communication, routines, and synchronizing attacks, a reliable and accurate watch was essential. However, the pocket watches owned by officers did not withstand the battlefield – they were impractical to handle with gloves, their glass covers broke easily, and they were illegible at night. In conditions where a second could decide between life and death, it was clear that a better solution was needed. Thus, in the muddy trenches of World War I, the wristwatch was born.

Until then, wristwatches were considered ladies' accessories. The army redesigned this: they enlarged it, added more durable materials, and useful features, such as Arabic numerals for better readability, unbreakable glass, and luminescent hands for visibility at night. By 1917, trench watches were common among officers and gradually spread among the infantry.

By the end of the war in 1918, trench watches had become a symbol of courage and bravery, paving the way for their mass popularity in the post-war era. The Vario 1918 Trench Watch series pays tribute to this era and its innovations, elevating the classic design to a level that no one dreamed of a hundred years ago:

- Double-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating replaces the original fragile glass;
- 316L stainless steel case with 10ATM (100 m) water resistance and reinforced wire lugs increases durability and security, unlike the soft silver used in 1910;
- Modern, non-toxic luminescence replaces the original radium, which endangered the health of watchmakers and required frequent maintenance;
- Modern enameled dial that surpasses the fragile vitrified glazed surface of earlier watches;
- Precise Japanese automatic movement with hacking function and automatic winding – a luxury our ancestors could only dream of.

One of the most iconic features we have preserved are the genuine wire lugs. Their retro charm combines aesthetics and functionality, as they offer greater security than conventional spring bars.

We also offer Medic versions of the watches:
The Vario 1918 Medic model pays tribute to the World War I medics with a pulsometer, which had been saving lives since the 1920s. The watch is adorned with the Caduceus symbol, which the US Army Medical Corps adopted as its official designation at that time. This detail makes the Medic model a tribute not only to historical watches but also to brave medics.

About the brand

Vario is a manufacturer of watches and accessories (especially straps) founded in 2016 in Singapore. The brand emphasizes a balance between sophistication, quality, and fun. Founder Ivan, an award-winning graphic designer with over a decade of experience, began his journey as a watch designer after not finding a strap that expressed his personality. Together with Judy, he brings the same dedication to designing and manufacturing watches that offer customers the opportunity to express their uniqueness through quality and stylish accessories.

Infinity Watches

Infinity Watches is a proud retailer of Vario watches in Europe.

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