The latest watch from Tom Austin Singapore brand Vario is a solar quartz-powered military-style field watch with punches in affordable packaging. Available in two sizes, the 1945 A-11S WW2 field watch is 35mm in diameter for the smaller wrist, and comes in a more modern 40mm diameter variation. This new release comes with three monochrome dial options, offering white, gray or black in texture finish.
Fieldwatch has been a go-to option for many over the past five or six years, with the luxury sector dominating the headlines, but a quiet uprising of the trending simple yet rugged time-only toolwatches is underway, inspired by the military. Vario is a brand that has exploited this trend by producing high-quality military style wristwatches at reasonable price ranges. Previous products such as the 1945 D12 Field Watch and the 1918 Trench performed a light task of applying their own style to the field watch, and were deeply connected to the origins of the genre. And now they’re back with another one, the 1945 A-11S WW2.
The British Department of Defense’s “watch, wrist, waterproof” standard (which follows the legendary “dirty dorse”) has proven to be the most famous and lasting military standard in the field watch space, and in fact was the inspiration for Vario’s previous 1945 D12 model. However, although the American Type A-11 standard is not well known, it is the standard that influenced Vario’s latest work.
The Type A11 watch has become synonymous with American watches, with some of its specifications being specifically set to include a hand for hacking seconds (the second hand stops completely when the collar is pulled out). This allowed soldiers to synchronize their clocks during combat operations, making them an integral part of the war itself. So, there are times when the hand of the 1945 A-11 seconds, but that’s a quick look.
The A-11s come in two styles. It has a 40mm diameter contemporary 40mm version, suitable for today’s small wrists, but is more faithful to the original field watch of the time. Finished in 316L stainless steel, the simple case design is typical of any high-quality field watch, making it look stylish and understated while being functional and comfortable.
Touches such as refined chamfers and polished edges of the bezel are probably not something you would expect to see in military-inspired works, but over time they will dull and breathe more characters into the watch. The functionality is likely to be somewhat limited, but it has a water resistance rating of just 50 meters, but at this price range it is hard to criticize.
The two size options come in three different dial variations, each finished with a clean, crackle textured finish. Available in white, gray or black, the dial features bold, contrasting room printing time markers and fine tracks, along with a subtle red flash of 12 o’clock and a colour-matched vario logo. Just like last year’s Field Watch, there is no dial text that will clutter the view.
It is a time-only clock with a large, room-filled sword hand, and you will find yourself without a hand of seconds. Well, if you look a little closer, there is. In the center is a plate sitting at the top of the hand stack, with rotating pips showing seconds. According to Vario, the traditional second hand has been removed as the original purpose symbol of the A11 hacking second hand. It represents a transition from the tools of war and is instead assumed as a symbol of peace. I think this is a subtle message.
(The 1945 A-11SWW2 is an incredible value proposition that costs just 198 US dollars. This is because of that movement. It utilizes the Miyota solar quartz movement, particularly the 35mm 2070, or the 40mm 2170. These are powerful little Japanese movements that make it a joy to wear quartz, as we saw similarly on watches like the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Solar Graph.
The Miyotas can run for about four months of battery life after a full charge, but if you wear a watch outside for just a few hours, it will run for quite some time. It is this convenience and simplicity that makes the entire experience enjoyable over time.
Vario also produces excellent watch straps, so it’s no surprise that what comes with the A-11s is a banger. The three colorways come with black Cordura Re/Cor textile straps. This can be easily swapped with the numerous straps offered by the Vario. This watch has a modern yet practical look. This is exhilarating when many field watches may be leaning a little farther into the aesthetics of heritage. Each watch also comes with a multipurpose travel case made from recycled materials. This is another reason why the A-11 is a huge value proposition.
Vario 1945 A-11S WW2 Field Watch Pricing and Availability
The Vario 1945 A-11S WW2 Field Watch will be available in 40mm size starting June 1st. The 35mm version is scheduled to be released on Q3/4 2025. Price: US $198 (Introductory Offer)
Brand Vario Model 1945 A-11S WW2 Field Watch Case Dimensions 40mm(D) x 9.5mm
It was created in collaboration with Vario. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with the editorial policy.
