Gavox Avidiver Mini Review
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 4:18 pm
I first found out about this watch from a DWC post. At the time I found myself drawn to compressor style watches, as well as pilot watches, neither of which I had. The Avidiver really intrigued me as obviously it’s a hybrid of both. Another aspect of this watch I liked was it’s one I rarely see posted anywhere. It’s different and unique, and after having it for several weeks, just plain fun. There are 6 color/case combos, but I chose to go with the black dial & PVD case as I like the all black tactical look. I managed to take advantage of a 20% off sale they had at the time, which made the price acceptable. Also buyers in the US do not have to pay the 21% VAT tax.
Gavox Avidiver - Time 2 Give
http://time2give.be/index.php?id_catego ... &id_lang=1
Specifications:
• Automatic Movement Miyota 9015
• Surgical 316L stainless steel case (PVD Steel of black)
• Case diameter: 43mm
• Case Length (Lug to Lug): 50.8mm
• Case thickness: 12.8 mm
• Between lug (Strap Size): 22mm
• Date display at 4 O’clock
• Screw down Crown for bezel and movement
• 4 layer sandwich structure dial
• Crystal: Double domed Sapphire with bottom antireflection layer
• Luminescent hands and dial (Superluminova BW-G9 (for Black and Blue) C3 (For White)
• Internal Turning Bezel (Triangle use as a reference marker) Can be used as Chronograph, Timer, Zulu Time.
• Marker can be used as a minute or hour chronograph timer gold
• Unique serial number
• Gavox molded silicone strap
• Water resistant: 20 ATM (600 feet)
Packaging:
The watch comes packaged in a cool wooden box, with a leather latch. Also included was warranty card and manual. Personally not really into packaging as it’s just something else taking up drawer space, so that’s about it.
Out of the box impressions:
I loved it immediately. I knew for me this was going to be a fun watch to wear, especially with two of Art’s canvas straps I already had, along with Terry’s BLACKout Natos. The size was perfect for my 7” flat wrist, and if the specs are correct, I feel it wears smaller than they would suggest. I’m sure the fact it wears smaller has something to do with it being all black as well.
Case:
Finishing on the case appears to be good, with vertical brushing on the sides. Lugs curve down and hug the wrist, which is another factor in it wearing smaller. Another advantage is the two sets of lugs holes. The ones closest to the end are used for the custom fitted strap. The 2nd sets are slightly closer to the case, which I’m currently using for canvas and Natos. It’s a nice, well thought out, extra attention to detail. The dual crowns both screw down, but are on the smaller side. Both are protected by crown guards, which I feel still gives it that diver look. The lower signed crown controls the movement, and the upper, (marked by an orange triangle), controls the rotating orange triangle. I’ve read setting the date was a little tricky, and I did experience that the first time, but worked fine the next time. Maybe initially it was a little stiff at first.
These pictures from the Gavox site.
Dial & Hands:
More on the upper crown first. As mentioned it controls the rotating triangle, so there is no rotating bezel. This can be used to track both a 2nd time zone, or set for elapsed time as you would a dive bezel. It’s a unique feature, and one I’ve not seen on another watch anyway. Once the triangle is positioned, and the crown is screwed down it does not move at all. The triangle is also lumed, which shows up great. I really like this dial and its 4 layer sandwich construction. The dial definitely comes off with the pilot vibe with large 3, 6, & 9 numerals, and the white roman sword style hands, both of which makes it highly legible. The sandwich dial also makes the lume show up very sharp and even. The date is at the 4 position, and to me isn’t very noticeable, so it doesn’t distract from the balance of the dial. The text on the dial is minimal with the Gavox logo above the hands, and the word Automatic followed by 20ATM. Automatic is in cursive much like on the Sumo and Shogun, which I think is a nice touch. The second hand is tipped in orange, and the opposite end is in the shape of the Gavox logo. The one negative I have is that the orange tip is not lumed. Not sure why, as the orange triangle is, and would have been a perfect match to have done so.
Pic from the web.
Strap:
The strap is an extremely soft and comfortable silicon, that is custom fitted to the case, and has Gavox molded into it. Haven’t worn it much, but will probably do so in the summer for water activities. My PVD buckle is also engraved with the word Gavox.
Movement:
The watch uses the reliable and popular Miyota 9015 movement. I won’t go into detail as this is the first one I’ve had, but the second hand sweep is very smooth, and mine is currently running a very acceptable -3 to -4 s/d on wrist since I’ve had it. Also worth mentioning is the case comes with a sapphire caseback , if one likes to view the engraved movement. Personally for me on a diver, this is an extra cost I could have done without.
