I’ve reviewed watches from all over the world, but the Retrovivo RV01 is the first to cross my desk from Sicily. This is an important milestone for me because that is where my father’s family is from. I promise my ancestral ties to the brand’s homeland did not influence my judgment. The Retrovivo RV01 is a perfectly charming watch that you can own for a bargain price.
As you might have gathered from the name, Retrovivo embraces throwback design; however, they haven’t gone the homage route. Rather, the RV01 incorporates vintage design cues in a contemporary package.
The watch is 39mm wide, 46mm long, and 9.5mm thick with 20mm lugs. I’d consider that to be fashionably mid-sized and a nice fit on my 6.75″ wrist.
The stainless steel case is what I might call the “everyday tool watch” style in the sense that it is not overtly utilitarian, but its drilled lugs, large screw-down crown, and brushed surfaces lend it a purposeful air that is dressed up with a polished bezel, crown, and chamfers. Retrovivo is considering brushing the bezel as well. Although I can understand the appeal, I’d be inclined to retain its current, shiny state.
A flat sapphire crystal may not be terribly retro but it does maintain the RV01’s already low profile. While the prototype was untreated, production models will get an anti-reflective coating.
That slim figure is made possible by a modern movement, the Seiko VH31 MechaQuartz. I’ve long been a fan of this high-beat (14.4k bph), 2-jewel quartz as it provides grab-it-and-go convenience with just enough of a second hand sweep (or at least less of a jump) to be aesthetically pleasing.
As quartz units are not particularly exciting to view, I have no issue with the Retrovivo’s clean, solid caseback.
The dial sports applied polished markers and an appealing grainy texture. Large even numbers, squared syringe hands, and a lollipop second hand all reinforce the vintage theme. I love the two-tone ring inside the railroad index and the way all three hands meet the innermost edges of their markers.
Retrovivo offers four dial colors: black, gray, green, and an ombré sand, all with gold handsets and markers. Production models will eliminate the “MechaQuartz” text.
Super-LumiNova lights up every element on the dial and the brand promises the finished product will be even brighter. This is not a bad idea as the fill areas are quite narrow and if you compare the markers to the hands in the photo below, you can see where the markers could use another layer. With that done, the RV01 should maintain a much improved glow.
Italians know a thing or two about leather, and the RV01’s straps reflect this. The tapered, minimal stitch style and weathered suede surface give the watch a comfortably lived-in look. Quick release pins are a nice touch. The buckle will be signed on the final version.
So, we’ve got classic good looks, some subtly clever details, an appealing movement, and a quality strap. That adds up to a package well worth every penny of its very reasonable price. How reasonable? Well, full list will be of €199 (about $208 US), but you can order one now for just €150 ($160 US). I don’t see how you can resist it.
The Retrovivo RV01 should be ready to ship this May. To see the full range or to order your own, visit retrovivo.it.
