Vario 1918 Merlion Trench

Inspired by the first men's wristwatches

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

The Merlion Trench model pays homage to Singapore's National Day. It adopts the design language of early 20th-century military watches and combines it with contemporary craftsmanship: an enameled dial, double-domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and a finely finished Miyota automatic movement with Côtes de Genève decoration under the case back. Two case sizes are available.

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 of the battlefield and beyond, where precise timing was crucial for communication, routines, and attack synchronization, 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 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 women's accessories. The army redesigned this: making it larger, adding more durable materials, and useful features such as Arabic numerals for better readability, unbreakable crystal, and luminous hands for night visibility. By 1917, trench watches were common among officers and gradually spread to the infantry.

By the end of the war in 1918, the trench watch had become a symbol of courage and bravery, paving the way for its 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 unimaginable a hundred years ago:

- Double-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating replaces the original fragile glass;
- 316L 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 threatened the health of watchmakers and required frequent maintenance;
- Modern enamelled dial, which 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 not finding a strap that expressed his personality. Together with Judy, he brings the same dedication to the design and production 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.