It is always a pleasant experience to find something that piques your interest online and then to discover upon its arrival, that it is better than you initially thought. This was my experience with Detomaso Watches. After they contacted me for a review, I browsed their site and found I liked their clean aesthetic. In addition, their specifications looked good and the prices were more than reasonable. I requested the green Viaggio Automatic, which they generously offered to let me keep, and which I will, in turn, offer to you in the giveaway at the end of this review.
The Viaggio is 42mm wide, 49mm long, and 13mm thick from its case back to its domed sapphire crystal. Slim, sinuous lugs, and a tapered case keep it trim, making the watch seem slightly smaller than it really is. While certainly not a tool watch, it exudes a taut, sporty flair accentuated by the no-nonsense the satin finish. It is rated for 50m water resistance; more than sufficient for daily wear. I found it to be a proper fit on my 6.75” wrist although I did struggle to button my shirt cuff over it.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of the case is its crown, a stout cylinder that meets a protruding base of the same shape. Satin-finished like the rest of the watch, it bears an embossed logo tastefully accented by polished peaks. It looks fantastic. I was skeptical of the smooth edge, devoid of any texture that might aid grip, but its size made it easy to operate.
Flipping it over, you get a view of the Seiko NH35 through the display window. I have great respect for this sturdy little engine (24 jewels, 21.6k bph) but even with a signed rotor, it isn’t much to look at. I’d have preferred a solid case back with a decorative engraving, but that is hardly a complaint.
I chose this model for its British Racing green dial, but it turned out to be far more interesting than that. In most light, the color is more muted and closer to moss. By the same token, the second hand and secondary hour markers I assumed to be bright yellow are similarity toned down and have a greenish cast. The primary hours and hands are as white as you might think, but the overall effect is more complex, and to my eye, far more appealing than it appears in the catalog shots.
There are more intriguing elements to be found here. The dial is described as domed on the website, but it is actually dished, curving upward at the index. Its layout is so clean, open, and free of clutter, that even the 3-day date window has room to breathe. Aside from the brand name and “Automatic” the only other text is incorporated into the index at the very bottom of the dial. “Live the Momentum,” it says. I have no idea what this means, but given that it is tucked away so neatly, I don’t care. As a design element, it works.
Incidentally, with the curved date display and all the text down at 6, you might think things would get jammed up down there, but the 6 is marked only by a small triangle 180 degrees from where you would normally expect one. A smart move as it anchors the base of the dial and does not appear to be squeezed in as a full numeral would. Nicely done.
Long, skeletonized hands finish it off and preserve the dial’s airy quality. The only downside is that particular design choice leaves no room for lume. There isn’t a speck of the stuff anywhere. If this were a dress watch, I wouldn’t think twice (although I do appreciate a little glow on those too) but on a sport watch, I miss the nighttime functionality.
This brings us to the strap, so often an afterthought on a great many watches, especially at the budget-friendly end of the market. Not so here. Detomaso’s 20mm strap is cut from delightfully soft leather of a reassuring weight. The color and grain provide rich character. Light paddling throughout the length enhances its supple feel. A squared tip and stamped logo finish it off. Not enough for you? It is also equipped with quick-release pins. I have bought watches that cost four and five times more than the Detomaso with straps they weren’t half as nice. It really elevates the Viaggio.
Speaking of price, I’ve kept you in suspense long enough. The Detomaso Viaggio Automatic retails for $299 and if you move fast, you can still get in on the 25% “Stay Home” sale for $224.25. That is a mighty tempting proposition. The watch is also available in black, slate blue, and ivory with a variety of straps including Milanese mesh. For more information, visit detomasowatches.com.
Of course, if you want to try your luck, enter below for a chance to win this dandy green review sample! ⬩
The Time Bum Detomaso Viaggio Automatic Giveaway
