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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallErik Slaven’s Ventura V-Tec Sigma W25 R1 won him over through a combination of an unusually curved case, a display angled toward the side of the wrist and a control that makes operating the watch feel different from using an ordinary digital timepiece. In his 2020 hands-on account, the appeal was real—but so were practical trade-offs in low light, strap fit and the watch’s unconventional controls.
A digital watch that wears differently
Slaven’s account, published by MONOCHROME Watches on September 9, 2020, centers on the V-Tec Sigma W25 R1, designed by Paolo Fancelli. Its long, arching case curves around the wrist, while the display is oriented to be read from the side rather than viewed straight on. Slaven found the shape comfortable on his own wrist and the overall look futuristic and distinctive. Those are his impressions of his example, not a guarantee of fit for every wearer.
The article places the Sigma within Ventura’s identity as a maker of avant-garde digital watches, with the company commissioning work from industrial designers. It reports that Ventura was founded by Pierre Nobs in 1987. The Sigma’s appeal is not simply that it tells time digitally: its case shape and display orientation make the act of checking the time part of the design.
How the controls and display work in practice
EasySkroll wheel and pusher
A wheel-and-pusher control on the right side, called EasySkroll, operates the watch’s digital functions. Slaven found that it took a firm flick of the finger to engage. After learning the action, he found it manageable, and the resistance helped reduce accidental setting changes. It is a control that rewards familiarity, but may feel less immediate than conventional buttons.
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Negative LCD and backlight
The reviewed watch has a negative LCD: light characters appear against a dark background. Slaven liked its appearance, but found it easier to read in bright conditions and harder to read in dim light. A separate button on the left activates the backlight, which he considered adequate. Anyone considering one should check that the display is comfortable to read in the lighting they expect to encounter, rather than judging it only in a bright shop or photograph.
Functions and reported specifications
MONOCHROME’s 2020 review reports the following details for the W25 R1 and its VEN_03 quartz module:
Rank #2
- Digital Display: Large face digital screen shows time, date, and multiple functions clearly, perfect for quick reading in any lighting condition
- Waterproof Design: Built to withstand water exposure during swimming and other water activities, suitable for daily wear
- Multiple Functions: Features include stopwatch (no countdown), hourly chime, date, alarm clock and back light for nighttime visibility
- Military Style: Rugged construction with durable case and comfortable band designed for outdoor activities and sports
- Alarm Settings: The programmable alarm with easy-to-use interface for daily wake-up calls and reminders
| Detail | Reported specification |
|---|---|
| Case | Durinox hardened stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 60 mm long by 39.5 mm wide |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Display | Negative LCD |
| Water resistance | 30 m |
| Functions | Time, date, chronograph, alarm, calendar, two time zones and countdown timer |
| Time and date settings | 12- or 24-hour time; three date formats |
| Battery life | Approximately three years, as reported for the reviewed example |
The 30 m water-resistance figure is the review’s specification, not evidence that the watch is suitable for swimming or diving. On an older pre-owned watch, seals and case condition also matter; the printed or reported rating alone cannot establish its present water resistance.
Fit was a real part of the story
Slaven says his wrist measured almost 6½ inches, and the supplied rubber strap did not fit him. It widened toward the case and offered limited adjustment. Ventura sent him a smaller strap, which worked with the original folding clasp. He also mentioned a five-row Durinox bracelet as an option at the time. This is a specific owner’s experience and historical account, not evidence that either strap or bracelet can still be ordered.
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Rank #3
- Shock-resistant and durable: The watch is made of high-quality materials and has a strong shock-resistant structure, making it suitable for various outdoor sports and daily wear.
- Multiple functions: The watch has multiple functions such as stopwatch, calendar, backlight, alarm clock, etc., making it more convenient for your daily life.
- Easy to read: The watch has a clear digital display, and the numbers are large and easy to read, even in dark environments.
- Comfortable to wear: The watch has a soft and comfortable silicone strap, which fits comfortably on your wrist and is not easy to fall off.
- Water resistant: The watch has a water resistance of up to 50 meters, in general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not diving.
The film connection—and what it does not prove
Slaven says his Sigma received significant screen time in the 2008 Nicolas Cage action film Bangkok Dangerous. A 2020 owner sale post also connects the model with the film. That makes for a memorable piece of the watch’s story, but the connection has not been established here against production records or a verified prop reference.
What ownership looks like now
The practical context is different from the one in Slaven’s review. Ventura’s official website says the company closed on June 30 after 36 years and that it could not find a successor to continue servicing Ventura watches. Although the site displays a replacement-strap order path, that does not establish current stock, fulfillment or support. MONOCHROME’s account of service and parts availability describes the situation when the article was published in 2020, not what a buyer can rely on today.
Rank #4
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For a specific watch, a 2016 owner sale listing identifies a Sigma as using a CR1620 battery, while Slaven’s 2020 review reports approximately three years of battery life for his example. Treat CR1620 as a compatibility lead, not a universal guarantee: a watch may have been repaired or altered, so verify the installed cell before buying one. If opening the case could compromise water resistance, use a watchmaker and ask what testing is possible afterward.
MONOCHROME reported that new-old-stock examples were around EUR 535 when its review appeared, compared with an original retail price above EUR 1,400. Both are historical figures, not current prices or offers. No current inventory or valuation is established here, so a pre-owned buyer should assess the individual watch rather than treating those numbers as a present-day benchmark.
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What to check before buying a used Sigma
- Fit and comfort: Try the case and strap on your wrist if possible. Slaven’s strap difficulty shows why the supplied strap’s shape and adjustment range matter as much as the case dimensions.
- Display legibility: Check the negative LCD in bright and dim conditions, and confirm that the backlight works.
- Controls and functions: Try EasySkroll and the left-side backlight button. Ask the seller to demonstrate the time, date and other functions rather than relying only on a powered-on photograph.
- Condition and completeness: Compare the case, crystal and clasp, and note whether the watch comes with its box, papers, original strap or bracelet. These details affect the individual purchase, but no current valuation premium is established.
- Battery and repair history: Ask when the battery was last changed and whether the watch has been opened or repaired. Confirm the cell in the watch itself before ordering a replacement.
- Service plan: Consider how you would handle a fault before buying. Ventura’s closure notice says there is no successor continuing its service, so do not assume factory support or parts are available.
Why Slaven found it compelling
Slaven’s verdict was personal but clear: “The V-Tec Sigma is genuinely fun to wear, never gets old and is equal parts form and function, and unlike any digital watch you’ve had.” That enthusiasm makes sense in the context of his story. The Sigma asks the wearer to adapt to an idiosyncratic shape, a side-oriented display and a tactile control, while offering a design that does not resemble a conventional digital watch. Its charms are inseparable from the practical checks a secondhand buyer should make.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
