Side by side

Vaer R1 Racing ChronographvsVario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

R1 Racing Chronograph
VaerR1 Racing Chronograph
MSRP $499
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound
VarioEmpire Art Nouveau Handwound
MSRP $888

At a glance

9 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
R1 Racing Chronograph38mm
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound38mm
Power Reserve
R1 Racing Chronograph40h
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound40h
Water Resistance
R1 Racing Chronograph100m
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound50m
MSRP
R1 Racing Chronograph$499
Empire Art Nouveau Handwound$888

Full specifications

Case

4 specs
Category
Chronograph
Dress
Thickness
12.6mm
11mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
38mm
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Domed Sapphire
Sapphire
Dial Color
Cream
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 6T33
Type
Quartz
Manual

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$499
$888

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

Vaer R1 Racing Chronograph

The Vaer R1 Racing Chronograph is widely praised for its beautiful cream dial, which some describe as champagne-like, and its luxurious case finishing for the price. Owners appreciate its well-proportioned design, pleasing dial with well-chosen font weights, and retro feel, with one noting it remains a favorite in their rotation and has easy band swapping. The watch features a 38mm cushion case, a Seiko VK63 meca-quartz movement, 100m water resistance, and American assembly. One owner noted the 42mm size wears small for a larger wrist, and the "ghost" crown position is mentioned. It includes two signed-buckle straps and a domed sapphire crystal. Overall, owners rate the Vaer R1 Racing Chronograph highly for its vintage-inspired aesthetic and value.

Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound

Owners widely praise the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound for its detailed, multi-layered dial featuring applied numerals and guilloche patterns, its elegant Art Deco-inspired design, and the enjoyable winding feel of the Miyota 6T33 handwound movement, often visible through an exhibition case back. The 38mm case size is considered a positive by many, and the included leather strap is noted for its comfort and quality. Some owners find the differing fonts on the sub-dials and perimeter less appealing, and the absence of a constant seconds sub-dial is flagged as a drawback. On balance, owners rate the Vario Empire Art Nouveau Handwound highly for its distinctive Art Deco styling and detailed dial at its price point.

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