What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
In May 2024, VPC founder Thomas van Straaten reported that presale orders for the Type 37HW had crossed the threshold to begin production after the first weekend. He stressed that this was not the same as breaking even. His 7–10-month delivery window was a forecast, not confirmation of when buyers received their watches.
What happened during the Type 37HW presale?
Van Straaten said the presale opened on March 7, 2024. Several dozen watches sold within minutes, but sales then slowed. Orders continued through the first weekend; afterward, he decided the production threshold had been met and authorized the project to proceed. He said the threshold was still far short of break-even. This is the founder’s account in Fratello’s May 30, 2024 update.
Fratello’s March 2024 introduction described an initial run of 300 watches, with 100 in each color, and a launch price of €2,479 before VAT and shipping. Those are launch-era figures, not a current offer or a statement of current availability. Fratello’s introduction identified the hand-wound movement as a COSC-certified Sellita SW216-1 with a 45-hour power reserve.
What was the delivery estimate—and what is known now?
In the May 2024 update, van Straaten said suppliers were on track for the promised delivery window of 7–10 months after the March launch, and that November looked likely. That was a forecast at the time, not a confirmed delivery schedule. The sources cited here do not establish when customers actually received their watches.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- UPGRADE COMPLETE 155 PCS WATCH REPAIR KIT suit for professional and general use, which can solution for most watch repair requirements
- MULTIFUNCTION DELUXE WATCH TOOLS SET has every tool you need, 3 point watch wrench case opener (extra large), watch band link remover tool, pin punch, hammer, pliers, spring bar removal tool, band holder, 5x screwdriver, tweezers, case pry
- INCLUDED XL WATCH WRENCH CASE OPENER up to 55MM, easy to open groove type oversize watches. This kit is perfect for common watch trouble, like opening watch back cover, watchband adjustment, changing watch batteries, watch band remover, watch resize, watch pins remover. You will never pay pricey watchmaker fees again
- THE METAL WATCHMAKING TOOLS are made of high quality solid 304 stainless steel, they are sturdy, portable, practical and very easy to use
- EXCELLENT WEARABILITY NYLON STORAGE BAG holds the whole watch repair set neatly, and this portable zipper case is easy to carry, you can transport it to fix your watch anywhere you want
VPC’s official archive, accessed October 7, 2026, records the Type 37HW Forest Green edition as sold out in June 2026 and Dove Grey as sold out in June 2025. Those entries establish the editions’ listed status in the archive, not second-hand availability or delivery dates for original buyers.
What changed between the prototype and the intended production watch?
More even green-dial lume
On the prototype, the green dial’s applied lume blocks were slightly translucent, allowing the texture beneath them to show through and creating a spotty appearance. Van Straaten said the dial maker adjusted the compound to make it more opaque, then hand-applied a thin white lacquer layer beneath the green markers to even out their color. The lume compounds on all three dial colors were also purified to improve brightness.
Rank #2
- 【Watch repair tool kit】- JOREST watch repair tool kit contains common tools required for repairing watches, suitable for adjusting and replacing watch straps, opening watch covers, replacing watch batteries, gaskets, etc., and has detailed operations Manual to help you solve watch problems at home and save expensive repair costs.
- 【Adjust the strap】- Metal watch band link remover, watch band holder, pin punches, double-headed hammer and spring bar tool with scale are used to replace various watch straps, adjust the length of the strap to fit your wrist.We are equipped with 15PCS spare needle to improve the service life of the tool, suitable for pin punch and metal watch band link remover.
- 【Suitable for different watch covers】- Watch back case opener is used for watch cases with grooves；watch case opening pry is used for the watch case with a pry opening；Screwdriver is used for watch case fixed by screws；tweezer is used to remove the battery.The use range of the watch back case opener is 15-55mm, and the drill bit spacing is set by rolling the adjusting wheel to fit the groove of your watch back.
- 【Five-in-one watch screwdriver】- Five types of screwdriver bits are suitable for many situations: watch battery fixing screws, watch case screws, watchband screws, and can also be used for glasses screws. The cover at the end of the screwdriver can be opened, and the inside is hollow for storing other screwdriver bits.
