I imagine by now you know I have a penchant for retro-futuristic design. So when Vincent asked if I was up for reviewing the latest addition to the Vario lineup, The Futurist… It was an instant yes (with bells on)! Plenty of watches imitate the past, but far fewer reinterpret it with purpose. The Vario Futurist in Emerald Green falls firmly into the latter category.

Inspired by the geometry and daring design of the 1970s, it clearly takes cues from those incredible Seikos with their faceted crystals, brilliant dial tones, and unapologetic futurism. But the Futurist doesn’t just borrow nostalgia, it refines it. It strips away the noise, keeps the soul, and rebuilds it with modern technology, modern reliability, and a level of symmetry vintage Seikos often lacked.

This is retro, but clean.

Vintage-inspired without feeling old.

Ready for a new generation to wear and appreciate.

Seventies Seiko Spirit, Modern Discipline

When you look at the Futurist, you feel the 70s instantly. The era of experimentation, optimism, and vivid colour. The sunburst green dial could have stepped straight out of that decade, glowing like an emerald jewel beneath a sapphire lens. But unlike watches of that era, this one arrives future-ready.

Specs at a glance:

• 39 mm tonneau-shaped case

• Approx. 45 mm lug-to-lug

• Around 11 mm thick (depending on crystal form)

• Miyota 9039 automatic movement

• Faceted sapphire crystal

• 10 ATM water resistance

• Crown at 12 o’clock

• Emerald green fumé sunburst dial with subtle black edging

• BGW9 Super-LumiNova on hands and indices

• Compatible with various strap styles (quick-release options available)

• Price: USD 648

Wearing It…It’s Fricking Cool

The first thing that strikes you is the faceted sapphire crystal, cut like a real gemstone. It catches the light like a jewel, immediately drawing your eye to the glossy sunburst fumé green dial beneath. The black edging adds depth and gives the watch versatility. It’s sophisticated enough to feel luxurious, yet playful as the light shifts.

Every angle of the tonneau case has been carefully considered. The three-dimensional vertical lines surrounding the bezel reflect the light in a futuristic, almost spaceship-like way, showcasing serious attention to detail. It’s a design that keeps you coming back for more.

And then there’s the 12 o’clock crown. While unconventional, it’s large, ergonomic, and satisfying to operate. It’s smooth, confident, and precise. No fumbling. No awkward angles. Just elegant, purposeful design.

Although it’s 39 mm, it wears slightly larger due to the integrated feel of the sliced lugs and the height of the crystal. It’s bold but incredibly comfortable. Frankly, I can’t stop staring at it.

Vario provided me with both a leather strap and a stretchy steel bracelet, and I loved them both. The bracelet looks like it might feel cheap, but it absolutely doesn’t. It suits the watch perfectly, is comfortable, easy to adjust, and impressively well-made for the USD 32 price. 

Together with its polished surfaces, precise finishing, and elegant proportions, the Futurist feels luxurious and far more expensive than its USD 648 price tag might suggest.

The BGW9 Super-LumiNova was an unexpected delight, delicate yet extremely effective. At night, the dial comes alive in a soft, crisp two-tone glow, enhancing both the practicality and playful charm of the piece.

In short, wearing the Futurist is a complete experience: visually striking, tactilely satisfying, unmistakably modern, yet deeply rooted in 1970s space-age aesthetics.

A Little More Geekery…Because the Details Deserve It

And before I move on, I have to talk about two things I didn’t gush over enough: the case back and the movement.

First, the case back. 

Turn the Futurist over and boom! A tiny engraved spaceman is just floating there, vibing in his own little cosmic world. It’s adorable. It’s cool. It’s unexpected. And it ties the whole space-age fantasy together in the most delightful way. Like a secret wink from the watch every time you take it off.

Then there’s the movement: the Miyota 9039.

