Vario Versa Review: Reversible Dual Time Microbrand Gem
Introduction
In November 2025, I was lucky enough to attend my first edition of Micro Praha (check my full Micro Praha article). That event opened my eyes to some truly special microbrands, and one standout moment was meeting Ivan Chua, the founder of Vario. He let me try the Versa and the Futurist on my wrist, and I was blown away by how comfortable they were, with the Versa flipping with such satisfying precision. The Versa felt uniquely engineered, a testament to smart design that punches way above its weight.
Vario, this Singapore-based independent watchmaker, has built a reputation since 2016 for blending historical inspirations with modern wearability. They draw from Art Deco and Streamline Moderne eras, creating affordable pieces that feel premium without the luxury price tag. The Versa embodies that ethos perfectly, offering a reversible dual time watch that’s as practical for globe-trotters as it is stylish for everyday rotation (pun intended, since it literally rotates).
Case and Dimensions: Streamlined Comfort
The Versa boasts a distinctive rectangular case measuring 39mm in length, 26mm wide, and 12mm thick, crafted from solid 316L stainless steel. Brushing on the sides meets polished bezel edges, giving it that sleek Streamline Moderne flow, like a vintage speedboat cutting through waves. Despite the specs, it wears incredibly slim and unobtrusive on the wrist, thanks to short lugs and a low profile, making it ideal for smaller wrists or anyone who hates top-heavy divers.
One clever touch is the inter-case mechanism: spring-loaded ball bearings ensure the case spins smoothly with a crisp lock into position, no wobble in sight. At 5 ATM water resistance, it’s built for splashes and daily life, not deep dives, but that keeps the profile lean. I’d wear this from the office to aperitivo without a second thought.
Dial and Bezel: Dual Personalities
Flip it over, and the Versa reveals its party trick: two distinct dials for twice the style. One side often features a sporty sector design with central minute track and Arabic numerals, while the reverse sports a dressier layout with rhombus markers and outer track, available in combos like gunmetal-white, silver-black, or enamel accents across variations.
Enamel or two-tone finishes pop with crisp printing, ensuring legibility day or night, bolstered by a flat sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating. The bezel steps subtly from the case, adding dimension without bulk. Each face hugs the wrist snugly when flipped (the hidden side might pick up minor skin marks, but a quick wipe fixes that, and yes I’ve tested that).
The real showstopper? Independent crowns at 12 o’clock position for each dial, signed with Vario branding. Set times on the fly without removing the watch, perfect for dual time zones from New York to Delhi, handling those tricky half-hour offsets most GMTs fumble.
Movement: Quartz reliability Redefined
Under the hood, two Ronda Slimtech 1062 Swiss quartz movements power each dial independently, each with one jewel and an impressive six-year battery life. No sweeping seconds here, but the focus stays on thinness and dependability, repairable design included. Quartz in a reversible watch? Absolutely brilliant for worry-free ownership, letting the clever flipping mechanism shine without mechanical fuss. And trust me, you’ll care about this long-term!
This dual setup means true dual time functionality, not just aesthetics. Battery changes require disassembly, but at that interval, it’s a small price for the innovation. Vario nailed the balance of function and fun.
Strap and Wearability: Effortless Versatility
Ships on vegetable-tanned Italian leather, 20mm tapering to 16mm, paired with a deployant clasp for secure comfort. Options span leather colors to steel bracelets in some variants, all quick-release friendly. Packaging is clean and collector-worthy, ready for rotation in your safe. And Vario really knows how to actually make high quality and comfortable straps so you’re in for a treat.
On the wrist, it’s a chameleon: sporty side for casual, elegant reverse for evenings. Comfort reigns supreme, even on larger wrists with optional longer straps. This microbrand masterpiece wears like a dream.
Why the Vario Versa is Special
What sets the Vario Versa apart in the microbrand world is its bold take on reversible design, delivered at accessible prices.
- Tracks odd time zones independently via twin movements, outsmarting traditional GMTs for travelers.
- Ball-bearing lock delivers satisfying clicks (horological ASMR videos, anyone?), secure without play. Really underrated feature IMO.
- Art Deco curves in stainless steel evoke 1930s glamour, yet modern and wearable daily.
- Six-year reliability in a complication-packed package, prioritizing ease over ticking purism.
- Premium finishes and sapphire for $428, democratizing reversible innovation.
The Spinning Conclusion
The Vario Versa captures microbrand magic: inventive, comfortable, and endlessly versatile. It’s perfect for collectors craving dual-time flair without luxury costs, ideal for wrist-party enthusiasts.
At $428, it offers unbeatable value. Imagine flipping dials mid-flight, always on time and twice as stylish. Who’s ready to reverse their collection?
Specifications:
Brand – Vario
Model – VERSA Reversible Dual Time Watch
Case Material – 316L stainless steel, brushed and polished
Case Dimensions – 39mm length x 26mm width x 12mm thickness
Water Resistance – 5 ATM (50m)
Strap – Vegetable-tanned Italian leather (20mm tapering to 16mm) with deployant clasp
Crystal – Flat sapphire with inner AR coating
Movement – 2 x Ronda Slimtech 1062 1 Jewel Swiss quartz, 6-year battery life
Lume – No
Variations – Eastern Arabic Gunmetal – Green / Silver – Black / Gunmetal – White / Silver – Black MoP / Silver – White MoP
Price – €365 / $428
Official store link here.
Image Gallery
About Vario VERSA: Key Questions Answered
How does the Vario Versa actually handle dual time and half hour time zones?
The Versa uses two independent Swiss Ronda Slimtech 1062 quartz movements, one for each dial, each with its own crown, so you simply set each side to a different time zone and flip the case when you want to read the other time including those tricky half hour offsets like Delhi or Adelaide that many traditional GMT watches struggle with.
Is the Vario Versa suitable for everyday wear and smaller wrists?
Yes, the stainless steel case comes in at about 39 mm by 26 mm with a thickness around 12 mm and a compact lug width of 20 mm, which makes it very wearable on a wide range of wrists, and Vario even offers a slightly longer Onyx Black Epsom strap for wrists around 7.5 to 8 inches if you need extra length.
How water resistant and durable is the Versa in real life use?
The Versa is rated to 5 ATM water resistance, which means it can comfortably handle everyday situations like rain, hand washing, and the occasional splash, and the combination of a 316L stainless steel case, flat sapphire crystals with inner AR coating, and robust leather strap with deployant clasp gives it enough toughness for daily wear while still feeling refined rather than overbuilt.
