Gruppo Gamma, a brand that I have reviewed here a few times, continues to improve and impress. Now, before I continue, I want to get something out of the way. Yes, the Vanguard and other models get their inspiration from Panerai of old. And so does Benarus, along with many other countless brands. I understand there are purists out there that only like the “real” deal. Well, unfortunately everyone is not in the same price bracket and can not afford a $7,000 or more watch, much as we all might want to.
That is where brands like Gruppo Gamma come in and give us the chance to own a similar looking watch, with great quality and specifications at a much more affordable price. Some might remember the Vanguard in Steel that I reviewed a while back. That can be seen HERE. Now this model is available in a larger size (47mm vs 44mm) and titanium, as opposed to steel. And if a steel or titanium model doesn’t do it for you, they also have a bronze version as well, which WatchReport hopes to review down the road.
The steel and titanium Vanguard have some similarities and some differences, and while the titanium version might be the larger of the two, I still think it might be the better value, although I do have a few things to point out that could have been done better.
Take a look at my video presentation below:
Full specifications and price:
- T-15, Titanium Vanguard 47 (Date)
- Case: Grade 5 titanium
- Crystal: Sapphire, double domed with underside anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Grade 5 titanium, screw-in
- Caseback: Grade 5 titanium, secured by screws
- Diameter: 47 mm excluding crown and lugs
- Lug-to-lug Distance: 57 mm
- Thickness: 16 mm
- Weight: 120 g with strap
- Water resistance: 30 ATM
- Movement: Miyota 9015, automatic, 28800 bph
- Case finish: bead-blasted
- Dial: Black, 2-layer with cream white luminescent markers
- Hands: Silver color with cream white luminescent markers (H, M), red (S)
Accessories:
- Original strap, black, length 120 x 80mm, width 24 x 24 mm, raw edges with Type V buckle
- Ghibli strap, green, length 120 x 80mm, width 24 x 24 mm, raw edges with Type V buckle
- Screwdriver
- Spring bars (2 pieces)
- Buy Online: US$ 499 shipped
The Titanium Vanguard shares the same sandwich dial as its steel brother, this version having a date, and much-improved lume, as you can see from the photos. The dial is a simple sandwich dial, with a matte black finish and a date located next to the 3 o’clock marker. Not sure if I like the date placement, or the date at all, but they do make a no date version, the T-16, if you prefer a cleaner look for this style of watch. A domed sapphire crystal sits atop the dial, and while it does have some glare, it definitely adds to the look of the watch. It is not a massive superdome, but you can see the difference from a flat crystal for sure.
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