Too Small to Fail - Gavox

There are a lot of micro brands out there.  Truthfully, they are ten a penny.  Micro brand has become really, truly misunderstood and misapplied.  All too often, what micro brand leads people to assume is - bargain, value for money, even cheap.  What everyone fails to understand is that micro brand really should mean:

A brand that is small.  

And small does not mean weak, it does not mean insignificant, and in fact it should not, de facto, mean new.  Moreover, it should not default equate to "poor man's version" status for anything.  Now, when brands are in the "homage" business, then that is a barb that they will have to face.

But what about those people who do something completely different?  Something totally off of the radar?

Enter Michael Happe and Gavox.  And I think the watch that best sums up what the best possible meaning of micro brand should mean, is the Gavox Aurora.

My first review of this watch was nearly four years ago, and you can find it here -
http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2016/04/practical-useful-and-shit-that-killed.html

And I have mused on it since -

http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2016/10/the-gavox-aurora-why-i-bought-it.html

http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2019/10/revisiting-gavox-aurora.html

Simply put, the world does not need more watch brands.  And the rapid destruction of several brand out there serves (albeit painfully) as a stark reminder of that fact.

But the world does need dreamers, people who thought - why not make a complex, multifunction quartz watch?

Gavox - too small to fail.

Revisiting the Gavox Aurora

So it's been a little more than 3 years since I first saw it, and just less than 3 years since I bought my own.

The Gavox Aurora is something of an outlier in the watch world.  On the one hand, it is without a doubt the most complex pilot's watch you can buy for south of $5,000 US.  On the other hand, it is a quartz watch and for some purists out there, that is an unforgivable sin.

A single watch that provides two time zones, a chronograph, a timer, date (month and date) and moonphase.  It's a lot going on made possible by a singular movement developed in partnership with Soprod.  But unlike a G-Shock or several of the other quartz options out there, the Aurora actually requires you to engage with it a bit.  You can just glance down and it's there.  No, you have to earn it by cycling through the functions.  And honestly?  For me this is, in many ways, what puts it right up there with anything else out there regardless of the price point.  The Aurora is still available, and for those making the trip to DC for District Time next weekend, you'll be able to check it out for yourself.  

And in case you missed it, here was my original review -

When you write a watch blog, even one that caters to a small readership such as Tempus Fugit, you get to test drive a lot of watches. And when you stop worrying about satisfying advertisers and stroking egos, you get to be honest.  This past spring I got to review the Gavox Aurora and to say that it made an impression on me would be a great understatement.

As I have said more than once, I am not a person driven by gadgets or the latest technical whimsy. I suspect whatever thirst for knowledge of the horological minutia of micro mechanics I might have once had got beaten out of me during my time at DOXA listening to armchair blowhards wax on about their superior knowledge (yes, that is sarcasm) of the fine points of the ETA 2824-2, or other sublime topics.

So the question is, what made such an impression on me?  Simple Complexity.  Yes, the Gavox Aurora has some pretty cool and sophisticated functionality, but all of the functions can be controlled even by a brain as "un nimble" as my own. 

But the other thing I really liked about about the Aurora was that it didn't just roll on its back like a faithful puppy waiting for you to rub its tummy.  No, if you wanted to check out or use the functions, you actually had to engage your brain, and the watch, by way of the crown/central pusher.  It makes the entire experience a bit more personalized, a WHOLE LOT MORE interactive.  It makes a complicated watch fun, without being an exercise in "haute behavior".  

So yes, this watch made a big impression on me, and hence I found myself in New York, cash in hand, to pick up my own and visit with Mr. Happe.

To a large extent, a watch is a watch is a watch.  And maybe it is just where I am emotionally, spiritually and intellectually in this world of watch fanatics of which I am a  member, but I want more than the latest innovation.  I want something that registers on a human, an emotional scale.

Something that provides a warm and fuzzy feeling.  And that is what the Aurora provides me.

When you find that special watch, well it is a love affair of sorts that you indulge in form the beginning of the day, until the sun sets.

So as the kitchen calls and I go to rattle a few pans to make dinner, remember that watches should be fun, as well as functional. The two are not mutually exclusive! So now I've got mine, and I am a happy guy!

I hope you find yours, whatever it is, or whoever makes it.

That's all for now - enjoy your watches!

The Shit That Killed Elvis 3 / 12

Okay, this one was not a watch I expected to like, let alone want.  You know that rugged, good looking guy who spends his days making millions in arbitrage and his weekends undertaking deeds of daring-do and death defiance?  I ain't that guy.  I am beginning to think more and more that the reason why I can't get an appointment at the Breitling booth is not journalism based, but because I am probably considered too much of a namby-pamby to be among their watches ; )

Well, this one impressed me so much I saved my soda bottles for their deposits and purchased one of my own.  It is one of those watches that are hard to logically explain - it is quartz!  Everyone knows that quartz is dumb, right? 

