What’s the deal with the LIV GX1-A Signature Orange Watch and how does it compare in 2024 this guide will help you know if its worth it.
This is going to be an extra special review to conclude 2019 so If you have never heard of LIV watches, then you will probably want to pull up with a beverage of your choice and see how this little-known Swiss watch company is producing amazing quality watches under the $600 price range.
LIV is definitely one of the best watches I have reviewed to date thanks to their over-delivery in the build quality, presentation, design and unboxing experience.
In this review, I will be specifically reviewing the LIV GX1-A diver watch.
LIV GX1-A ticks all the boxes for me as an affordable Swiss watch that provides a lot of value for money.
So if you are looking for a quality Swiss diver that’s different from the other known brands, then you are in for a treat with my review of LIV watches.
LIV is a watch microbrand the produces high-quality Swiss-made watches with precision, durability, and affordability at its core.
Thanks to the power of crowdfunding, LIV watches vision came alive with something truly unique in design. Their latest Kickstarter campaign raised $794,590 for their new collection featuring their next level titanium made designs which you gotta check out here.
Their direct-to-consumer philosophy business model LIV employs, enables them to lower their prices and cater to the mid-range market without the middle man markups from retail.
Although their watches look like expensive sports timepieces, they’re accessible and come at a limited production so you know that you will be 1 out of 999 people to have the same watch as you.
With all that said, LIV Watches was kind enough to send me one of their limited-edition GX1-A Signature orange divers for me to get a closer look, at put it through some everyday use…
and I’ve yet to put it down.
So without further to do, let’s get into it!
The GX1-A Signature Orange Watch Review
The LIV GX1-A measures 42m wide and 11.6mm thick; it’s thinner compared to other sports watches.
Its 316L stainless steel case has a black IP coating and a brushed finish that enhances the rugged look of the timepiece.
I love the look of the knurled bezel and gives the design of the watch a satisfying and high-end feel.
The LIV GX1-A Signature Orange normally comes with a canvas strap that looks awesome for that everyday sports look, but I opted for their stainless steel bracelet which is beautifully machined and has no play in the links or lugs.
Its lugs are quite big, but it features a quick-change spring bar a convenient way of swapping out straps.
The watch face is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and LIV nailed it because there is minimal glare to the crystal which many other brands seem to miss the mark on.
It has an exhibition case back featuring the same crystal, minus the coating and shows the beating Selita movement beating away.
The LIV GX1-A wouldn’t be a sports watch if it didn’t feature a screw-down crown, which again, the crown is machine wonderfully with no imperfections insight which seems to be a common theme with the build quality which is nothing less than impressive.
The GX1-A is rated to have a 100-meter water resistance for diving, however, there is no rotating bezel application which may be seen as counterproductive in any real-world use for diving.
So I think it’s safe to say that no one is going to diving in an extended distance without the modern diving computers of today’s standards.
LIV Watch GX1-A Specifications
- Movement: Sellita Caliber SW200-1, 26 jewel
- Type: Automatic
- Case Diameter: 42 mm
- Case Height: 11.6 mm
- Strap/Lug Width: 22 mm (fits up to 23 cm or 9″ wrists)
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Crystal: High grade sapphire; anti-reflective & scratch resistant
- Case Back: Screw down, high grade sapphire
- Crown: Screw down; gasketed
- Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9
- Water Resistance: 100 meters/300 feet
Design and Movement
LIV GX1-A Signature Orange features a multi-layered sandwiched black dial similar to what you would find with a Panerai’s design which Im a big fan of.
The contrasting orange is not only a good design choice, but it also makes the face function as a highly visible timepiece in many low light situations.
On the outermost portion of the dial, you’ll see a second track with orange accents.
Large Arabic numeral hour markers line the next portion of the dial.
Each even number is separated by an index hour marker which is luminous.
There’s also the brushed date window at the 3 o’clock position that matches the overall motif of the watch.
The inner dial has a ray design with a sunburst beveled effect.
You’ll also see the large “LIV” logo in the 6 o’clock position along with “AUTOMATIC” that the watch houses an automatic movement.
Its hands and hour markers are both coated with SuperLuminova BGW9 with lasting brightness in low light conditions.
The LIV GX1-A features a 26-jewel, Sellita SW200 automatic movement which boasts an accuracy of -/+ 4 seconds, which is great for the price range of this piece.
And you can get up to 38 hours on a full wind without wearing it.
Moving to the back of the watch on the exhibition case back you get a look at the custom branded rotor along with the limited edition number of 3 out of 500 pieces in the orange signature design.
Unboxing Experience
The LIV experience wouldn’t be complete without the unboxing experience which faired well in my opinion. And while they keep the unboxing simple they didn’t skimp out on the packaging.
After opening the initial cardboard box to the watch box you are presented with a beautiful vinyl-like box with the LIV logo on the top and the words “Dare to LIV” on the side.
Opening the box, you a met with a nice and clean inner interior with an orange inner binding which goes well with their signature look.
The watch box comes with a LIV branded canvas bag along with the watch papers, instructions along with a personal thank you message from the LIV watches founder Chaz which was a nice touch.
It also comes with a LIV card that shows you what number My LIV watch is number is 3 out of 500 which is also indicated on the back of the watch.
Who Is This Watch For?
The LIV GX1-A Signature Orange is for the adventurous type who wants a high-end looking sports watch that can withstand rigorous everyday activities.
The bold design of the LIV GX1-A Signature Orange isn’t for everyone, but you don’t have to be the adventurous type to pull off this watch because It goes with many outfits and in my opinion, it’s a great everyday beater.
Pros and Cons
Aside from all the great things of this watch I wouldn’t be complete with a clear view of the advantages and disadvantages you can expect from the LIV GX1-A.
Pros
- Easy to adjust the time and date
- Bold, high-end look
- Keeps time accurately
- Excellent lume brightness
- Power reserve of up to 38 hours
- Water-resistant up to 100m
- Free shipping and a fully 90 days return policy
Cons
- A strap and link tool wouldn’t go astray but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Final Conclusion
LIV watches has wooed me into their world and im impressed overall with the build quality and presentation.
And for around $500 to $600 you can purchase the LIV GX1-A Signature Orange and reward yourself with a high-end sports watch for a fraction of the cost of a luxury piece.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind sports watch with a bold and rugged look, the LIV GX1-A Signature Orange is probably the best choice out there for an affordable Swiss made watch.
Click here to check out the entire of LIV’s GX1-A watch collection
What are your thoughts?
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