Soon, I’d like to move forward and let you know that these watches have sold out since they were first announced last year. So why do you make a review? It’s very easy. The two Vero Open Water 38 models are a great opportunity to feel the Young American brand of watches. Also, since Vero still offers open water in a 41mm case, there’s plenty to discover about these two notable open water 38 models. Let’s take a look at why the yellow of the Vero Open Water 38 Off-White and Emergency is so special.
Last year, when I first saw the Vero Open Water 38 model, the bright yellow swell model immediately caught my attention. It has a yellow similar to a tennis ball, making it the perfect fun watch for a tennis player like me. As I am writing this, I am enjoying the first day of Wimbledon 2025, so it seems appropriate to feature the swell of Open Water 38. The off-white cove model is not a bit luxurious, but it still brings attention. Both models are completely different from most regular dive watches. They create the perfect duo of summer watches from the brand based in Portland, Oregon.
Details of Vero Open Water 38 model
First, let’s cover the specifications. Both watches come with a 38mm bead blasted stainless steel case with a thickness of 10.75mm and a 46.5mm lagtoo lug. Matching each case is a dial-matching Ceracoat processing bezel that creates a visually pop solid block.
It also contrasts with the matte finish of the case and the beat blast three-row bracelet. At first glance, you may think that the watch is made of lightweight titanium. However, if you pick them up, you will feel the weight of stainless steel.
I like the contrast between the almost industrial look on the mat of the case and the almost industrial look of the bracelet with the vividness of the dial and bezel. The bright yellow swell model visually enthralled me, while the off-white cove model intrigued me more as a watch I wear regularly.
Both dials feature applied black hour markers with white Super Luminova. The hour and minute hands also come with white and white Rumet, and each version of the thin second hands have a black tip, making it easy to track the seconds on the bright dial.
Fun play of hardcore diving watch
As you can see, the unidirectional bezel features a scale of 12 hours. This allows you to track time in the second time zone. Both watches are essentially dive clocks (more specifically surfing) created for life in the ocean, but the possibility of tracking time in additional time zones is a fun play in Open Water 41.
As a fan of GMT Watches, the opportunity to track time at different times is a plus. It is also suitable for the nomadic lifestyle of surfers moving through multiple time zones to search for the perfect wave.
In addition to the well-balanced design of the Open Water 38, a high level of quality and detailed eyes are evident here. An example is the black crown on the right side of the case. The usual choice is the crown that matches the case, but the black crown matches the markers and numbers and bezels on the dial, balanced with the dominant light color. Also, this Knurled Crown can rotate very easily thanks to the excellent grip it offers.
Specially designed bracelet 38 for open water
The 18mm wide bracelet shows a great eye for details. It is specifically designed for this small open water model and feels great and sturdy. Additionally, it includes female end links and a much-priority Nodex clasp developed by Nodus. The clasp has two large integrated push buttons and a micro adjustment system that allows you to find the perfect fit without the need for tools. It is a well-designed, cleverly designed, brilliantly executed bracelet that makes wearing a watch an absolute pleasure.
Within the case, the Vero uses the familiar Sellita SW200-1 caliber. The automatic movement operates at 28,800VPH and provides a 38-hour power reserve. But instead of using an off-rack version of the caliber, Vero ensures that movements are adjusted in-house to outperform ±5 seconds per day in six positions. This is another detail that shows Vero is going very long to create great products. As you can see, the caliber is safely hidden behind a steel case with technical specifications engraved on it.
Wearing two Vero Open Water 38 models
So, how do the two models feel on the wrist? In a nutshell, it’s amazing! These two watches have perfect dimensions for different wrist sizes. Thanks to their bright colors, they also have an incredible wrist presence. The bright yellow swell model is an eyecatcher soon, but over time I was drawn more towards the off-white cove model.
It’s too luxurious and makes me a better everyday wearer. But despite its slightly subdued appearance, it still stands out. That’s why I’ll wear it on long summer days and holidays.
Thanks to its solid spec set, extra time zone practicality and impressive build quality, these watches become excellent everyday wearers. On top of that, they look great. Many people thought the same thing when they judged how quickly they sold out. As mentioned earlier, we currently have the option of a larger 41mm Daybreak version, but we hope that Vero will regain Open Water 38.
Final Thoughts on Vero Open Water 38
The slightly smaller case, perfect proportions and a fantastic thin bracelet deserve to go back to Vero’s catalogue. Perhaps a different run would be better with the same colour, but I can easily think of other colours that work well.
The impressive combination of bright dials and full-color bezels make these watches different from many of their competitors. I would like to see the green or nice brown versions, but they are just two of many great potential options.
Overall, I was delighted and impressed by the combination of summer presence and the serious quality of Velo. Unfortunately these watches are sold out, but they are worth looking at the other tool watches from the brand.
They are colorful and different, and I love it. This review may be delayed as the watch came out last summer, but I’ll cross my fingers so that many of the Vero Open Water 38s can be seen.
For $795, it’s hard to find a watch that offers such a great combination of colorful, fun specs and quality. That makes Vero Open Water 38 different from many others. But what do you think about these watches? Would you like to get them back to Vero? Let us know in the comments section.
