I’ve been a long-time admirer of Vario, and that’s not an exaggeration. Before the Futurist even arrived on my wrist, I already owned two of their watches: the clever Vario Versa with its reversible case(purple and gunmetal black) and the beautifully executed 1945 A-11S, their tribute to one of the most famous wartime field watches ever made. Add to that several Vario straps, and it’s safe to say the brand has become a big part of my watch journey. I dare to say it’s one of my favorite brands.

What makes Vario special to me is not only the originality of their designs, but also the people behind the name. Judy and Ivan are some of the warmest, most genuine people in the watch world. They care deeply about their products, their customers, and the stories they bring to life, something that becomes obvious the moment you handle one of their watches. Their passion always shows, and the Futurist is another perfect example of that.

Vario Futurist – A Retro-Futuristic Tribute to the Space Age

The 1970s were a decade when humanity looked upward more than ever. It was a time of rapid innovation, cold-war tensions, science-fiction dreams, and a growing fascination with everything cosmic. Space-age design influenced everything from cars to furniture and watches were no exception.

But unlike typical retellings of the Space Race narrative, the Vario Futurist digs deeper into a more specific era of design: the “Space Age meets Sci-Fi” wave of the late 60s and 70s. Think sharp lines, metallic textures, experimental case shapes, and crystals that looked like they belonged on a spacecraft.

This era was also known for its faceted crystals, made famous by brands like Seiko(and Rado), who transformed angled sapphire and acrylic into tiny works of art. These geometric shapes caught the light beautifully and became a signature look of the time. The Vario Futurist brings that style back, using the same bold facets but with modern materials, better clarity, and a much more precise finish.

The Futurist captures the bold, fearless creativity of the 70s, but updates it with modern engineering. While it draws inspiration from a time when designers weren’t afraid to push boundaries, the watch is built to today’s standards, with precise machining, better materials, a reliable high-beat movement, and finishing that goes well beyond what was possible in the 70s at this price.

That blend of retro vision meets modern precision is what makes the Futurist stand out. It isn’t a simple reissue or a vintage remake. Instead, it captures the spirit of the era: an age when humanity dared to dream, and when watch design wasn’t afraid to look like it came from the future.

The faceted crystal and fume dial

Let’s begin with the crystal and dial, because they’re the very first things that hit you when you open the box and honestly, you have to see them in person to appreciate just how stunning they are.

One of the feature that really makes the watch stand out is the faceted sapphire crystal. Its angled cuts catch and scatter light, making the dial appear to shift and change depending on how you look at it. From straight on, the dial looks slightly distorted; at sharper angles, the effect becomes more dramatic. It feels almost alive, constantly interacting with sunlight, indoor lighting, or even the soft glow from a window. Legibility is clear when viewed head-on, though from certain angles it can be a bit harder to read, which is an expected trade-off for such a striking crystal.

Beneath the crystal sits a blue fumé sunburst dial with a subtle gradient that darkens toward the edges, evoking the look of cosmic light or drifting smoke. The applied indices and matching hands catch the light and add extra depth, making the dial feel alive.

I am very happy because the text is kept to a minimum, with only the brand’s name printed in a fine, elegant typeface at 12 o’clock. Surrounding it are twelve applied, highly polished indices, each sharply angled to echo the geometry of the case. A thin line of lume runs through their centres, giving the dial a subtle glow when the lights fade.

I love that there is no date window as that would interrupt the whole visual experience. The lack of it keeps the dial clean and uninterrupted.

The way the dial, crystal, and light interact is mesmerizing. I often find myself turning the watch in my hands throughout the day watching how the angles, shadows, and reflections change.

On a side note photographing the watch is not an easy feat, but it really offers a lot of creative ways of shooting.

The case and the movement

Moving from the dial outward, the case of the Vario Futurist is where the retro–space-age character continues to come alive. The stainless steel case features a uniquely textured surface of individually machined lines, each one cut with precision to radiate outward like beams from a distant star. These lines aren’t stamped but carved out one by one, creating a crisp pattern of reflections that feels far more premium than standard brushing.

Above this pattern sits a flat bezel that angles gently downward into the case. This angled design creates a smooth transition from the faceted crystal to the case, helping the sunburst lines catch the light and extend the flow of reflections outward.

A particularly striking detail is the crown placement. Instead of the traditional 3 o’clock position, the crown sits at 12 o’clock, nestled between the lugs. The wide, flat crown has textured edges, making it easy to grip and operate, just pull it out, set the time, and you’re ready to wherever the road takes you. This placement isn’t only visually interesting; it also functions as a natural crown guard, offering additional protection and contributing to the watch’s 100m water resistance. It’s a clever blend of style and practicality.

Turning it over, you’ll see the engraved caseback, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey, one of my favorite movies. It’s a subtle nod to the film’s futuristic aesthetic and fits perfectly with the overall design of the watch. It also reminds me of the movie’s iconic line: “Open the pod bay doors, Hal. I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

The case measures at 39mm diameter and 48mm lug-to-lug with 20mm lug width. The proportions feel modern, but still echo the compact, design-driven watches of the 70s. 

Powered by the reliable Miyota 9039, a premium Japanese automatic movement known for its slim profile and solid performance. It runs at a smooth 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a 42-hour power reserve, and maintains an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day. This movement is not only reliable and relatively accurate but also very thin, that helps the profile of the watch to be kept at 10mm.

The strap and comfort on the wrist

Made from vegetable-tanned Italian leather with a subtle embossed texture, the strap features white stitching along both edges for a classic, refined look. It tapers gracefully from 20mm at the lugs to 18mm at the buckle, giving it a balanced and visually appealing profile on the wrist.

Thanks to its well-balanced dimensions, 39mm in diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug, and a slim profile the Futurist feels really comfortable on the wrist. It sits close to the skin without any awkward overhang, making it easy to wear for hours on end. What I love about it is that it stands out visually without ever feeling oversized or heavy, striking the perfect balance between bold design and everyday practicality. Whether I’m at my desk, out for a walk, or meeting friends, the Futurist draws attention in a subtle, effortless way. It’s the kind of watch that makes you want to check the time just to admire it again and again, which, for me, is exactly what a great watch should do.

Final thoughts

The Vario Futurist is more than a watch, it’s a celebration of 1970s design brought to life with modern craftsmanship. From the faceted sapphire crystal to the machined sunburst case and fumé dial, every detail reflects a thoughtful blend of retro inspiration and contemporary precision.

What makes it truly special is how it balances bold style with everyday wearability. Its 39mm case and slim profile sit comfortably on the wrist, while the changing reflections and subtle dial distortions invite you to admire it throughout the day.

Owning a Vario also feels personal, Judy and Ivan’s passion shines through in every detail. The Futurist isn’t just a watch; it’s a wearable story, a nod to an era of imagination, and a striking addition to any collection.

Specifications:

• Case diameter: 39mm
• Case thickness: 10mm
• Dial:Sunburst
• Crystal: Faceted sapphire with inner AR applied
• Lug to Lug: 48mm
• Lug width: 20mm
• Lume: C3 Lume/BGW9
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: Push-pull crown
• Movement: High-beat Miyota 9039 automatic movement 24 jewels 28.8kbph more than 40 hours power reserve
• Water resistance: 10 ATM(100m)
• Price: 648 USD

Link to the watch:

Vario Futurist Watch (Automatic)