Geckota Pioneer AutomaticvsVario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Geckota Pioneer Automatic at true scale

Pioneer Automatic

Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph at true scale

Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

Diameter

42mm

38mm

Lug-to-Lug

45mm

n/a

Thickness

14mm

11.5mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

highest

50m

MSRP

$299

lowest

$328

Movement

Seiko NH35

Seiko VK64

Case

6 specs
Category
Field
Chronograph
Diameter
42mm
38mm
Thickness
14mm
11.5mm
Lug-to-Lug
45mm
n/a
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

1 specs
Crystal
Domed Sapphire
Sapphire

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Seiko NH35
Seiko VK64
Type
Automatic
Meca-Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$299
$328
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Geckota Pioneer Automatic

The Geckota Pioneer Automatic is praised for its retro-futuristic design, impressive lume, and a unique vertical brushing on the dial that shifts color. Owners appreciate its value, with one noting it as a bargain at $259, and find the styling clean with a comfortable fit. Some owners are specifically drawn to the red dial variant, noting its appearance and vintage feel. However, the thin cross-hair design can disappear from a distance, and the 42mm case size is considered large for a cushion watch. One owner reports the crystal is very reflective despite AR coating, and gold accents appear cheap. Accuracy varies, with one owner seeing +/- 20 seconds per day and another finding it surprisingly accurate. Overall, owners rate the Geckota Pioneer Automatic highly for its distinctive design and value, despite some noted finishing and legibility concerns.

From video reviewers

The radial brushed fumé dial and applied indices are a strong point. The 42mm case size and 48.4mm lug-to-lug measurement may wear large on smaller wrists. Reviewers did not explicitly disagree on any specific points.

Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph

Owners widely praise the Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph for its elegant, art deco-inspired tuxedo dial and its value as an affordable chronograph option. Some owners note a criticism regarding the differing fonts used for sub-dial and perimeter markers, and the absence of a traditional running second hand in favor of a 24-hour sub-dial. The Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph features a Seiko VK64 MecaQuartz movement, a sapphire crystal, and measures 38mm in diameter. Overall, owners rate the Vario Empire Tachymètre Chronograph highly for its attractive design and accessible price point.

From video reviewers

The Art Deco aesthetic is a key strength. The Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement is also consistently mentioned.