Fresh off of last year’s Attivo, Vesuviate Watches is back with a new model, the Viaggio. This one is a field watch with a uniquely Vesuvate twist. Do field watches generally have polished square cases and guilloche dials? No. But do you expect your field watch to have large Arabic numbers, bright lume, and high water resistance? I’m guessing the answer to those questions is “yes.” If you want solid utility and maybe a dash of flair, read on. I’ve got a Vesuviate Viaggio prototype right here.
The Viaggio’s case has more than a touch of Attivo to it. Its cushion shape, dip inward at the lugs, polished sides, and broad crown flanked by shallow guards all evoke the previous model and that is not a bad thing. I rather liked the Attivo. The Viaggio measures 41mm wide, which is bigger than the Attivo and on the larger side for a square shape, but its 46.7mm length keeps it in check. Most impressive is its thickness, or I should say, thinness. It is only 11mm thick from the case back to the top of the curved sapphire crystal. This would be a slim watch regardless of shape but spread that 11mm along a 41mm square and the result looks remarkably svelte.
Like the Attivio, the Viaggio is both brushed and polished. The previous watch’s square dial ate up a good part of that upper surface area, minimizing the effect, but the Viaggio’s round dial and polished bezel give you a fine view of its North-South brushing, enhancing its tool watch attitude. Why have any polished surfaces on a tool watch? Why not? They certainly look good and if I scratch my watch while out in the wilderness (however unlikely that may be) I’d rather scratch something shiny that I can polish than any other finish where that mark will effectively be there forever. That said, you probably won’t have to worry about it too much as Vesuviate heat-hardens its watches to 1100hv.
As usual, the brand has done a fine job with its bracelet. At 20mm wide, it is considerably smaller than that of the 24mm Attivo, even though the Viaggio’s case is larger. A wise move, I’d say, as a broader bracelt would have made this watch appear huge. The polished center links continue the dual-finish theme, although I do wish the link sides were polished to match those of the case. Quick-release pins mean swaps are a breeze and far less likely to scratch the lugs. I have little to offer about the clasp as the one on the prototype will be replaced by a ratcheting unit in production. I do know that it will have a push-button release for both the lock and the extension, and it will be signed with the Vesuviate logo.
In proper tool watch fashion, the crown screws down to help seal the watch to 200m water resistance. It is large enough to provide ample grip but not disproportionately so. The head is polished to match the case sides, signed, and even lumed.
Directing your attention to the display caseback, you will see how the Viaggio got so skinny. A Miyota 9039 lurks back there. This automatic movement shares the smooth 28.8k bph sweep, Parashock protection, overall durability of the other 9000-series Miyotas, but gives up the date wheel in favor of a compact height. Being ambivalent about date complications myself, I’d say it is a worthwhile trade. Production case backs will have tinted glass.
The dial, as mentioned above, marries traditional field watch elements with Vesuviate’s indomitable style. Big numbers, pilot hands, and an abundance of lume ensure that it provides clear day/night legibility just as a tool watch should. On the other hand, Guillioche texturing and an array of colors keep it sporty and fun. Raised pips lend a touch of dimension.
I sampled a green dial version, which is dark enough to appear almost black under certain light and looks great with the white chapter ring. Buyers will also be able to choose white, red, blue, black, or even purple.
On my 6.75″ wrist, the 41mm Viaggio sat quite comfortably. A relatively short length goes a long way here, and the low profile means you can even wear it under a tight cuff if you are so inclined. Good thing too, because the fancier elements in the dial and case lend themselves to a bit of dressing up. Not to the level of a business suit, but it would certainly pair with a blazer for a dinner out.
The Vesuviate Viaggio launches on Kickstarter March 31 and ends April 14. Pricing has not yet been announced, but I understand early backers will be able to get in for under $400, which is not bad at all for these specs. If the Viaggio has caught your eye, head over to Vesuviate.com or their Kickstarter page and sign up for a launch notification.
