Vario 1918 Medic

Inspired by the first men's wristwatches

The Vario 1918 Medic model pays homage to the medics of World War I with a pulsometer that has 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 the time. This detail makes the Medic model a tribute not only to historical watches but also to brave medics.

Technical details:

A tribute to the "trench" watches of World War I

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 stand up to 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 mean the difference 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 made it larger, added more durable materials, and useful features such as Arabic numerals for better readability, an unbreakable crystal, and luminescent hands for visibility at night. By 1917, trench watches were common among officers and gradually spread to 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 widespread popularity in the post-war era. The Vario 1918 Trench Watch series pays tribute to this era and its innovations, elevating classic design to a level no one could have dreamed of a hundred years ago:

- Double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating replaces the original fragile glass;
- 316L grade stainless steel case with 10ATM (100m) water resistance and reinforced wire lugs increases durability and safety, 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 enamel 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 retained are the true wire lugs. Their retro charm combines aesthetics and functionality, offering greater security than conventional spring bars.

About the brand

Vario is a watch and accessory (especially straps) manufacturer 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 failing to find a strap that expressed his personality. Together with Judy, he brings the same dedication to the design and manufacture of watches, offering 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.