Vario is a Singapore-based independent brand that has carved out a unique niche in the enthusiast space by focusing on specific historical design eras. From Art Deco dress watches to military trench watch homages, Vario blends retro styling with modern mechanical reliability.
Overview
Founded: 2016
Based in: Singapore
Typical Price Range: $300–$800 USD
Known For: Art Deco design, trench watches, WWII-inspired field watches, high-quality bespoke watch straps
Website: vario.sg
Brand Story
Vario was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Ivan Chua and Judy Yeo. Ivan, a motion graphics designer, originally started Vario as a side project creating graphic watch straps. The brand’s success with straps led them to design watches. Their first watch, the Eclipse, was followed by the Empire—an Art Deco-inspired dress watch. The brand gained widespread enthusiast acclaim with their 1918 Trench watch, a faithful recreation of early WWI military timepieces adapted for modern use.
Design Language
Vario’s design language is heavily rooted in historical watch periods. The Empire collection utilizes sector dials, geometric numerals, and case proportions reminiscent of the 1930s. The Trench and 1945 D12 collections feature retro typography, cathedral hands, and wire lugs that mimic converted pocket watches, all executed with modern scratch-resistant sapphire crystals and high-quality cases.
Movements & Manufacturing
Vario utilizes reliable and affordable mechanical movements from external suppliers. Standard automatic three-hand models use Miyota 9000-series calibers, while hand-wound collections use Seagull movements. Diver and GMT collections frequently use Seiko automatic movements. Assembly and QA are managed through manufacturing partners in Asia, followed by final checks.
Notable Models
1918 Trench (2020): A highly accurate homage to WWI trench watches, featuring a shrapnel guard option, wire lugs, and enamel-like dials.
Empire (2019): An elegant dress watch inspired by Art Deco architecture, sporting a sector dial and a hand-wound mechanical movement.
1945 D12 (2022): A modern interpretation of the historic WWII “Dirty Dozen” field watches, utilizing an offset crown and rugged construction.
Why Enthusiasts Care
Vario is highly respected for its historical accuracy and dedication to underserved retro aesthetics. Rather than releasing generic modern divers, Vario carefully researches early-to-mid 20th-century watch design. Their honest pricing, personal customer service, and unique styling make them a highly regarded choice for collectors seeking character-rich microbrand watches.
