Recently, I had the opportunity to review the Vesuviate Volare GMT and came away genuinely impressed—not just by its overall execution, but also by the unique features it brings to the table. Notably, it was the first watch I reviewed that featured a heat-treated case, engineered for added hardness and durability—an impressive touch that set it apart. Following that experience, I was invited to review another piece from Vesuviate’s lineup. This time, I chose a model from one of their most popular collections: the Attivo. Instead of opting for the regular version or the latest Attivo-Duplex, I was particularly drawn to the Attivo Chronograph—both for its distinctive design and because I wanted to explore the automatic variant powered by the Sea-Gull ST-1940 movement. The Attivo Chronograph is available in several dial color options, including Black, Maroon Brown, Pale Yellow, Pastel Blue, White (Full Lume), and Salmon. The version I selected features the Salmon dial, which I personally find to be the most visually compelling among the lineup.
The Attivo Chronograph arrived in a compact brown leather pouch, neatly presented within a small cardboard box. While the packaging is minimalistic, I believe Vesuviate has absolutely nailed it. It’s practical, travel-friendly, and versatile—the leather pouch is not only ideal for storing the watch but can easily be repurposed for other small items. As always, Vesuviate delivers thoughtful and functional packaging. First impressions of the watch itself were very positive. The dial stands out—not as your typical salmon dial, which often features a brushed finish and a reflective sheen—but rather, Vesuviate opted for a more understated matte pink salmon pastel tone. While that might sound modest on paper, in person it comes across as subtly distinctive and quite engaging. Another highlight is the exhibition case back, which offers a clear view of the Sea-Gull ST-1940 movement. It’s a visually compelling calibre, with a surprising amount of detail and finishing that makes it genuinely enjoyable to observe.
At first glance, the Attivo Chronograph‘s square cushion case is hard to miss. Measuring 39mm in width and 46.2mm lug-to-lug, the case delivers wrist presence without going overboard. While the footprint might seem modest on paper, the overall thickness—13.95mm thanks to the automatic chronograph movement—adds a commanding heft. The case is made from 316L stainless steel, the industry standard for high-end tool watches, but Vesuviate has gone a step further by treating it with a proprietary heat-hardening process that boosts surface hardness to 1100 Vickers—well beyond the typical 200–300 Vickers rating of untreated steel. In practical terms, this means it will resist scratches and knocks far better than most watches in its price range.
The brushing and polishing are executed cleanly, with satin-brushed sides and polished bevels lending just enough visual contrast. The signed screw-down crown is located at 3 o’clock, and the chronograph pushers are placed symmetrically on either side—simple, traditional, and functional. On the front, a double-domed sapphire crystal with five layers of internal anti-reflective coating provides clear visibility from all angles. The crystal’s curve adds a soft distortion at the edges that gives the watch some vintage flair, without compromising legibility. Turn the watch over, and you’re greeted by an exhibition case back with flat sapphire crystal that showcases the mechanical movement inside—an increasingly common touch for microbrands, but always appreciated by horological purists. The watch is rated for 100 meters (10 ATM) of water resistance, which is respectable for a chronograph of this type. While it does feature a screw-down crown to enhance water resistance, it’s worth noting that the chronograph pushers are not screw-down. As with most chronographs, these can be potential entry points for water if operated underwater, so caution is advised during water exposure.
While the case has a rugged, industrial aesthetic, the dial brings a sense of balance and refinement to the overall design. It features a matte salmon-pink color that gives it a soft, vintage charm without being overly flashy. The minute track is printed in black, forming a clean circular boundary that contrasts nicely against the dial’s shape. Interestingly, the dial itself is square, adding a geometric uniqueness that sets it apart from more traditional chronograph designs. The main dial features applied hour markers, generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova, and a set of index-shaped hands that are both broad and lume-filled, ensuring visibility in all conditions. Adding a touch of contrast and visual interest, the chronograph seconds hand is rendered in a bold red with a needle-like shape. This vibrant accent not only enhances legibility but also provides a striking focal point against the muted salmon-pink dial. The lume performance is particularly impressive. The hands emit a captivating blend of blue and green glow, offering both a striking visual effect in the dark and excellent legibility in low-light conditions.
Two square subdials break up the circular layout: a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, and a running seconds at 9 o’clock. Both subdials are slightly recessed and color-matched to the main dial, with circular pattern that gives them a subtle gleam under light. Adding to the impressive nighttime visibility, the sub-dial hands are also lumed—a thoughtful detail not often seen at this price point. At 12 o’clock we have the Vesuviate logo and at 6 o’clock the model name “Attivo” in red matching to the red seconds hand. In my opinion decision to omit a date window was deliberate—and appreciated. It keeps the dial clean and symmetrical.
Longtime readers will likely know that I’m a big fan of the Sea-Gull ST19 movement. In fact, I’ve previously written a well-received brief history of the calibre (an article that was even referenced by Hodinkee a few years ago by the way). The Vesuviate Attivo Chronograph is powered by the Seagull ST-1940, a mechanical chronograph movement based on the venerable Venus 175 column-wheel chronograph design. Originally a Swiss movement from the 1940s, the Venus 175 tooling was sold to the Tianjin Seagull Watch Group in the 1960s, where it has been refined and modernized over time.
This specific ST-1940 iteration offers automatic winding, a 21,600 vph beat rate, 33 jewels, and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. It’s rare to find an automatic column-wheel chronograph movement at this price point, and while Seagull movements have earned mixed reputations over the years, many recent models—especially the ST-1900 and 1940 series—are increasingly reliable when properly regulated. I have examples that are now over eight years old and still perform impressively—running at just +5 seconds per day with an amplitude exceeding 300 degrees. This level of long-term consistency speaks volumes about the movement’s durability and the solid engineering behind it. The exhibition case back reveals a custom gold-toned skeleton rotor and visible blued screws. While not decorated to the level of Swiss luxury calibers, there’s something charming and satisfyingly mechanical about its industrial appearance. The pushers operate with a firm but smooth action, offering tactile feedback that confirms the movement’s mechanical origin. While a manual-wind chronograph might have shaved a few millimeters off the thickness, the automatic convenience is welcome for a daily-wearable tool watch.
The Attivo Chronograph is fitted with a 24mm integrated stainless steel bracelet that tapers to 22mm at the hidden double-folding clasp. The bold, substantial bracelet design aligns well with the watch’s rugged and assertive character. Each solid link features brushed outer segments and polished center links, with finishing that’s well-executed and consistent with the case’s industrial aesthetic. However, the bracelet links are secured using push pins rather than screw links—a minor letdown, as screw links would have been a more premium and practical choice. On a more positive note, the bracelet includes quick-release spring bars, a welcome modern touch that allows for easy strap changes without the need for tools. While the integrated lug design does limit compatibility with 99.9% of aftermarket straps, Vesuviate offers leather options that come with fitted middle links to seamlessly integrate with the case—maintaining the cohesive design while offering some versatility. On the wrist, the bracelet wears surprisingly comfortably. Despite its bold appearance, it sits well and doesn’t pull hairs—something that can often be an issue with chunkier steel bracelets. The smooth articulation of the links and the solid end-link integration contribute to a secure and comfortable fit, making it suitable for all-day wear.
The Vesuviate Attivo Chronograph impresses as a well-rounded timepiece that thoughtfully blends rugged tool-watch elements with refined design touches. Building on the promise shown by the Volare GMT, Vesuviate once again delivers a watch that offers standout features—most notably its heat-treated, scratch-resistant case and the use of the venerable Sea-Gull ST-1940 automatic chronograph movement, which remains a rare find at this price point. The matte salmon dial is refreshing, lending the watch a subtle, sophisticated character without sacrificing legibility or visual interest. The balanced dial layout, clean typography, and lack of a date window ensure a tidy, symmetrical presentation that’s both functional and attractive. The impressive lume adds another layer of practicality, making it a strong performer in low-light conditions. Ergonomically, the watch wears comfortably thanks to its modest case dimensions and thoughtfully designed integrated bracelet—although the use of push pins instead of screw links is a minor disappointment. Still, the quick-release system and quality finishing go a long way in elevating the overall experience.
Perhaps most importantly, the ST-1940 movement offers real value here, combining historical pedigree with modern reliability and smooth chronograph operation. Long-term durability and consistent performance have been proven in my experience with other examples, which bodes well for owners. While the chronograph pushers aren’t screw-down, limiting its water resistance somewhat, the watch’s 100-meter rating remains respectable for most daily scenarios. Overall, the Attivo Chronograph stands as a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive, robust chronograph with a vintage-inspired twist and a movement pedigree rarely found outside much higher price tiers. If you’re looking for a watch that balances style, substance, and mechanical intrigue without breaking the bank, the Vesuviate Attivo Chronograph deserves serious consideration.
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