Patina focus brings a new perspective to Vario’s 1945 D12 line
Andrew O'ConnorSingaporean watch brand Vario has built its reputation on creating vintage-inspired timepieces for the modern era. With modern interpretations of trench watches, early pilot’s watches, Art Deco-inspired designs, and the ever-popular category of field watches, Vario offers watch collectors a taste of the early 20th century in a modern package. Their newest release is right in line with this ethos. The new Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Edition builds upon their Dirty Dozen interpretation, celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and gives owners the opportunity to make their timepiece truly their own.
The case
Often, a favourite talking point of vintage collectors is the patina that develops on a watch over time. Modern materials make the process slow, with scratches and dings often being the only sign of a well-loved watch. Discoloured cases can make vintage collectors swoon, especially when manifested in an aesthetic manner, but is mostly reserved for watch cases made out of silver and gold. To give this watch that experience in an accelerated manner and in an affordable package, Vario has opted for marine grade bronze for this 1945 D12’s case material. The bronze case measures 37mm in diameter, 45mm lug-to-lug, 10.5mm thick, and has 18mm lugs. A sapphire crystal with inner AR coating covers the dial, and 100 meters of water resistance with a screw-down crown to keep this watch in line with modern durability standards.
The crown is located at 4 o’clock to help improve the wearability of the already compact case. The case finishing features brushed front and sides with brushed chamfered lugs. The bezel has a circular brushed finish on the top of the bezel, with the side of the bezel done in high polish, providing a contrasting detail. The case back of the first 200 pieces features an engraved inscription of “80 Years: 1945-2025,” celebrating the end of WWII and indicating which models are from the first special edition run. Later editions of this watch will feature a plain caseback. And if patina is not your thing, bronze is easily cleaned to restore its original lustre.
The dial
The dial of the Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Edition keeps the grain-textured dial of other D12 models, executed here in a gradient matte black, starting lighter in the centre and getting darker towards the edges. The dial printing features a railroad-style minute track, with lumed hour markers done in a faux-patina beige tone. The seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and syringe-style hands further emphasise its vintage inspiration.
One of the most unique aspects of the dial is the use of bronze for the hands, also allowing them to patina over time. While it will not patinate at the same rate as the case (assuming the crown is screwed in when exposed to water, and all gaskets are functioning properly), they will change over time. The oxidation of the hands will likely change the dial as well, again accelerating the patina that develops on different elements of the watch. While each watch will leave the assembly line the same, each watch will quickly develop its own character relatively quickly with each owner, both inside and out.
The strap
Vario seems quite proud of the strap they have developed, and for good reason. Vario as a brand makes an effort to foster goodwill in the world, hosting a charity raffle each year to assist those in need in Singapore. This desire to do good extends to their strap choice, utilising a unique waxed canvas strap that is made from 68% recycled cotton from the garment industry. The remaining strap composition consists of 29% Lenzing Viscose and 3% Stahl wax. The strap is eco-friendly, animal-free, and like the rest of the watch, will develop its own character over time while still being durable and reliable. If you’re crazy about the bund strap featured in the photos, it is also available for purchase on the Vario website.
The Movement
Inside the Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Edition is the same Miyota 82S5 movement found in the steel versions of this watch. The Miyota 82S5 features gilt finishing with côtes de Genève (although it is a closed caseback, so you’ll just have to take our word on that), 21 jewels, hacking and hand-winding functions, operates at 21,600 bph, and has a 40-hour power reserve.
Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Edition pricing & availability
The Vario 1945 D12 Bronze Edition will be available to order via Vario’s e-store from September 2nd, 2025. The first 200 units will feature the engraved case back – the model will still be available after the initial 200, but will feature a standard Vario caseback. Price: US$428
| Brand | Vario |
| Model | 1945 D12 Bronze Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 10.5mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Bronze |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Gradient black grain texture with beige lume |
| Lug Width | 18mm |
| Strap | Recycled waxed canvas strap, pin buckle |
| Movement | Miyota 82S5, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | From September 2nd 2025, engraved commemorative caseback only for the first 200 units |
| Price | US$428 |
Made in partnership with Vario. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.