The Chrono S Vincero is one of the few affordable chronographs on the market. Here’s everything you need to know about this versatile budget line of watches.
If you regularly Google men’s style and watches, I’m sure the Vincero Chrono S has found its way into your ad rotation. Vincero is quite a polarizing brand. I understand why, but I never quite fathom why one brand’s fandom causes such ire among the non-fans.
Buy what you love, people. Even more, the Chrono S line is undeniably affordable, with a wide range of models. So, there’s definitely a personalization factor here. Plus, that marble showcase back is pretty cool.
Let’s dive into this tentpole subline of wide-ranging chronographs. But first, here’s a little bit about Vincero themselves.
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Vincero Collective: A Little Bit About the Brand
Vincero is one of many Kickstarter brands that popped up in the mid-2010s when seemingly everyone was starting their watch lines. The difference for this San Diego-based collective is that they’re still around. And from the looks of it, they’re pretty successful.
As Vincero Collective, they sell directly to consumers.
Here’s why people like them. This is subjective, but the designs are good. From a visual perspective, they’re easy to like, and again, they range. Even if you consider them Chinese fashion watches, they offer more than many other fashion watches that are equally as cheap.
They’re also a Climate Neutral Certified brand. Few cheap Chinese brands can claim this.
However, they were designed in California, have an Italian name, and are again made in China. The mixed pedigree and Chinese manufacturing make them easy targets.
Still, if you’re looking for a chronograph for well under $200, it’s worth reading on to learn more about the Vincero Chrono. If, at the end of the day, you decide it’s still not for you, there are Vincero alternatives.
The Chrono S Watch Line
The Chrono S line is Vincero’s best-selling line, and I can understand why. They’re a range of chronographs that I’d describe as bold but not loud and have a good balance of sporty and dressy.
In fact, I’d say its biggest strength, other than the fashion watch price point, is its versatility. Chronographs are sporty by nature, yet one can easily wear these with a business suit. A dressy chrono is rare.
Yes, I know that these days, in a world long after James Bond wore his Submariner with a dinner jacket, anything goes. But, if you’re in a very traditional scenario, a tachymeter bezel with formal tailoring is technically a faux pas.
Inero’s Chrono S, or the S2 in its current iteration, has a minimal dial — at least minimal for chronograph standards. The stacked subdials gather towards the center, stage left from where the slim sword hands come out.
These hands sweep over the polished baton indices for excellent legibility. Of course, the slim bezel is much more elegant-looking than a more traditional sporty bezel.
And yes, the back has what Vincero describes as Italian marble. I think it’s a nice touch.
- Dimensions: 40 or 43mm diameter, 11mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 50m
Construction and Movement
The case uses 316L stainless steel, which the brand is quick to point out is surgical grade. This is a standard material at this price point, but it’s durable and high-quality.
It’s good to know that if there are shortcuts (to get that ideal profit margin), the case is still solid. That’s the first good sign.
I also like that the lugs maintain a fairly smooth silhouette while being dimensional. Again, it’s that mix of sporty and dressy.
I prefer the leather strap over the stainless steel strap. The latter looks like an oversimplified version of a standard oyster bracelet. It’s not bad, but I think the leather fits the overall sleek yet athletic aesthetic of the watch.
The strap is top-grain leather, which isn’t the cheapest leather ever. It’s better than “genuine leather” and a step below full-grain leather, though. Even within the full-grain leather category, though, there are levels.
That being the case, calling top-grain leather the silver medal of leather is a bit of an exaggeration. It’s not bad at all; it’s just a bit thin.
At this price point, I appreciate it. They could’ve easily gone with a low-grade, genuine leather strap.
My only complaint is that their product description claims they use “sapphire crystal glass”. Which, for the uninitiated, can be misleading.
It’s actually a mineral glass with a sapphire coating.
By the way, this is actually a cool feature. You get the shatter-proof nature of mineral with a scratch-proof layer on top of it. This is an example of why I think their prices are more than fair and, in some ways, incredibly high value!
I just wish the description were more specific.
And finally, all of these watches run on a Citizen Miyota OS11 movement. That’s another plus that puts Vincero above the typical fashion brand. A lot of them would simply say it runs on a quartz movement.
The Miyota 0S11 is standard but good. It’s the workhorse chronograph movement. The push button has just enough thrust to provide a satisfying click, so kudos to that.
The Colorways
Currently, there are eight colorways, each with a distinguished vibe.
The gunmetal/walnut dial is matte and slightly textured, tonal with the gunmetal case. It has a cool, commanding look, though it’s not the easiest to read.
The silver/tan is minimal and bright, with a white dial, silver case, and silver applications. This would make a good everyday watch.
The rose gold is a dressier option. I like how the stark black dial makes the subdials and applications look like they’re floating.
I think the dark olive/silver is exceptionally unique. It has a retro vibe similar to the green Seiko Recraft, and the green sunburst dial sparkles under certain lights.
If you want a black ops aesthetic, the stealth is a good option. It’s the Chrono Batman would choose.
Blue/brown and blue/steel are the same watch on different straps. They each have a bright blue sunray dial, but the former is on a brown leather strap. The latter is on a stainless steel one.
And finally, for you yellow gold fans, the black/gold steel is a classic black dial on gold construction. It also has a retro but relevant look to it.
Conclusion: Is the Chrono S for You?
If you like the Vincero Chrono S watch, go for it. They’re affordable, they come in so many different colorways, each of which accommodates a different personal style, and they’re well-built.
Vincero calls itself an affordable luxury. To some, a watch can be more luxurious, more affordable, or a combination of both. If that’s a concern for you, check out the previously mentioned alternatives.
Personally, I think they’re a fine watch for the price.
Are you a fan of Vincero Chrono S watches? Let us know why or why not!
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