The Watch Brief is nearing its one year anniversary, and throughout these past months, I have had the privilege and honor to review a lot of different watches. This includes skeletonized watches which I never thought I would like (but I ended up liking), manual mechanical dress watches from the Netherlands, and all kinds of divers. My favorite watch - by far - has been the Vario Versa - Year of the Horse. I have reviewed this watch on both this blog, as well as my Youtube channel, and it remains my most-worn watch of the year. It is also my go-to travel watch besides my Seiko GMT, because of the fact that I can easily time a different time zone thanks to the dual-quartz configuration. It's a beautiful and brilliant watch, and it's one that I thought would easily win as my favorite watch of 2026.
Imagine my surprise when that watch was replaced by the Vario Versa Automatic.
Vario Versa Automatic: Answering Demands
Since the launch of the Vario Versa with its dual Swiss quartz movements, there are many - including owners of that very watch - who asked for a mechanical version. This wasn't even limited to just the snobs who refuse to wear quartz. In a way, it seemed as if the enthusiasts were testing the mettle of this beloved Singaporean microbrand - would they be able to deliver?
As of 2026, they have, and in fact, at the time of this article's writing, almost all models of their new Automatic Versa will already be soldout. But, after speaking with Ivan about this subject a lot, we both expressed our appreciation for quartz watches. Speaking from personal experience as the Head of Affiliate Marketing for Wancher Watch, I am intimately aware of the trials and tribulations that go into making sure your mechanical watches... work.
Ivan acknowledged that it would be a great deal more convenient to stick to quartz, but at the end of the day, part of the reason he started his own brand is so he could stay connected to his fellow watch enthusiasts, and they had made their demands: they wanted mechanical.
Is The Watch Even Good?
No.
It's downright amazing.
The unboxing experience itself is identical to the unboxing of every other Vario watch I have in my collection, but the very first time I saw the movement through its exhibition caseback, I was in awe at what had been achieved.
During the R&D process, Ivan had the option to go for a Seagull movement that perfectly fit the Versa case. It would have been cheaper, faster, and altogether faster to just proceed with this. But, after floating the idea around in his head, he realized it wouldn't be sustainable in the long-run. Just like how there were people who didn't want a Versa because it was quartz, there were no doubt many who wouldn't like the mechanical Versa if it used a Seagull movement. So, he continued researching, and testing before finally settling on a Miyota 6T28 Automatic Movement with a custom Tungsten rotor.
I won't pretend to know the engineering that went into making this possible, but I can tell you that the watch - at 10mm thick - is somehow thinner than its quartz older brother (12mm). It's incredible that a mechanical watch with a 28mm case size, much less one with an automatic movement, could be so thin at a sub-500 USD price.
The case and width of the automatic Versa is also longer and wider, respectively, than the original quartz version, which makes it sit on the wrist more easily while maintaining a decent wrist presence.
The dial itself is its White Tuxedo variant, which features vertical lines against a black backdrop at its center, but surrounded by a bright white dial with silver baguette hour markers. Like the quartz Versa, they wisely eschewed the seconds-hand, creating a cleaner, dressier look for the watch. The automatic Versa uses sharp sword hands that reflect the light, making it quite legible against its darker backdrop, and I find that I never struggle with telling the time as I use this watch.
Perfectly Dressy
Many months ago when I first got my Versa, I joked to Ivan about how the Versa was a surprisingly good fit even when I was just wearing basketball shorts and a t-shirt, and I find that to be the case for the automatic version, as well. I will say, though, that there is something about its longer case profile that somehow makes it feel dressier than the quartz version.
Don't get me wrong. I will still wear this even with casual attire, but I would be lying if I said that this watch has never made me want to dress up a bit. This watch - as well as the Vandaag Baas and the UBIQ Trek (also from Singapore, by the way) - have been glued to my wrist recently, and it's not just because the Japanese summer is too humid.
Almost Perfect
My least favorite part of any review is the part where I nitpick and try to pick at flaws that - quite honestly - the average person would not notice. However, Vario - like every other brand I have collaborated with - has encouraged me to mention everything, even if it's not overly positive.
The greatest problem with the Vario Versa Automatic is... the lug width.
No, I am not having a stroke. Why do you ask?
Jokes aside, the watch uses a 22mm lug width, which is not completely unnatural, but it feels out of place on such a dressy watch. The reason for it is because the case width had to be increased to allow for the reversible function of the classic Versa. It makes complete sense, but as an unreasonable watch enthusiast, I thought it's worth noting that some people may not be a fan of the lug width. Fortunately, however, Vario also makes a lot of great straps, so if you don't currently have extra straps for the watch, you're covered.
My Favorite Watch of 2026
Earlier this month, I released an article about the Watch Brief Team's favorite watches of 2026, and I chose the Vario Versa Automatic for one of my three choices. In the weeks since that article, however, I have changed my mind. It is not one of my favorite watches.
It is my favorite watch of 2026.
The watch is downright beautiful, and wears like a dream, and I genuinely admire the innovation and thought that went into creating it. Additionally, it helps that Ivan and Judy, the founders of Vario, are two terrific people, and I'm fortunate to be able to communicate with them about watches.
Thank you to Vario for letting me review this loaner model of the new Vario Versa Automatic. Learn more at the following link: Vario Versa Automatic.
Vario Versa Automatic: Specifications
Case length: 41.5mm
Case width: 28mm
Case thickness: 10.5mm
Dial: 2 Tone Mirrored Stripes
Crystal: flat sapphire with inner AR applied
Lug width: 22mm
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Movement: Miyota 6T28 Automatic (Custom rotor) 28.8kbph 40 hours power reserve
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Strap: Veg Tan Italian leather (22mm taper to 18mm) with deployant clasp
