Watch collectors often balk at fashion watches, while some are described as "microbrands" others are derided as cheap "fashion watches." But in a world where the least expensive Rolex is a 36mm Oyster Perpetual will still set you back around $6,000 an automatic with a reliable Japanese automatic movement for under $500 is pretty appealing. While there have been many watch brands that seemed to vanish overnight, several brands have been able to establish themselves and carve out a loyal fan base, Omologato, Daniel Wellington, and of course MVMT has shown some staying power.
Vincero is one of those polarizing brands among watch fans, like many small watch companies they push their direct-to-consumer business model, use influencer endorsements and the concept of "affordable luxury." But Vincero has managed to keep going strong for seven years, so perhaps they can live up to the hype. Vincero asked to out a few watches to the office for a review, this isn't a paid advertisement and there are no affiliate links. We told them we would only do a story if we could provide an honest review, they agreed and sent over two of their most popular watches, the Chrono S in gunmetal and the Apex in silver and black. Both are chronographs, both are over 40mm, and both use Japanese movements. The packaging the watches arrived in is better than most small brands, featuring a nice box, which at this price point was surprising.
The Chrono S: $175
For a sub-$200 watch expectations need to be fairly low, don't expect the dial to have lume or an ultra-luxury strap, but you are getting a chronograph with a date complication so that is something. The overall build quality out of the box is very good, the fit and finish are better than expected for the price.
The stainless steel case measures in at 43mm and wears nicely on the wrist, the strap, however, is thick and stiff, with my large wrists I could use the 3rd hole from the last on the strap. The strap might relax a bit as you wear it, and it does feature quick-release bars which is always a nice feature. The Chrono S is also offered with a stainless steel bracelet polished with a blue dial and gunmetal with a gunmetal dial.
I did find the gunmetal face was hard to read in low light since the markers and hands don't have lume, the Chrono S is offered in 12 different color combos and if I was ordering one from the site I would likely go with the dark olive or black and gold day one limited edition which is $20 more than the standard watch.
For the price point, it is hard to say that the Chrono S isn't a fair deal if you like the looks of it. Personally, it feels like it is trying to be both a sporty chronograph and a dress watch. At this price point for a 43mm chronograph, it would be hard to not recommend the Swatch Night Flight for $25 more. I do have to point out that the Chrono S is rated higher for water resistance and has almost every other same spec as the stainless steel Chrono S, so it really is based on your own style preference.
SPECS
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Case Thickness: 11mm
- Strap Width: 22mm
- Movement: Citizen Miyota Quartz
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Glass: Sapphire Coated Crystal (Scratch Resistant)
- Stainless Steel: 316L Surgical
- Caseback: Italian Marble Showcase
- Strap Material: Top-Grain Italian Leather
The Apex: $225
A just $50 more than the Chrono S, the Apex feels like a much better value and it uses a high-quality Seiko mecha-quartz movement. You can tell the difference between the way the plungers feel when you push them compared to the Chono S, the details are what make the Apex feel like it is a nicer watch. I pulled out another mecha-quart chronograph I have in my collection to compare to the Apex, the Omologato Maranello which uses a Swiss Ronda movement compared to the Apex with its Japanese Seiko movement, both are rated to 10 ATM for water resistance, both use stainless steel cases. The only major difference outside of where the movements were made is the Omologato has date complication and uses a sapphire crystal while the Vincero uses a mineral glass with a sapphire coating to reduce scratches. The Vincero Apex comes in at $324.95 less than the Omologato Maranello.
Vincero sent the silver/black version of the Apex which features a white main dial with black subdials and a black tachymeter bezel, it is also offered in eight other colorways, but the silver/black is by far my favorite since it has a classic Yema Rallygraf Panda. The Yema is a good watch to compare it to as well, but I don't have one in my collection to set side by side. Both use the same Seiko movement, both come with a stainless steel bracelet and both use the same crystal. The Yema comes in at $124 more than the Apex, and for that you get lume.
Wearing the Apex on the stainless steel bracelet is fine, however, I am not a big fan of bracelets so I used the quick release lug bars on the factory bracelet and swapped on a nylon strap in Gulf Racing colors which really gave the watch a retro feel. The 42mm size is comfortable and more in line with current trends, after wearing it for a few days the watch did draw complements mainly because the dial and nylon strap really make it stand out on the wrist. The Black Ember version of the Apex would be my second choice, but I would throw it on an orange and black NATO strap for a very sporty look.
The Apex punches above its price point with a great-looking chronograph add a leather rally or nylon NATO strap and for less than $250 you'll have a watch that can be paired with jeans or dressed up with a suit.
SPECS
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Thickness: 11mm
- Strap Width: 22mm
- Movement: Seiko-Mecha Quartz
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM
- Glass: Mineral w/ Sapphire Coating (Scratch Resistant)
- Stainless Steel: 316L Surgical
My final verdict on Vincero:
While I won't pretend that Vincero is on par with my Tudor or even my vintage Bulova, in the sub $500 watch world they are holding their own. Some of the early reviews of Vincero which are still referenced to this day call out quality issues, but it seems like they have addressed them. The Reserve, one of their automatic chronographs, offers classic styling, swiss lume, and starts at under $500. But once you get to that $500 price point your options really do open up, there are a lot of really good watches to choose from, which is why the Vincero Apex hits a sweet spot at $225, offering a lot of style for the money. The Chrono S at $175, falls a little short of being cool enough to entice me to order one over the less expensive Timex Chronograph.
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