This is a watch that defies logic on every level and anyone who spends even a small amount of time with it will want one of their own.  I reviewed Michael Happe's personal watch and I now know what it is like to be seduced by a drug dealer - "the first one is free kid, tell all your friends"!

This was my original review -

http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2016/04/practical-useful-and-shit-that-killed.html

And this was the follow-up piece after I had bought my own -


http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2016/10/the-gavox-aurora-why-i-bought-it.html

Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, second time zone, timer, moonphase, day, date and month. 

Here are the pertinents -

Technical Specifications :

• Measurements  Ø 43 x 50.5 x 12 mm
• Measure between lugs 22mm
• Autonomy between 4 to 7 years depending on mode usage
• Analog watch with 4 hands (1 for the mode, 3 for the information).
• Day and night visibility thanks to luminous hands and markings. Swiss Superluminova DGW9.
• UTC time reference, and local time by increments of 15 minutes.
• Countdown from up to 31 hours, with visual alarm.
• Mission chronograph to 31 hours, with split and flyback features.
• Perpetual calendar with simultaneous indication of date, day, month and leap year.
• Moon phase.
• Surgical 316L stainless steel, highly impervious to salt and sweat.
• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflection coating.
• Water-resistance to pressure of 10 ATM (333 ft).

The Gavox Aurora - Why I Bought it

When you write a watch blog, even one that caters to a small readership such as Tempus Fugit, you get to test drive a lot of watches. And when you stop worrying about satisfying advertisers and stroking egos, you get to be honest.  This past spring I got to review the Gavox Aurora and to say that it made an impression on me would be a great understatement.

As I have said more than once, I am not a person driven by gadgets or the latest technical whimsy. I suspect whatever thirst for knowledge of the horological minutia of micro mechanics I might have once had got beaten out of me during my time at DOXA listening to armchair blowhards wax on about their superior knowledge (yes, that is sarcasm) of the fine points of the ETA 2824-2, or other sublime topics.

So the question is, what made such an impression on me?  Simple Complexity.  Yes, the Gavox Aurora has some pretty cool and sophisticated functionality, but all of the functions can be controlled even by a brain as "un nimble" as my own. 

But the other thing I really liked about about the Aurora was that it didn't just roll on its back like a faithful puppy waiting for you to rub its tummy.  No, if you wanted to check out or use the functions, you actually had to engage your brain, and the watch, by way of the crown/central pusher.  It makes the entire experience a bit more personalized, a WHOLE LOT MORE interactive.  It makes a complicated watch fun, without being an exercise in "haute behavior".  

So yes, this watch made a big impression on me, and hence I found myself in New York, cash in hand, to pick up my own and visit with Mr. Happe.

To a large extent, a watch is a watch is a watch.  And maybe it is just where I am emotionally, spiritually and intellectually in this world of watch fanatics of which I am a  member, but I want more than the latest innovation.  I want something that registers on a human, an emotional scale.

Something that provides a warm and fuzzy feeling.  And that is what the Aurora provides me.

When you find that special watch, well it is a love affair of sorts that you indulge in form the beginning of the day, until the sun sets.

So as the kitchen calls and I go to rattle a few pans to make dinner, remember that watches should be fun, as well as functional. The two are not mutually exclusive! So now I've got mine, and I am a happy guy!

I hope you find yours, whatever it is, or whoever makes it.

That's all for now - enjoy your watches!

What Watch would Tintin Wear?

Now those of you long time readers out there will remember a post with a similar title regarding the ochs und junior Two Time Zones (then referred to as the due ore).

What I was getting at was the spirit of the watch and the feeling that you had while wearing it.  I haven't had that feeling since 2011 - until recently when I got to test drive Michael Happe's Gavox Aurora.  Now in fairness, I realize that a review was conducted recently on this but as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.  And this is certainly the case here.

Courtesy of Gavox

This would be perfect for Tintin for a number of reasons - UTC, stop watch, and with Professor Calculus's help, he might even find a use for the moon phase to help thwart the evil deeds of Rastapopoulos (who I am fairly certain is a devoted IWC fan)!

Shamelessly borrowed from the INFOWEB

But this is the one that I suspect Tintin would strap on each morning in his Brussel's apartment before setting off to Marlinspike, or being thrown into another adventure in Tibet or even Syldavia -

Shamelessly borrowed form the INFOWEB

So pennies are being saved here at Tempus Fugit HQ for the Aurora - because while I write about this stuff and try to be objective, sometimes something strikes a nerve with you that is well-beyond the every day and speaks to you on a personal level.  That's why we are watch fans, isn't it?

Enjoy your watches!