Conclusion:
I love this watch! It’s a very different look, and fun to wear. It may not be for everybody, but for me personally, it’s a welcome change of pace from what seems like an endless sea of homages being produced by micro brands today.
David
Gavox Avidiver - Time 2 Give
http://time2give.be/index.php?id_catego ... &id_lang=1
Specifications:
• Automatic Movement Miyota 9015
• Surgical 316L stainless steel case (PVD Steel of black)
• Case diameter: 43mm
• Case Length (Lug to Lug): 50.8mm
• Case thickness: 12.8 mm
• Between lug (Strap Size): 22mm
• Date display at 4 O’clock
• Screw down Crown for bezel and movement
• 4 layer sandwich structure dial
• Crystal: Double domed Sapphire with bottom antireflection layer
• Luminescent hands and dial (Superluminova BW-G9 (for Black and Blue) C3 (For White)
• Internal Turning Bezel (Triangle use as a reference marker) Can be used as Chronograph, Timer, Zulu Time.
• Marker can be used as a minute or hour chronograph timer gold
• Unique serial number
• Gavox molded silicone strap
• Water resistant: 20 ATM (600 feet)
Packaging:
The watch comes packaged in a cool wooden box, with a leather latch. Also included was warranty card and manual. Personally not really into packaging as it’s just something else taking up drawer space, so that’s about it.
Out of the box impressions:
I loved it immediately. I knew for me this was going to be a fun watch to wear, especially with two of Art’s canvas straps I already had, along with Terry’s BLACKout Natos. The size was perfect for my 7” flat wrist, and if the specs are correct, I feel it wears smaller than they would suggest. I’m sure the fact it wears smaller has something to do with it being all black as well.
Case:
Finishing on the case appears to be good, with vertical brushing on the sides. Lugs curve down and hug the wrist, which is another factor in it wearing smaller. Another advantage is the two sets of lugs holes. The ones closest to the end are used for the custom fitted strap. The 2nd sets are slightly closer to the case, which I’m currently using for canvas and Natos. It’s a nice, well thought out, extra attention to detail. The dual crowns both screw down, but are on the smaller side. Both are protected by crown guards, which I feel still gives it that diver look. The lower signed crown controls the movement, and the upper, (marked by an orange triangle), controls the rotating orange triangle. I’ve read setting the date was a little tricky, and I did experience that the first time, but worked fine the next time. Maybe initially it was a little stiff at first.
These pictures from the Gavox site.
Dial & Hands:
More on the upper crown first. As mentioned it controls the rotating triangle, so there is no rotating bezel. This can be used to track both a 2nd time zone, or set for elapsed time as you would a dive bezel. It’s a unique feature, and one I’ve not seen on another watch anyway. Once the triangle is positioned, and the crown is screwed down it does not move at all. The triangle is also lumed, which shows up great. I really like this dial and its 4 layer sandwich construction. The dial definitely comes off with the pilot vibe with large 3, 6, & 9 numerals, and the white roman sword style hands, both of which makes it highly legible. The sandwich dial also makes the lume show up very sharp and even. The date is at the 4 position, and to me isn’t very noticeable, so it doesn’t distract from the balance of the dial. The text on the dial is minimal with the Gavox logo above the hands, and the word Automatic followed by 20ATM. Automatic is in cursive much like on the Sumo and Shogun, which I think is a nice touch. The second hand is tipped in orange, and the opposite end is in the shape of the Gavox logo. The one negative I have is that the orange tip is not lumed. Not sure why, as the orange triangle is, and would have been a perfect match to have done so.
Pic from the web.
Strap:
The strap is an extremely soft and comfortable silicon, that is custom fitted to the case, and has Gavox molded into it. Haven’t worn it much, but will probably do so in the summer for water activities. My PVD buckle is also engraved with the word Gavox.
Movement:
The watch uses the reliable and popular Miyota 9015 movement. I won’t go into detail as this is the first one I’ve had, but the second hand sweep is very smooth, and mine is currently running a very acceptable -3 to -4 s/d on wrist since I’ve had it. Also worth mentioning is the case comes with a sapphire caseback , if one likes to view the engraved movement. Personally for me on a diver, this is an extra cost I could have done without.
Conclusion:
I love this watch! It’s a very different look, and fun to wear. It may not be for everybody, but for me personally, it’s a welcome change of pace from what seems like an endless sea of homages being produced by micro brands today.
David
but definitely shows the watch was built tough. 
