Vario 1918 Trench Medic
In March 2021, I received and reviewed my Vario 1918 Trench watch in 37mm stainless steel. I have since received my Vario 1918 Trench Medic in 40mm brass and well…here is the review and comparison. I contrast specs with the 37mm steel version, compare brass vs. bronze, and explain the pulsometer.
- Model: Vario 1918 Trench 40mm Brass
- Diameter: 40mm
- Height: 12.4mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Weight: ~82.93g
- Case: Brass, stainless steel back
- Crown: Screw-down
- Movement: Seiko NH38A Automatic
- Accuracy: -20 to +40 sec/day
- Regulated: -3 to +6 sec/day
- Power Reserve: ~40 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire w/ AR coating
- Water Resistance: 10atm/100m/300ft
- Lume: C3 Super-LumiNova
- Retail Price: ~$370 (pre-order less)
- Model: Vario 1918 Trench 37mm Steel
- Diameter: 37mm
- Height: 12.1mm
- Lug Width: 18mm
- Lug-to-lug: 44mm
- Weight: ~67.35g
- Case: 316L stainless steel
- Crown: Screw-down
- Movement: Miyota 82S5 Automatic
- Accuracy: -20 to +40 sec/day
- Regulated: N/A
- Power Reserve: ~42 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire w/ AR coating
- Water Resistance: 10atm/100m/300ft
- Lume: C3 Super-LumiNova
- Retail Price: ~$370 (pre-order less)
The Video
https://youtu.be/MjlwGWFZ_eI
Timeline:
- 0:00 Intro
- 2:02 Specs
- 5:54 Brass vs. Bronze
- 7:41 Back to specs…
- 10:31 Best Microbrand Watch 2021
- 11:52 The Pulsometer Explained
- 13:40 Why buy the Medic?
- 16:23 The Extras
- 20:21 Final Thoughts
Usually, I have a pros and cons list, but in this situation I’m not sure it’s necessary. When considering the spec list above, plus the fact it has an enamel dial, a pulsometer, and is a unique combination that you won’t see elsewhere, what’s not to like? Some people might prefer a better movement, maybe something Swiss, but given the price point I’m ok with the movement and it is fairly accurate. Obviously, you will have to be ok with a watch that patinas, but a solid brass case is a nice change from the bronze cases populating the watch market.
Macro Photos
Photos
Final Thought
I maintain that the Vario 1918 Trench range is the microbrand watch of 2021 and honestly one of the best watches of 2021 regardless of brand status. Like all the variants, the Medic blends vintage and modern, but also provides a unique addition to any collection by extending the historical look and feel with the brass case and tastefully done pulsometer. We need a medic!
