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Vario Empire Seasons True GMT Autumn Salmon

For the Elegant Voyager

Vario Everyday has been on my radar for a while. Making no nonsense tool and dress watches with a distinctly vintage aesthetic, at a price point which doesn’t make your eyes water. A fan favourite amongst the watch community hailing from Singapore and run by the lovely couple Judy and Ivan. I was absolutely delighted when Vincent (Mainspring) told me I could have my pick from their current collection to review. I am usually an incredibly decisive person. Some (my husband) may say impulsive, but I must say I did hesitate for a lot longer than usual on a decision. They just have so many beautiful options. 


I landed upon the Vario Empire Seasons True GMT because at the time I had no experience of a GMT and the way the complication had been integrated into the design was so elegant and unassuming it really spoke to me. Especially in this understated Salmon. I believe Guilloché really comes to life in this shade of pink. There’s just something about the way the light hits and creates a deliciously soft shadow, which brings out its intricate patterns. I also had the bright idea that many true life globetrotters (or people who go on holiday) might not want to wear a flashy watch on their travels due to the unfortunate risks of watches being stolen.



A notion I sadly think about all too often, due to my watch collection being stolen last summer, although ironically mine were taken from home whilst I was on holiday. But something I ponder about nonetheless.


It's not usual for me to begin with talking about the price of things, but this elegant GMT is $698, which is in a price bracket that I would hazard a guess many would find comfortable wearing in most locations and although one of Vario's more pricey propositions (partly due to choosing a Miyota movement over a more earnest Seiko) it really does offer so much for this price bracket. So in short, I thought it would be of interest to you, dear reader (yes I’m a Bridgerton fan) if I reviewed this affordable stunner and took it through its paces.



Art Deco Dream Boat- The specs


The Empire Seasons is a watch limited to 90 pieces per colourway, which are Spring Green,

Summer Blue, Autumn Salmon and Winter White. This GMT is a dress watch, but feels robust aided by the architectural lug design and mix of polishing and vertical brushing on the case. The case size is 38mm and a lug-to-lug of 45.3mm, that sweet spot of watches, which certainly looks fab on most wrist sizes. It has a respectable 50 metres of water resistance, which is pretty standard for a watch like this, so you can take a dip in the pool, but no oceans for this one.


The dial is without a doubt the star of the show here, which is viewed through a sapphire crystal and a dash of AR coating. A design which feels straight from the Art Deco era and would be right at home on the Great Gatsby himself! The inner dial boasts a beautiful machine made Guilloché framed by the applied raised ring used for the 24 hour GMT function in a beautiful rich brown colour. A combination which compliments the Salmon so beautifully and a gift when pairing with a matching leather strap.



The outer ring is in a sector style with horizontal rings printed around the dial. It reminded me of the grooves of a record, a lovely detail, so charming and in keeping with the art deco style. The numerals are exuberantly applied and are my favourite part of the watch. The typeface choice is absolutely outstanding and really does evoke the era perfectly.


There’s a term I recently discovered thanks to Shaun from (@the.shaun.club on IG) called

‘Anemoia’ which describes the feeling of nostalgia for a time you haven’t actually experienced and I believe this sums up the Empire Seasons perfectly. It evokes such a strong nostalgic feeling from the engraving on the case back to the art deco typeface on the dial, to the perfect onion crown.



The watch is accompanied by a leather strap and a bracelet, both with standard quick release mechanisms, which is always a bonus and adds to the versatility of the watch. The bracelet is made with single links disguised as a seven link and a push-pin system, which is my least favourite type of pin, mainly because I have the muscles of a 5-year old, and in this case a bit stiff to remove. But once it’s done the payoff is worth it. There are a few half links in there too, which means you can find a great fit, despite there not being a micro adjustment on the butterfly clasp. I really enjoyed how comfortable the bracelet was and how it fit so seamlessly into the drilled lugs.



Vario Everyday are known for making no nonsense brilliant leather straps, which are meant for everyday use (it’s in the name) and this is absolutely the case with this one. It’s comfortable, built to last and the rich brown textured leather compliments the Salmon dial perfectly. The Empire Seasons is made in Japan and the movement is a Miyota 9075 with a 42-hour power reserve, which is a real plus point. The decision to take the date complication away in favour of a more pleasing aesthetic on the dial was a wise one. After all this is a dress watch first and foremost and trying to squeeze a date in there would have been a real shame in my opinion. It has a closed and pleasingly decorative case back with a picture of the Empire State Building, a nod to its namesake and an overall thickness of 11.8mm, although it feels slimmer on the wrist.



The GMT function works by pulling out the onion crown by two positions which enables you to set the GMT arrow time and skeleton minute hand. By pushing down once you are then able to set the skeleton syringe-style hour hand for your local time. I really love how seamlessly the GMT element is integrated and considering its elaborate design, the dial is easy to read. There is only a dash of lume on the arrow hand, so more of a decoration than something practical. If you’re looking for a super utilitarian toolwatch GMT with hyper legibility in the dark then I would suggest you look elsewhere. 



That being said I did take this watch skiing and it was extremely comfortable on the wrist and as I sat there looking down at the world with my cappuccino I couldn’t help but enjoy the beautiful dial dancing in the sunlight. It's definitely a watch I wouldn’t be afraid of completing more energetic tasks in, that’s for sure.


Sophie’s Styling Tips


The great thing about a watch like this is you can dress it up or down. I did particularly enjoy

leaning into its decadent aesthetic with an equally extravagant ensemble. ‘When in Rome’ as they say. I’m confident this would also look amazing with a tuxedo too.


This is the classic type of watch which shines with a simple T shirt and blue jeans. Something we all have in our wardrobes, but the watch just elevates the look to make it smart casual (my usual attire). I’ve added a generous dollop of Soph style to the look with a complimenting floral print jacket and a sparkly head piece, because this watch can handle the glam! There is something about taking the time to consider your outfit and prepare yourself for the day ahead. There is a power to it. Something controllable in this crazy life we lead.



Putting the watch through its paces with an Après ski look here. I felt très chic atop a mountain with this Art Deco beauty on my wrist which illustrates perfectly how you can add a touch of elegance even to a sporty look.



Final Thoughts


The Vario Empire Seasons True GMT in Autumn Salmon is a delightful dress watch with a

thoughtful and sympathetic design. You would be forgiven for missing the fact it even had a GMT function on it due to how elegantly integrated it is. This is a watch you can wear anywhere, but really shines when you dress it up and it is sure to elevate your look no matter how casual your outfit. Both bracelet and leather strap are well made and it’s so nice to have that added versatility. 


This is a GMT watch for the GMT curious who perhaps won’t need to use it everyday (like the majority of humans) but a useful complication nonetheless. Limited to 90 pieces only adds to the charm of this Art Deco beauty. So if you’re looking to immerse yourself within the charm of the Art Deco era whilst having the helpful knowledge of another time zone this may be the perfect watch for you!

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