Gruppo Gamma are rightly famous for their large watches with historic California dials, and the 44mm Gruppo Gamma Vanguard AN-18 dive watch is no exception, with a beautiful blue fumé gradient dial that starts darker on the outside and gets lighter towards the middle, matched with an equally impressive marine grade CuSn8 bronze case, which in our opinion is the best possible bronze option for developing a warm patina. Best option choices don't stop there and include a liberal application of Swiss Super-Luminova C3 lume, which is the brightest color, and a low profile double domed sapphire crystal lens, which is the hardest and most scratch resistant option possible.
The attention to detail is very remarkable in the Gruppo Gamma Vanguards too, with a lot of considerate touches from screwed lug ends, making strap changes a breeze, (a screwdriver is even included in the package,) to the unusual choice of bolt-on crown guards and opposite that on the far side of the case a steel side guard with an aged finish, which should really complement the bronze as it starts to patina. Rounding out the package are a choice of waxed Horween leather straps that should also age beautifully. (Horween is unequivocally the best tannery in North America.) Inside beats a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, which can last a lifetime with good care. These are clearly not your average 200 meter dive watches.
More than anything else, the quality of the build and the smooth buttery feel of the crown action are all hallmarks of a Gruppo Gamma timepiece which put Gruppo Gamma at the very top of the list when considering watch microbrands. You have to handle one of these watches to truly appreciate the quality.
We have it on good authority from Gruppo Gamma that these may well be the last bronze Vanguards in this format. As Gruppo Gamma models tend to sell out fairly quickly and we don't anticipate being able to restock these watches once they're gone, we recommend not waiting on a future release.
