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Customer Service Tell me if you’re anything like me:
I could have 100 watches, and I’d still be on the lookout for a fresh style.
Does that sound like you?
Well, I kept seeing panda dials (white dial with black subdials) popping up on my Instagram feed. I knew I couldn’t get a new watch—I already have too many.
And then I saw Vincero’s new Apex.
This racing watch comes in a variety of colorways, but the panda dial drew me in right away and I had to get it.
I’ve been wearing this watch for about three months now. Keep reading for my full thoughts.
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How Does the Apex Fit in With Other Vincero Watches?
Since October 2019,
We’ve reviewed most
Or, just click on one the watches below to take you directly to our reviews of each collection:
Their three most recent releases (Altitude, Vessel, and Apex) have been taking the brand in a new direction.
And I like it.
While
Vincero’s Altitude line offers a cool design with versatile color schemes. While they’ve made some concessions to keep the price down, Vincero has delivered another great fashion-forward watch.
The Altitude is the brand’s first pilot watch, the Vessel their first diver watch, and now the Apex:
While I like the Kairos for its pared-back minimalism, these three new additions are more unique.
While we’d like to see a greater selection of leather bands from Vincero, the simple, masculine design of the Kairos collection works equally well in the office, at a wedding, or out for drinks.
And beyond that,
Things to Consider Before Buying a Racing Watch
Race watches have a chronograph movement and a tachymeter. This means there’s a lot to look at.
Because there’s so much information packed into the timepiece, it’s not really appropriate for formal occasions where a slimmer, more refined minimalist watch is called for.
That said, if a sporty utilitarian piece is more your pace, then a racing watch is a fantastic option. The style is equally loved by Europeans and Americans alike, so if you’re planning a Euro-trip (or an America trip for our EU readers) these types of watches skip effortlessly across the style border.
Vincero Apex Unboxing & Review
Packaging
The Apex arrives in a chunky black cardboard box. The unboxing experience with
I’ve never put too much weight on the unboxing experience unless it’s truly terrible. But it is a small consideration if you’re getting the watch as a gift—you want the other person to have an amazing first impression before they see their new timepiece.
Case & Caseback
The case is made with 316L stainless steel and has a 42mm diameter with 11mm of depth.
I like a 42mm diameter—I have average sized wrists, so the size is masculine, but doesn’t flirt with oversized territory like 44-46mm. I’m also a fan of how slim this timepiece is. 11mm isn’t the slimmest by any means, but the proportions are flattering.
The bezel is equipped with a tachymeter and just the slightest hint of color. It’s one of my favorite aspects of this watch: the word “tachymeter” is printed in a contrasting color (on my panda dial, it’s red). This contrasting color is picked back up in the chronograph hand.
It’s a subtle touch that gives this racing watch a little more edge to it than other versions of the same style.
Vincero has done away with their signature marble insert on the Apex caseback. Instead they feature a heavily embossed and polished logo, along with their catchphrase: “Veni, Vidi, Vici. Live Your Legacy.”
I’ve joked before that putting on a
This timepiece has a 10atm (100m) water resistance, which is another step up for the brand. At 100m, I feel comfortable leaving the watch on in the shower (no, I don’t take showers 100 meters below the surface, contrary to popular belief).
But with that kind of water resistance rating, I’m confident
Dial & Crystal
The dial of the Apex may look straight-straight forward, but there are a few details that I’m really enjoying.
First off, I love the white and black panda dial. The other colorways don’t grab me all that much, so I won’t speak to them.
The Silver/Black option (my favorite) has a white dial with a textured chapter ring. Along the chapter ring the brand has placed silver and black indices and the Arabic numerals 12 and 6.
There’s a strong contrast with the two black subdials. The left subdial measures out the minutes of the chronograph, and the right subdial acts as a 24-hour clock.
Considering the case is only 11mm deep,
The crystal is a flat sapphire coated mineral crystal. This is the standard crystal
I was pleased to see them step the Vessel up to a full sapphire crystal and was hoping to see that in the Apex, but a sapphire coating will do.
Movement & Crown
The Apex runs on a Seiko mecha-quartz movement. What’s a mecha-quartz movement, you ask?
Basically, the chronograph sundial and hours/minutes complications run via Japanese quartz, but the chronograph second-hand is mechanical, so it snaps back into position when you press the bottom pusher.
It functions well and any respectable race watch should have the chronograph function.
The only downside I can see is that there’s no second-hand. If you like the ticking motion of a second-hand, you’re going to be let down because this movement doesn’t allow that feature.
The Apex has a two-position crown, though only the most outward position affects the watch. A
Two pushers above and below the crown control the chronograph (the top starts it, the bottom resets).
Strap & Wearability
The Silver/Black colorway comes with a silver link bracelet. Believe it or not, this was a first for me. Before picking up the Apex, I had maybe 20 watches, but all either had a leather, silicone, or nylon strap.
I’ve been loving the look and it’s my go to for casual wear. The silver link bracelet pairs well with my white gold wedding band and that cooler color pairs well with my skin tone.
I’d love to see
While I like the bracelet because it won’t get damaged in the water, a leather strap would be a great backup for when I want to switch the look up.
The Apex bracelet arrives at its largest possible size, so there’s a good chance you’ll need to remove three or four links to get it to fit your wrist.
Good news: you can do this at home with a few tools you probably have lying around your house. You don’t need that link-remover tool—just something thin and sturdy that you can tap in with a wrench.
The Vincero Apex is a unique take on the racing watch genre. With solid water resistance, sapphire coated crystal, and a Seiko mecha-quartz movement, Vincero has stepped up their quality again.
My Thoughts Overall On the Vincero Apex
What I Like
Outfitted with a sapphire coated crystal and 100m of water resistance, Vincero boosted their quality in the Apex.
I love the contrast of the white and black dial. There’s a lot of depth and it’s interesting to look at.
The links of the bracelet are easy to change out.
2-year warranty, free shipping, and 30-day returns.
What I Don’t Like
There’s no second hand. You don’t often get one with a chronograph movement, but I still miss it.
Who is the Vincero Apex for?
The Vincero Apex is an excellent timepiece for guys who want something that’s bold and masculine but has a little sporty-vintage vibe.
The Verdict
Racing watches aren’t going out of style soon, and the Apex is Vincero’s unique stamp on the genre.
It makes for a fantastic “everyday” watch. With a sapphire coated crystal and 100 meters of water resistance, this timepiece can withstand a good deal of abuse.
Please check out Vincero’s other colorways, but for me, it was the Silver/Black (what I’m calling a panda dial) or nothing at all.
The dial is full of depth and texture, so it makes for a handsome piece. I still find myself missing the action of a second hand, but that’s a tradeoff you’ll have to make with a chronograph movement.
The Apex has been my “nightstand” watch for a few months. By that, I mean it’s what I put on first thing in the morning after getting out of bed (and usually it’s what I take off right before bed, too).
If you’re a fella with drive, shift into gear and pick up this racing watch for yourself.
The Vincero Apex is a unique take on the racing watch genre. With solid water resistance, sapphire coated crystal, and a Seiko mecha-quartz movement, Vincero has stepped up their quality again.
More Vincero Reviews
Digging the
Check out our reviews of five other
FAQs
When was Vincero founded?
Vincero was founded in 2014 in the San Diego area.
How long does Vincero take to ship?
Vincero offers free standard shipping, and it takes between three and four days to arrive.
