Introducing: The Laventure Transatlantique II GMT — Now Smaller And Available In Two-Tone
Let me begin with a piece of advice: if you think you actually want to buy this watch, you might be better off just going straight to the Laventure website instead of reading this article. By the time you’ve finished, chances are that the reference of your choice will have already sold out. Now, for everyone else who simply enjoys reading about a well-designed and hot new watch, let me introduce you to the new Laventure Transatlantique II GMT. It’s a little smaller than its predecessor, there’s a new chocolate and caramel colorway, and one version is also available in steel and yellow gold.
I’ll admit I still slap myself sometimes for not having bought the Laventure Marine II with a solid gold dial. On the other hand, I also know that a 41mm watch with a nearly 49mm lug-to-lug span and an integrated bracelet design would’ve been far too big for my 17cm wrist. I still would’ve worn it, of course, just because it looked so damn sexy. However, the recent teasers on Instagram about a smaller Laventure watch made it look like more people had the same problem. I got super excited by those teasers and quickly reached out to founder Clément Gaud to see if we could get more information. Well, here it is.
The same Transatlantique GMT but different
If you’re unfamiliar with the first iteration of the Laventure Transatlantique GMT, make sure to read Rob’s introduction article. It was a watch with Laventure’s signature case design, a very bold dark green and sage bezel insert, and either a cream or dark green dial. It was, of course, a heavily vintage-inspired watch, but it still brought something new and fresh to the table. Those colors were bold, and they hadn’t been used on a watch like that before. Combining that with Laventure’s attention to detail and high level of finishing, the Transatlantique GMT was a winner.
The second iteration, which goes on presale today, is still very recognizable as a Transatlantique. The bold acrylic bezel insert and domed crystal over the dial are still there. The maxi-style sandwich dial makes a reappearance, just like the muscular case with its integrated bracelet. Why change something that sold out in no time, right? Well, Clément and his team still decided to tweak it here and there. I didn’t think it was possible, but I think they’ve created an even more desirable version of the Transatlantique GMT.
The Laventure Transatlantique II GMT
First of all, let’s talk about the new size. It’s important to note that the case dimensions have changed, but the proportions didn’t. In that sense, the case still has the same shape as before, only now it’s smaller. The case of the Transatlantique II GMT measures 38.9mm across and 12mm thick, which includes the 3mm Superdome Plexiglas crystal. The case is also shorter now with a 46.2mm lug-to-lug span. Although this measurement is less important on watches with an integrated bracelet, it does improve wearability for people with smaller wrists.
Apart from the new size, we also get a new colorway. The dark green and sage bezel is still there, although now, instead of a cream or green dial, it’s combined with a matte black sandwich dial. Laventure describes the second colorway with the words “chocolate” and “caramel,” which I think perfectly conveys the brown and orange hues on the bezel insert. This version is combined with a subtle gradient matte brown sandwich dial. But there’s more.
If you want, you can opt to get the chocolate caramel version in a two-tone configuration. In that case, the Transatlantique’s 8mm crown, bidirectional bezel, center links, and engraved medallion on the case back are all made of solid 18K yellow gold. For this version, the hour and minute hands are also gold-tone, just like the arrow tip on the GMT hand.
Sellita instead of ETA
The first Transatlantique GMT used an ETA 2893-2 automatic movement. This new version houses a similar Sellita SW330-2, which was specifically made for Laventure. It’s a shame that you can’t take a look at it through the case back. Otherwise, you would have seen a fully brass-colored movement and a modified Laventure rotor. The automatic movement runs at a frequency of 28,800vph, features 25 jewels, and holds a power reserve of up to 56 hours. This caliber is a so-called “caller GMT,” meaning you get an independently adjustable 24-hour hand rather than the similarly functioning 12-hour hand of a “flyer GMT.”
All the movements undergo rigorous testing to be certified by COSC. Therefore, the watches will run within chronometer specifications of between -4 and +6 seconds a day. As mentioned, the movement hides between an all-metal case back. This one screws into the case and helps keep the Transatlantique water resistant to 200 meters.
My thoughts
I haven’t seen these watches in person yet, but from what I can see in the pictures, Clément and his team have done a great job further refining the Transatlantique GMT. I was a bit surprised about the black dial for the green-bezel version, but it does make the bezel insert pop even more than it already did. That new chocolate caramel colorway is, of course, heavily inspired by the Rolex “Root Beer.” There’s nothing wrong with that, and I do think this is a very tasteful reinterpretation of that theme.
One thing we do know is that Laventure’s attention to detail and high level of finishing comes at an elevated price. The stainless steel version in green costs CHF 4,200 on a rubber strap. The stainless steel version in chocolate caramel will set you back CHF 4,800 on a bracelet. Finally, the two-tone version with its full-gold hardware costs CHF 8,200, and all three prices are excluding VAT. The hype around Laventure may have contributed to these prices a bit. However, if there’s one thing I learned from Thomas building his watch brand, it’s that originality and a high level of finishing cost a lot of time, effort, and resources, especially for a smaller brand like Laventure.
These watches are 100% made in Switzerland, look incredibly attractive in my eyes, and have now even been optimized for people with smaller wrists. Whether they’re worth their price is totally up to you. If you buy one, though, I think you won’t regret it when it comes to the level of quality and great design language.
Pre-orders are live
The Laventure Transatlantique II GMT is available for pre-order as of today, June 21st, on the brand’s official website. The two-tone version (Steel & Gold / Brown) is limited to 50 pieces, and the stainless steel version in the chocolate caramel colorway (Steel / Brown) is limited to 99. The numbers for the stainless steel version with the dark green and sage bezel (Steel / Black) haven’t been specified. However, production is limited as the company favors quality over quantity. For more information, check out Laventure’s official website.
What do you think of the new Laventure Transatlantique II GMT? Let me know in the comments below.
