The Levante by Viqueria Watches
Made in Italy
It is a common belief that anything designed and manufactured in Italy has a special character and a distinct style whatsoever. Well, the latest timepiece coming to us from the Italian North could not have been an exception to this belief! The Levante, a product of Viqueria Watches, is what confirms the aforementioned opinion about Italian style, character, and unique identity. A watch suitable for everyday wear but ideal as well to accompany a more formal attire.
Case
The case is well-engineered and can fit a variety of wrist dimensions. Measuring 42mm in diameter (43.8 on the crown), 49mm lug-to-lug, and 13mm thick, the case sits comfortably on my 17cm wrist, without protruding or seeming clunky. This is also because of the tapered lugs, which are shaped to embrace the wrist and ensure that the watch doesn’t wobble around too much.
Furthermore, the Levante weighs around 135 gr (170gr sized for my wrist on the bracelet). The 316L stainless steel case presents a slightly domed acrylic crystal and a fixed bezel with tachymeter function marks on it. On the side of the case, we find a polished push-down crown bearing the Viqueria logo, as well as the two pusher buttons that actuate the chronometer function. Beautiful detail on this watch is the high-polished sides of the case, contrasting a vertically brushed finish on the upper side of the lugs. The solid steel caseback bears a laser-etched design of a racing wheel, adding to the sportive character of the Levante.
Dial
The true highlight of this watch is its dial. Coming in 4 different variations (Meteorite, Silver Panda, 2-tone Silver-Cobalt, and Green), it reveals the identity of a true racing watch. The sunburst effect is combined with the presence of two subdials at 3 and 9 which have the 24hr and 60 minutes function respectively. The hour is marked by two sword-shaped, polished and lumed hands while a gorgeous red needle-shaped seconds hand completes handsomely the looks of the Levante. Around the dial, we find applied lumed hour markers between a printed minute and second marks, a pattern very usual to classic racing watch models of the past. My personal favorite detail on the dial is the polished metal rings around the two subdials; they catch the light gracefully and give the watch a more elegant character. The BGW-9 blue lume is weak but this is no problem, after all the Levante is not a diver watch!
Movement
In the heart of the All-New Levante we find the ever more reliable Seiko VK64 Mecca-Quartz movement. Once adopted by historic watch manufacturers such as Jaeger Le Coultre, Piguet, Chopard etc. , this hybrid calibre made by Seiko Industries offers the precision of the quartz-powered movement combined with the efficiency of the mechanical chronograph. Visually, the sweeping second’s hand and the instant reset function are satisfying to witness and really easy to use. Therefore the All-New Levante can satisfy even the most demanding user!
Bracelet / Straps
This watch comes on a 22mm perforated racing style leather strap from 2DStraps, an Italian manufacturer that provides exclusively for the brand. There is also the option to buy separately a 5-link stainless steel bracelet with solid end links. This one alternates polished middle links and brushed lateral ones and also has a butterfly clasp. My personal opinion is that the leather strap is quite stiff and needs to be worn a lot before actually becoming comfortable on the wrist. The metal bracelet adds instead more character to the watch and feels easier to wear for a longer time.
Watch Gallery
Additional Information
The All-New Levante has a water resistance of 100m, but I wouldn’t suggest to use it for diving, as the push-down crown can’t guarantee to keep the water out of the case, despite the presence of a sealing gasket. The watch has a warranty of 2 years and comes in a pretty carbon-like cardboard box.
Pros & Cons
- Low Price
- Beautiful design
- Ease of use
- Reliable movement
- Weak luminescence
- Stiff leather strap
Final Thoughts
After a few days on the wrist, this Italian watch has surprised me positively for its character and ease of use. A well thought and smartly executed timepiece that offers a lot more watch for your money. Sporty and gritty on the leather strap for a day at the racetracks but at the same time classy and elegant for a night at the opera house. All that while accurately doing what it’s meant to do. Keeping proper time!
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