Win a Gavox Aurora!

Unfortunately, I can't enter this contest and while I patiently save pennies to purchase a Gavox Aurora of my own, I wanted to spread the word about your chance to win an Aurora of your own.

Courtesy of Gavox

So here is the breakdown from Michael Happe of Gavox -

Win a Gavox Aurora and HD files of your Deepart work.

Posted on 08/05/201609/05/2016

Dear Customers, Friends, Visitors

You have the chance here to win a Gavox Aurora and Some Deepart.io HD files of your realisation. (Rules of the contest will be posted below).

What is Deepart.io : I discovered some time ago a fantastic computer generated art work based on the unique Algorithm. I makes unique artwork from 2 Image mixed together. Going to https://deepart.io/#   I selected a Picture of a Gavox Watch and added an artwork I wanted the watch to resemble to. I chose a painting of a friend  James Jean .

Rule of this contest

1) with the tool Deepart.io Create a combination of a Gavox shot using one picture with a Gavox on it ( from Internet or elsewhere) and combine it with an Artwork image of your choice. in order to creat a new and amazing Art.

2) Submission need to be done using on of these media : Instagram, Facebook , Email  “deepart@gavox.com“

3) for Gavox to be able to see the post in Instagram and Facebook , make your post public  if not sure send it over mail to deepart@gavox.com

4) For Instagram and Facebook submission :  Post it and tag you new art with @Gavoxwatches  on Instagram And/Or Facebook 

5) in message section add  these Hashtag  #Gavox ,  #Deepart , #deepartgavox  and the artist you got inspired from.

6). Last submission 31st of May 2016.

7) Best picture wins. ( judges are Gavox Team)

Winning Prizes 

Winner Gets a Gavox Aurora of his choice (+/- 950€) and his Super HD made will be given to him and Gavox will use it for his site.

2nd and 3rd will get HD resolution free from deapart

Many Thanks to Deepart.io  Team  who will offer Some Some HD resolution to the Top Winners

Thanks to @jamesjeanart ( I used the Adrift image to create this).

Thanks to Deepart Team for their Support.

Practical, Useful, and the SHIT THAT KILLED ELVIS!

This is an overdue review of the Gavox Aurora.

To give you some background on how this review spooled out, it was Monday night at BaselWorld and Michael Happe, fellow writer Martin Green and I were hanging out at the bar at the Ramada looking at Michael's newest dive watch.  We then got to speaking about the Aurora.  
But this was not my first face to face encounter with the Aurora.  Wendy and I had seen it up close and personal in Brussels back in November of 2014.  It was still in the development / not quite yet ready for prime time phase.

Flash forward a year and a few months and here we were looking at the Aurora in real time!  Michael asked me to check it out and give some feedback, and I started out with good intentions to simply check it out and lend some feedback.  But that was before I started wearing it.

The Aurora was not what you would call a "straight forward" proposition, although the idea/s behind it were.  At the time we sat down to lunch on the day after Thanksgiving in Brussels back in 2014, Michael explained to me all that he had gone through in getting the movement and the functions just the way he wanted with Soprod.  Because this movement, as such, did not really exist anywhere other than the imagination of Michael Happe.  It is quartz, but the number of refinements required made this well beyond your every day quartz movement.

Essentially, we are talking about a watch that provides time, day, date, UTC/second time zone, timer, chronograph, perpetual calendar and because, well it made it extra cool - a moon phase indication.

The Aurora can be had in three different finishes - Gold PVD -

Courtesy of Gavox

Black PVD -

Courtesy of Gavox

And in stainless steel -

Courtesy of Gavox

And it is a very, very good looking watch!  The case measures 43 mm wide,  50.5 mm lug to lug and 12 mm thick.  The watch has been unbelievably comfortable and it has truly been a pleasure to wear these past weeks.

The watch is substantial, but rational.  The lugs just reaching the edge of my wrist.   Like all of the Gavox watches I have seen, the quality of the finish is beyond reproach.  Every edge smooth and neat and incredibly pleasant to the touch.

I was lent the gold version.  This was an interesting style choice for Gavox, as the codes are often of a military inspired nature.  It was, in hindsight, a great decision as the gold tone provides a fantastic frame to the dial and hands.

The case back is solid stainless steel, no PVD treatment which makes sense as that portion of the watch is what sits on your wrist.

The strap is black, stitched and padded and finished off with a Gavox buckle.

And the Gavox logo also graces the crown.

Okay, so that takes care of the look and feel - but really what this watch screamed to me was how functional, useful and (although it took me a wee bit of time to get my small brain wrapped around the set-up) it is incredibly simple and FUN to wear and use!

But what Michael Happe went through to get all of the functionality of the Aurora into one watch was in the end, time very well spent.

