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| Joined: | Fri Jan 8th, 2010 |
| Location: | Montreal, Quebec Canada |
| Posts: | 4 |
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INTRODUCTION
Vittorium has been around for nearly 2 decades, producing watches for others, but it is only in recent years that they started producing high-end Luxury dive watches of their own. They pride themselves on being SWISS MADE and only use the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.
Last week I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Moises Franco of Vittorium and just like Ariel Adams says in his AT review , Mr. Franco does indeed speak of Vittorium as if it was his child. His enthusiasm is infectious, as is his love for his dive watches.
I have to admit, I was expecting something similar to a TechnoMarine, but when I opened the exquisite wood box, I was stricken by the carbon fiber dial and thick, yet supple rubber strap. I was also expecting the regular brushed steel version on black rubber strap, so it was doubly shocking to witness the NEVER SEEN BEFORE DLC version starring back at me.
The following is my review of this gorgeous timepiece. Hope you enjoy it!
CASE & BEZEL
The 47mm solid stainless steel case has more curves than a 1973 Corvette Stingray! Yet, it remains distinctly masculine and rugged. The DLC coating gives this watch a sleek "stealth" look, though in this case, the white rubber strap completely negates this impression. The Diamond like carbon coating gives the watch case the hardness of a diamond, thus making it virtually scratch proof. You can follow the previous highlighted link to find out much more about this process. We are seeing many more companies gravitating towards DLC instead of the previous standard of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition).
The bezel goes 360 degrees in 120 clicks and is as precise as can be. I would have preferred an illuminated "pip" on the Bezel at the 60 mark, but this is a minute detail that most people looking to purchase this watch can live without.
The massive lugs house Hex screw bars for easy strap change and curve ever so nicely around the wrist, to make the 47mm easy to wear for even the slightest of wrists. The signed screw down crown is generously sized, though a little on the slick side.
The screw down case back is beautifully engraved with a raised Vittorium emblem and tiny plaque identifying its limited edition status. Mine is 0016/2600. Around the crest, you will find other details describe the watch, such as its water resistance rating (20ATM / 200m), it crystal material (Sapphire), case material (all stainless steel) and its origin (SWISS MADE).
This watch can be admired from many angles, but its profile is what will take your breath away. See for yourself!
DIAL & CRYSTAL
The dial is exquisite, though some may think the carbon fiber may be distracting. I can assure you in this case it is not. This is probably due to the fact that it is REAL carbon fiber and not some cardboard painted to look like carbon fiber. Also, the applied markers are extremely generous and the cardinal points are perfectly proportioned.
I am indifferent to the fact that there is no date display. There are purists who totally dislike this complication, though I find it quite useful. Mind you, the date can be found on so many "day to day" items, like computers and cell phones, so I guess we can live without it on our watch dials. By that same rational, we can say the same about the time... hum... Nah... I could NEVER live without a watch... At any rate, there really is something to be said about a perfectly proportioned dial.
When I first glanced at the DeepDiver, my initial reaction was, oh no, another watch without a minute track. You see, I am one of those anal types that loves seeing the minute hand hit the minute markers "bang on" every minute. In fact, I will spend extra time adjusting my watched to make sure they are perfect. Well, I was wrong! There is a minute track! It is on the side wall of the inner chapter wring. Very, very nicely done! That same chapter wring has the Vittorium name stenciled all around the dial. Similar to Rolex, what looks incredibly apparently in 1024 x 968 pictures, in real life you must almost squint to see. It is very tastefully executed and barely noticeable.
The "leaf" style hands are quite original, though they could be a touch longer. I would also have liked some lume on the second hand, but just like the pip on the bezel, most can go without it. The luminescent paint is Swiss Made SuperLuminova and as you can see by the picture on the left, it glows VERY brightly and lasts most of the night. Though it is also apparent the hands glow brighter and last a tad longer than the markers.
The sapphire crystal is flat, set flush up against the bezel and has anti-reflective coating on the inside. The latter is my personal preference. While it is incredible to see the crystal disappear, the smudges, lint and difficulty to clean aspect of a top side AR coating makes it undesirable to me. Way to go Vittorium for getting it right!
MOVEMENT
Within the Vittorium DeepDiver is the ETA F06.
The ETA F06 is a Swiss Made quartz movement and can be found in many other luxury watches, such as Longines, Tag Heuer and Beaume & Mercier. So far the timing has been exceptional, as can be expected and it has neither gained, nor lost a second since I have the watch in my possession.
The strange thing is that when you pull the crown out to the first click, you can actually hear the date display changing. I wonder if the date wheel is actually under there or if all we are hearing is the mechanism.
I asked Mr. Franco why he chose this movement. He said "Because it is the very best we could find" for our new entry level dive watch. Sure, they could have gone COSC thermo-compensated, but with accuracy like what I have been experiencing, why should they? And at what price?
BRACELET
I am 37 years old, have 2 kids and drive a hybrid car. A black watch on a bright white strap is not "my thing". That being said, no matter how much I dislike the color (personal taste), I cannot deny is the exceptional quality of this strap.
It is completely SWISS MADE, right down to the oversized signed DLC buckle. I have owned MANY rubber strap watches. From Sinn to Omega to everything in between. This is BY FAR, the very best I have handled. It is thick, yet supple enough to for around my wrist comfortably. The end pieces fit perfectly against the case and help curve down around the wrist.
The oversized buckle itself is extremely well executed, though it protrudes quite a bit when strapped on. Thus catching on sweaters or coats. WHO CARES! This is NOT a watch you hide under a sweater!
I just cannot wait for my black strap to arrive. Once it does, this will be one hell of a combination!
CONCLUSION
Vittorium watches are not for everyone. If you are into simple, round watches with stick hands and plain dials, you may want to look into watches. Now, If you are looking for a fun, unique and refreshing, not to mention uncompromising and SWISS MADE, then look no further!
I love this watch and at an MSRP of only 895$, it is a whole lot of bang for your hard earned buck! Everyone needs a wild, fun "set n' forget" watch. Why must it be boring?
It is also my understanding that this is the first model of the new DeepDiver line and that there are plans in the works for a mechanical version, as well as a deep water-resistant version (500-1000m).
Watch out TechnoMarine, there is a new player in town!!!
And now for the pictures:
