Back in August, I reviewed a prototype Vesuviate Volare GMT, and while I really enjoyed the watch, the pre-production sample had a couple of issues that the brand promised to work out before production. Well, they just sent me the finished product, and I’m happy to report that it is a tight and tidy product all around.
First things first, the Volare’s hardened stainless steel cushion case is 41mm wide. It boasts a 200m water resistance rating, a 1100hv surface hardness treatment, and a Seiko NH34A 4-hand, automatic, GMT movement under the hood. You can get all the dimensions and specs in my previous review. Suffice it to say, I thought it was pretty awesome, enough that I now have one of my own.
I chose a gradient blue dial with a black/blue bezel. It’s a great combination, presenting a subtle, yet noticeable shift from dark to light. The red text and second hand pop while the light blue tip and skeletonized shaft on the GMT hand make it immediately distinguishable even though it retains the same overall shape and proportions as the primary hour hand.
The first issue on the prototype was the fact that the model name and second hand were both red and therefore nearly invisible against its red dial. Since I got a blue one, neither of these was a problem, but I understand they were addressed on the red model. What is apparent on mine, is the larger model name, which makes it more legible and appropriately more prominent in comparison to the two lines below it.
More importantly, the “bleed” at the light and dark sections of the chapter index that afflicted the prototype has been fixed, presenting a sharp, clean division between the two colors. And while we are zoomed in, do take a moment to appreciate that tiny applied and lumed marker at 3 o’clock. Yes, it’s dark in this shot but that’s only a shadow.
The last change might be a result of my faulty eyes or memory, but I recall the red tinting on the prototype’s rear sapphire crystal made it difficult to see the movement. Not that the NH34A is particularly fancy, but if you’ve got a display window, it should offer an actual display, right? This one does. It is still red — and that is pretty cool in and of itself — but clear enough to offer a good view.
The bracelet lives up to the prototype’s promise too. It features tool-free bracelet removal, a slim and nicely finished expanding clasp, and a good, solid feel. I also noted that the end links fit nice and tight, which is always a good thing.
The bezel looks fabulous in its glossy ceramic and its action is firm and precise. Lume is a bright burst of BGW9, even on the crown. The second hour hand gets a dab of green to keep it clear.
Vesuviate has delivered exactly what was promised, and I could not be happier. Best of all, it is in stock, ready to ship, and you can still get one directly from Vesuviate.com for the pre-order price of $395. That’s a nice price for an automatic GMT with both tool watch spec and a gentlemanly appearance. I’d recommend you give them a look.
