Vario celebrates Singapore’s 60 years of Independence with the new, and delightfully red SG60 Merlion Trench Watch
Tom AustinThe story of Singapore’s independence is one of grit, determination, and remarkable self-made success. From its hard-fought beginnings in 1965, the nation has grown into a model of stability and ambition, known for its distinctive cultural blend and forward-looking spirit. To mark this 60-year milestone of independence, homegrown watchmaker Vario has unveiled a vintage-inspired wristwatch based on its popular 1918 Trench design, which wears its patriotism proudly. The SG60 Merlion Trench Watch is limited to 60 numbered units, capturing Singapore’s national pride through its vintage design and thoughtful symbolism.
The case
Vario is a brand that takes its heritage design language seriously, ensuring that the overall look of its watches is in keeping with the vintage pieces they’re inspired by, while making sure they meet today’s needs. The latest SG60 Merlion Trench shares its marine-grade 316L stainless steel case with the brand’s 1918 Trench watch, which is an ideal blend of vintage-inspired style and contemporary comfort. The main body of the 37mm case is classically round and just 10mm thick, with genuine fixed wire lugs taking the lug-to-lug measurement to 45mm, keeping the proportions compact and wearable.
Just like an original trench watch, the SG60’s case is robust and functional. The wire lugs prevent any kind of strap failure, and water resistance is an impressive 100 meters, thanks to the large screw down crown at 4 o’clock, along with a 2mm thick double-domed sapphire crystal. The crystal is also treated with an anti-reflective coating, adding modern functionality to a traditional, vintage-looking watch. The rounded case back also features a numbered engraving, along with an embossed Merlion emblem.
The dial
The SG60 Merlion Trench’s dial is a welcome departure from Vario’s standard range of trench watches, as they tend to be more subdued, in keeping with the traditional, functional requirements. The latest model is finished in vibrant red enamel with contrasting white details, inspired by Singapore’s national colours, and proudly bears a Merlion emblem at 12 o’clock, symbolising Singapore’s heritage and resilience.
The large Arabic hour markers, finished in white C3 lume, are complemented by a white sub-seconds dial and large white cathedral-style hands that track around a white minute track. The result is highly bold and legible, and thanks to Vario’s modern enamel techniques, which, according to Vario, will remain looking as good as new over time, impervious to ageing, unlike enamel dials of old.
The strap
The SG60 Merlion Trench, unlike Vario’s other Trench models, comes with only one style of strap: a military-inspired leather bund strap from leather specialist Crazy Horse. It comes in soft, unfinished black leather and is fixed to the watch via press-studded tabs that slide under the wire lugs. Bund straps can be pretty divisive, and given the additional bulk they add to a perfectly sized watch, they’re not to everyone’s taste, for sure. However, the quality of this strap is excellent, and it does suit the overall style and look of the watch. The straps are of course easily interchangeable, if bund straps aren’t to your taste, and Vario offers a plethora of alternative straps in its shop which would look great with this new model, such as a vintage garnet red Italian leather strap, or even a clip-on leather strap, made specifically for the fixed lug design.
The movement
The SG60 comes equipped with the Japanese Miyota 82S5 automatic movement, also found in Vario’s other trench watches. It’s a reliable self-winding calibre, which beats at 21,600 vph and features a 40-hour power reserve. It also features a hacking seconds function, a necessity derived from the original trench watches, where soldiers needed to synchronise their watches before heading into battle. While the movement is inexpensive, it’s a solid, cost-effective solution that keeps service costs at a minimum over time. Unusually, it’s even treated to côtes de Genève finishing in certain areas, so if you do happen to remove the case back, it’s at least a pleasing sight.
Closing thoughts
The SG60 Merlion Trench is a fitting tribute to celebrate Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence. Thankfully, the trench watch is more of a fashion statement today than a necessity, so it’s nice to see Vario exploring different dial colour options, especially employing the use of enamelling on a small scale. The bright red is a vibrant departure from most trench watches, which usually end up being visibly and intentionally drab, so if you’re looking for a military style watch with a hit of colour, you had better be quick, because being limited to just 60 pieces, they may be pretty hard to come by.
Vario SG60 Merlion Trench Watch pricing and availability
The Vario SG60 Merlion Trench Watch is available directly from Vario and is limited to 60 pieces. Price: approx. US$470
| Brand | Vario |
| Model | SG60 Merlion Trench Watch |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 10mm(T) x 45mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Dial | Enamel red with contrasting C3 white lume |
| Lug Width | 18 mm fixed wire lugs |
| Strap | Unfinished black leather Crazy Horse bund strap |
| Movement | Miyota 82S5 automatic |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Limited to 60 pieces |
| Price | Approx. US$470 |
Made in partnership with Vario. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.