Now, I know “reliable movement” doesn’t sound sexy, but honestly? Reliability is sexy when it comes to watches. This one is smooth, slim, trustworthy, and has zero drama. No weird date ghost position, no fussing, no attitude problems. Just consistent performance that lets the design shine while it handles the grown-up responsibilities in the background.

And with 10ATM water resistance and sapphire up top, the Futurist is very much “pretty but practical.” It’s the stylish friend who also remembers to bring snacks and a charger.

The Futurist doesn’t just come in Emerald Green (though, let’s be real, that’s the star of the show). Vario released a whole lineup of colours, each with its own personality. From sleek, understated tones like the Silver Fume to the bold, vibrant juicy red that lean fully into that 70s spirit.

They all have their charm, and I can absolutely see different colours appealing to different moods or styles. But the Emerald?

Oh, the Emerald is something else entirely.

It’s the one that instantly grabbed me.

The one that feels magical in winter.

The one that steals glances under sunlight.

The one that somehow manages to be elegant, dramatic, and totally wearable all at once.

While the other colours are fabulous and hope Vario continues to venture out with other bold colours in future, the Emerald feels like the purest expression of what the Futurist is trying to be. Retro, luxurious, a bit theatrical, and completely unforgettable.

A firm favourite? Absolutely.

My favourite? Without question.

’Tis the Season

I adore the magic of Christmas, so receiving this watch at this time of year felt like the most wonderful surprise. The emerald dial strikes the perfect festive tone which is seasonal without being gaudy, rich without being limited to winter.

This little companion has had so much wrist time already, joining me through family moments, snowy mountain walks, twinkling Christmas markets, and even a magical train ride to meet Santa.

What I particularly love about watches is they hold stories, moments and emotions. And The Futurist is no exception. It’s become a watch I will keep reaching for time and again. It’s just so darn charismatic!

Beyond the fantastic wearing experience, the Futurist is surprisingly versatile when it comes to styling.

Style & Wearability

Let’s talk outfits because the Vario Futurist in Emerald Green has basically turned me into the green-themed main character I never knew I needed to be. Some days I’ve felt like I’ve stepped straight out of Wicked, channeling full Elphaba energy: powerful, dramatic, fabulous. Simply admiring the shimmer of emerald on my wrist like it’s part of the spell.

I’ve embraced the green fully: emerald jewelry, cosy green knits, and on the more dramatic days, a green satin corset that transformed the watch into a full glamour moment.

A black corset paired with green silk satin trousers was a Christmas-party highlight and the watch didn’t just match the outfit, it completed it, like the bow on a perfect present.

But it doesn’t need an all-green ensemble to shine. With a solid black look, it would shine like a star. That pop of emerald elevates everything.

Fun to wear, fun to style, and just the right amount of extra. This watch brings festive flair in the best way.

Christmas & Beyond

This watch has sparkled its way through my December. Markets, mountains, Santa trains, and parties, but it won’t be a seasonal piece. The emerald dial feels perfectly festive now, but it’s far too elegant to pack away.

I can already see it pairing beautifully with fresh whites in spring, adding glamour to summer evenings, and complementing rich autumn tones later in the year.

It’s a Christmas star, yes, but also a watch with staying power. A little green magic for winter, and just as much charm every month after.

Final Thoughts

What stands out most about the Vario Futurist in Emerald Green isn’t just its beauty or bold personality. It’s the sheer value it delivers. For USD 648, you’re getting modern specifications, thoughtful design, and a level of finishing and creativity usually found in far pricier watches. It feels special, considered, and confidently different.

If you love a vintage aesthetic and that retro-futuristic charm, the geometry and daring spirit of the 70s. But if you also want something elegant, reliable, and fun, then this might be the perfect watch for you. It delivers nostalgia without the maintenance, flair without the fuss, and the kind of wearability that makes it a true everyday companion.

For me, it’s an easy 10/10. A standout creation from Vario, and a brilliant example of honouring the past while building something fresh for the present.