Hours, and minutes are pretty straight forward and easily understood.  But if you notice the register and hand down at 6 o'clock, you will soon realize that this is not a retrograde second hand ; )  This is, in fact, the nerve center of the watch itself.  By pushing the crown in, you move from function to function.  So with Home selected, you will see the time in the normal way - small hand for the hour, big hand for the minutes.

Push the crown in and it then moves you to a moving seconds counter at 9 o'clock -

When you move again to UTC that is then your second time zone -

Timer provides a measured (once you set it up) time period -

And the minute hand will actually run counter-clockwise. Once the timer has completed its countdown all of the hands will return to 12 o'clock. In the chronograph mode the Aurora works pretty much whatever every other chronograph does. But this also offers a split and fly back feature.

For the perpetual calendar aspect - i.e. day, date, month? Simply push the crown again to get to the date function -

It is a wee bit hard to make out owing to the light in this picture, but the outer most chapter ring indicates the month (as you can see January printed in a lighter color. The minute hand now points to April.

The hour hand points to the day of the week - Thursday

And the actual day of the month is indicated in the scale at 9 o'clock.  You will also notice a bright white dot just north of the number 15 on the same scale. This is where the moon phase indication lives.  You can notice the subtle shades of the various stages of the moon's progress across the night sky -

And one other interesting feature is the "return to Home" function.  Whatever function you are in, simply press the crown down for 3 to 4 seconds and the function returns to Home.

And that is that ; )

So how do I sum up a watch that overwhelmed me in so many ways?  Not easy, to be sure.  I think in order for you, the reader, to have some perspective on why I am so emphatically impressed by the Aurora is to understand that I am perhaps the last person in the world who would be too interested in a technical watch.  During interviews and BaselWorld appointments my eyes tend to glaze over as soon as the conversation turns "techie".  Moreover, you could certainly get just about all of this functionality out of a G Shock or a connected or smart watch.  But this is special.  This movement was painfully fretted over by Soprod, and Micheal Happe was not willing to accept merely "good enough".  And this wonderful watch is the result.

So truthfully, if you have the funds and the inclination, you will be very, very happy with this purchase.

Here are the pertinents -

Gavox Aurora 446.3 rose gold

Technical specifications:

• Measurements  Ø 43 x 50.5 x 12 mm
• Measure between lugs 22mm
• Autonomy between 4 to 7 years depending on mode usage
• Analog watch with 4 hands (1 for the mode, 3 for the information).
• Day and night visibility thanks to luminous hands and markings. Swiss Superluminova DGW9.
• UTC time reference, and local time by increments of 15 minutes.
• Countdown from up to 31 hours, with visual alarm.
• Mission chronograph to 31 hours, with split and flyback features.
• Perpetual calendar with simultaneous indication of date, day, month and leap year.
• Moon phase.
• Surgical 316L stainless steel, highly impervious to salt and sweat.
• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflection coating.
• Water-resistance to pressure of 10 ATM (333 ft).
• Serial number.

Gavox Aurora

Courtesy of Gavox

You ever know about something and have to struggle with yourself not to share it?  Wendy and I had lunch with Michael Happe in Brussels the day after Thanksgiving this past year where we got to clap eyes on this little baby that he'd been working on for the past few years.  This is the Gavox Aurora and it has been designed for civil aviation.

It was designed to allow the measure of time In all "standard" time zones but also those that have been referred to by some as "political" time zones.  Ever been to Indiana?  Apparently the Hoosier state is not the only one.  So the Gavox Aurora is equipped to handle time zone variations of 15 minutes.  So you can view your home or "reference" time in one view.

Courtesy of Gavox

Other useful (and fun) features include a flyback mission timer, and a countdown function.  In addition there is a perpetual calendar and moon phase indication.

Here are the specs straight from Gavox -

Technical specifications:

• Measurements  Ø 43 x 50.5 x 12 mm
• Measure between lugs 22mm
• Autonomy between 4 to 7 years depending on mode usage
• Analog watch with 4 hands. Central hands for hours and minutes, mode hand at 6 o'clock
   and units hand at 9 o'clock.
• Day and night visibility thanks to luminous hands and markings. Swiss Superluminova DGW9.
• UTC time reference, and local time by increments of 15 minutes.
• Countdown from up to 31 hours, with visual alarm.
• Mission chronograph to 31 hours, with split and flyback features.
• Perpetual calendar with simultaneous indication of date, day, month and leap year.
• Moon phase.
• Surgical 316L stainless steel, highly impervious to salt and sweat.
• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflection coating.
• Water-resistance to pressure of 10 ATM (333 ft).

Behold the Aurora!

Now as I have tried to be very clear about, I do represent GoS Watches here in North America, but like any proud uncle, from time to time I can't be completely unbiased ; )

Courtesy of GoS Watches