When I first reviewed the prototype of the Alato Arvet, I said I was going to miss it a lot. And that turned out to be absolutely true – I really did. A lot.
But now, thanks to two good friends, the production version landed on my doorstep. Yes, the production version – with the improvements suggested by reviewers, including mine – is here. It’s here, it’s mine, and it’s time that I follow up on the review of the prototype and cover the Arvet in its finished form.
Since I’ve already covered the basic concept of the watch and what makes it great in the prototype’s review, I’ll try not to repeat myself, and instead focus on what has been improved.
New, improved case
At first glance, the case of the production version doesn’t look any different from the prototype’s. However, there are changes to it.
The lugs are now slightly longer – by 1 mm. It was a necessary change in order to accommodate a different type of bracelet end links. Visually, this adjustment gives the case a sleeker appearance, which – at least for me – is a good move.
I bet some won’t like how this sounds, but an increase from 45 to 46 mm in lug-to-lug distance is nothing dramatic. Another benefit of this tweak is that the depth of the space between the lugs is now slightly deeper, reducing the risk of a thicker leather strap rubbing against the case.
The biggest improvement, however, is one that can’t be seen. The case and the end links are now protected by a scratch-resistant PVD coating. When I reviewed the prototype, it already had some noticeable scratches – understandably so, as several reviewers had tested it before me.
Additionally, in the course of the manufacturing process, every Arvet case now receives its top surface finishing with end links installed, which means that the brushing on the end links and the top of the case always match perfectly.
The upgraded finishing process and the addition of protective PVD delayed the deliveries of the Arvet from early October to mid-December. However, I totally agree with Pierre’s decision to prioritize product improvement over meeting an arbitrary deadline.
That’s what I call commitment to quality. Take notes, big brands – Pierre is showing you how it’s done!
Updated dial and hands
The only change to the dial is the slightly upscaled Alato logo and text. They were OK on the prototype, but this seemingly small adjustment gives the whole thing a more balanced look. Or, at least that’s the best way in which I can describe it.
The most noticeable upgrade is the minute hand. It’s now slightly wider, which might not sound like much. However, when the lights go out, it works wonders for legibility. That’s because increasing the width means there’s more lume in the narrowest portion of that hand.
In the prototype, that part didn’t glow strong enough, making the hour and minute hands look way too similar in the dark. Thanks to this minor change, that issue is completely resolved.
The bracelet (on steroids)
When I tested the prototype, I enjoyed it more on its bracelet than on leather straps. The Arvet’s H-link bracelet, held together by screws and equipped with an all-milled clasp, was already a benchmark of sturdiness. With a tool-free microadjustment system, it’s a winner in terms of comfort as well. But now…you guessed it, it’s even better!
The prototype had male end links, which looked great but weren’t ideal for those with smaller wrists. The new female end links have completely solved that issue, making the watch more comfortable for a wider range of wearers. Even on my wrist, the difference is noticeable—it just wears better. And visually? It’s an improvement as well.
My one major suggestion for an improvement was dulling the edge of the bracelet that’s in contact with the wrist. The edges of the bracelet were a bit sharp – not intolerably so, but that could be felt. Pierre addressed this perfectly – the bracelet now features an additional facet on the edge. This barely visible tweak has taken wear comfort to a whole new level. Now? It’s genuinely great.
As if it wasn’t good enough the way it is, there’s yet another little improvement that some – me included – will really love.
Thanks to the drilled lugs, swapping out straps was easy in the prototype. Now, in addition to these, the bracelet is equipped with a quick-release system. Changing straps just couldn’t be more of a breeze than it is now.
The packaging
The Arvet comes in a minimalistic, but very pleasant packaging. An external box of textured cardboard contains a very elegant, golden brown leather pouch.
The pouch, adorned with a small accent of blue and yellow – the colours of the Swedish flag – has a soft suede lining and pocket, plus a leather pad that’s placed between the watch and the bracelet to protect the case back and the inner side of the clasp from scratching each other.
I think it’s a great choice of packaging, since the leather case can easily act as a travel storage for the watch, so – unlike some big box – it remains useful.
A long-term „all-in-all…”
I’ve been wearing the production Arvet for almost 3 months now, so, what do I think about it? Simply put, it’s everything that made the prototype great – and then some.
From the start, I loved the very original inspiration and its implementation in the design, coupled with cues from vintage watches, namely the Seiko/Grand Seiko-inspired case that’s been seasoned with some Pierre-original touches to it, like the crown and the 3-facet bezel with contrasting finishing on it.
The Arvet has a depth and intricacy of finishing that punches well above its weight class. Combined with the creativity behind its design and the subtle nods to details that only the nerdiest of WIS would recognize, it’s a fantastically original piece with the technical versatility to handle just about anything a regular wearer could throw at it.
Lastly, it has been designed by an enthusiast, for enthusiasts, improved with the help of other enthusiasts, so that it meets the style and wearing experience expectations as much as possible.
I loved it then. I love it even more now. In the words of Pink Floyd…shine on, you crazy diamond!
You can order yours directly from the Alato website.
Technical specification (updated)
- Case material: 316L stainless steel with anti-scratch (up to 1200 Hv) clear PVD
- Diameter: 38mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46mm
- Thickness: 10.9mm (including the domed crystal)
- Lug width: 20mm
- Water resistance: 100m
- Crown: screw-down
- Crystal: box-dome sapphire with ARC on the underside
- Lume: BGW9 (blue glow) Super-LumiNova
- Bracelet: Screw-held H-link, twin-trigger clasp with on-the-fly microadjustment system, female end links with quick-release system
- Dial options: blue, black, burgundy (regular production) + copper/salmon limited edition
- Movement: Miyota 9039 – 24 jewels, 28800 A/h, 42h power reserve, hacking second, hand-winding functionality, custom rotor with BGW9 lume decorations
What do you think of the Alato Arvet? Let me know in the comments below.
Great review, what’s not to like? Bevelled bracelet, drilled lugs and the dial design is fancy but not overly so. My favourite size too! Black or copper/salmon for me though.
Glad you like it! Black’s definitely a great and very versatile choice.