The Story

We were inspired to create the VRT chronograph from our lifelong passion for vintage Daytonas. Our goal was to create a timepiece that had the soul and design language of these timeless icons. The VRT is powered by a rugged meca-quartz mechanism, resulting in a watch that combines the accuracy of quartz with the crisp feel and performance of a mechanical chronograph.

The Design

The creation of the VRT was a 5 year process in which we forensically studied the iconic vintage Valjoux racing chronographs in an effort to create durable, reliable timepieces that share both the correct lines and dimensions of their timeless predecessors.

The Tropical Rust Patina Project

With the “Patina” project our goal was to add 30 years of age to your VRT. In order to create this tropical rust, we developed an oxidized patina method that allowed us to control the aging, resulting in the perfect recreation of a time earned patina dial with warm yellow lume added as a finishing touch.

Movement

Seiko (SII) VK63 Mechaquartz Watch Movement. The SII (Seiko Instruments) caliber VK63 is part of the hybrid mechanical quartz (mechaquartz) movement line. It is a chronograph movement that uses quartz technology for the main functions of the watch and a mechanical module for operating the chronograph.

Dimensions

• Case Diameter: 37mm
• Case length: 44m
• Case thickness: 13.8mm

Lug Width

• 20mm

Domed Crystal

• Vintage inspired domed and round sapphire-coated mineral crystal.

Bracelet – Leather Straps

• Oyster – 316l Stainless
• Leather Strap – If you change to a leather strap we recommend using curved end links.

Water Resistant

• Depth 50 meters – 165 feet

DON’T Wear Your Watch In The Shower! (Even Your Diver)

So your watch is water resistant or waterproof, and you wonder: can I wear my watch in the shower? There is actually a lot of elements that will prevent you from showering with your favorite piece on.

Don’t wear your watch in the shower. They are not designed to withstand warm water. When your watches cools down after the shower, moist air gets sucked into the case. Doing this repeatedly will deteriorate the movement, even if your watch is water resistant or if it’s a dive watch with a depth rating of 100 m or more.

Why wearing a watch in the shower is a bad idea

Now, you might think: come on, I’m not 100 m deep in water when I shower!

That’s true, but here is the thing: the water freefalls onto your watch. The speed the water gains from falling adds up a lot more pressure than if you were to gently submerge your watch 2 inch (or 5 cm) deep in water.

So the pressure might not be the same as if you were deep diving, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that – yes – a shower puts the water resistance of your watch to the test. Not a crazy amount of pressure, but still.

Hot water can cause gaskets lose their ability to contract and expand, crowns and pusher have a harder time screwing in or popping back into place, crystal crack. It’s just the way it is: your watch is a living object, and it ages – just like us.

As a result, over time, your watch may lose some of its water resistance rating. Wearing it the shower will reduce the amount of time between servicings even more, so that you will have to send it for servicing more often if you want it to perform at factory specifications.