The GX1-A is a unique timepiece in a very populated market. The amount of attention to detail and time dedicated to the design of this watch is what makes it stand out from other pieces in the same space. The watchmakers of the GX1-A were so convinced they had something good that they went to the public with their piece through the Kickstarter platform and went on to become the highest funded timepiece in Kickstarter history.
Adventurous Dial
The GX1-A is made for adventure and when you look at the dial you can feel that instantly. The dial is multi-layered which gives it a feeling of depth and makes the appearance more bold. The markers for the even numbers are engraved and can be ordered in a variety of colours such as yellow, white, blue, orange and the popular Kickstarter green. The markers for the odd numbers are fairly big luminous decals which light up with the luminous watch hands. Super-LumiNova is used for this luminous coating which gives it a pleasing look during the day and good visibility in the dark.
The outer edge of the dial has a slight lip which has the minute and second markers all along it. The dial is quite busy at first glance but everything is spaced well to not make the dial too much to look at. There is a date window at 3 o’clock and the LIV logo is applied at 12 o’clock. LIV is also applied down at 6 o’clock with the stamp of the automatic Swiss movement that keeps this piece going.
The LIV watchmakers did not skimp in the production of this timepiece and this is clear with the reliable Swiss engine they have decided to go with. It is a 26 jewel Sellita SW200 movement with a 38 hour running time and frequency of 28’800 A/h.
GX1-A Robust Case
There is a large rough screw down bezel on the case with a black IP coating. The case is 316L Stainless Steel which is the low-carbon variation of the regular 316 Stainless Steel. The lugs aren’t coated so they still have their natural stainless steel look. There is a sapphire crystal on the top of the watch face as well as the back of the case so that we can have a look in to the Swiss machine powering the GX1-A. The back of the case is screwed down and around the crystal the usual disclaimers can be found. This watch was definitely made for adventure with its 100m water resistance rating. You can keep this watch on for almost anything although due to its 11.6 mm thickness you are probably not going to want to keep this on your arm if you are dressed formally.
The weight varies depending on which choice of strap you go with but you can expect the piece to come in between 100 and 105 grams. This is fairly weighty but as a watch built for durability and use in challenging environments this can only be expected. The variety of straps offered for you to customise your piece include silicone or Nato (for the tougher than usual environments), leather, canvas or suede (for the more classy but adventurous look).
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The crown is a screw top that takes up quite a bit of space and increases the width by just over 5mm. As crowns go it is quite large but it is at least nestled between two protruding pieces from the case so that it doesn’t get caught on everything your arms grazes.
Final Thoughts
I am not typically one for the large adventurous watches but the story behind the GX1-A is quite intriguing. I believe that a watch choice should depend on a number of things including the story and purpose behind its existence. The GX1 was made to provide an affordable option for a high quality adventure watch that has a very detailed design over and above its sturdy frame. The workmanship in this watch is definitely something to be appreciated the catch however is that it is quite a rugged looking timepiece so it isn’t going to be for everybody. This watch is made for outdoors and would not necessarily be comfortable as a companion for everyday tasks.
The dial is the draw card for me here. The lume is a really pleasing light-blue and the multi-layered dial is a display of real craftsmanship which shows that the watchmakers wanted to make something unique for their customers.
To have a look at the full LIV watches range of models, visit their official website here.
Bad experience with this brand. I placed the order 5 weeks ago and the watch is lost during the delivery. I tried to get the money back but Liv Watches refuse to refund the money till they will solve the problem with the delivery company. So far, no watch, no money back… pay attention it seams a unreliable watch company.
Hi Mircea, sorry to hear your experience, that does not sound fun. Thanks for letting us know.