- 【The purpose of the watch case holder】 - The watch case holder can be used with other tools in the kit to help fix the watch and reduce the risk of sliding and scratching the watch. It is suitable for watches of various sizes, and can be used for watches with a diameter of up to 50mm.
A revised crown-side case flank
The team also changed the case flank on the crown side to echo the crown’s conical form more closely. A deeper screw-in tube and shortened crown stem brought the crown nearer to the case. Van Straaten said the revised geometry stabilized the crown and made the case look more cohesive. The images in the May update still showed the earlier case; he said production models would use the revised version.
What does the update reveal about producing a small-run watch?
Van Straaten described coordinating suppliers whose work depended on one another as difficult, especially for a new brand without much supplier priority. He said it took persistent follow-up and careful pressure: enough to keep the project from being overlooked, but not so much that suppliers felt overwhelmed. He also said he moved on from suppliers when he repeatedly had to chase quotes and deadlines. These are his descriptions of managing the Type 37HW project, not a universal formula for watch production.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 【2025 New Watch Repair Kit】① JOREST three-jawed cap opener has been improved by adding a rubber sleeve under the handle, which makes its handle and corresponding steel teeth less likely to shift and slip during actual operation compared with other market general merchandise；②New strap remover, solidity upgrade better use; ③New punch needle, more hard and durable.
- 【Wide Applicability】This set of tools can be used for a variety of needs, such as opening the back cover of three types of watches, removing watch bracelets, adjusting watch bands, changing watch batteries, removing watch screws, and more.
- 【Sturdy and Durable】Made of high-quality metal + high-quality plastic, sturdy and durable, used for a variety of watch disassembling and assembling, and many other operations, providing a good experience for you to repair your watch.
- 【Easy to Store and Carry】The organizer bag can not only hold all the maintenance tools, the lanyard design is also easy to store and carry.
- 【Instruction Manual】The instruction manual (in English) describes in detail how to use each tool, so even beginners can get started easily. This watch repair tool set is perfect for professional repairers or watch enthusiasts.
His explanation for avoiding long lead times was to rely largely on off-the-shelf parts or have enough financial backing to start production before a launch. He presented those as ways to shorten the wait, not as a quantified comparison of cost, quality, or risk.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.“Running a production process with multiple interdependent suppliers is complicated under the best circumstances.”
Rank #4
10 pcs Precision Slotted And Phillips Watch Screwdriver Set Different Sizes With 20 Extra Replace Blades Watchmaker Screwdriver Set for Watch,Jewelry,Eyeglass
- 【6 DIFFERENT SIZE】(Flat:0.6mm,0.8,mm,1.0mm,1.2mm,1.4mm,1.6mm,1.8mm,2.0mm. Phillips:1.4mm,1.6mm) 10pcs different sizes of flat and Phillips for you choose.Also this jewelers screwdriver set comes with 2pcs spare blades for each model.
- 【MULTI FUNCTIONAL】Watchmaker screwdriver set is suitable for daily maintenance of tools, such as the disassembly of watch,computers, glasses, toys, jewelry,etc.
- 【 PREMIUM QUALITY】The precision screwdriver set adopts a hardened blade and anti-rust treatment, and the all-metal blade is not easy to be damaged. Box packaging, sponge storage to prevent damage during transportation.
- 【EASY TO USE】The screwdriver has a groove design, which is convenient for screw fixation and easy installation and disassembly. Grid design, disassembly is not easy to slip. Quickly distinguish models by color.
- 【100% GUARANTEE】High quality precision flat screwdrivers watchmaker repair tools.If you have any question,please feel free to contact us.
Thomas van Straaten, VPC founder, in Fratello’s May 30, 2024 update
What are the Type 37HW’s current published specifications?
VPC’s FAQ lists the Type 37HW as a 37.5 mm watch with 120 m water resistance. It also says regular movement servicing can be carried out by a capable watchmaker, while advising owners to check that the watchmaker has experience with and access to parts for the Sellita SW216-1. The FAQ does not confirm that a service-agent network discussed in the 2024 episode was completed. See VPC’s FAQ.
Best Value
- 【Wide Applicability】This set of tools can fulfill a variety of needs such as opening and closing three types of watch back covers, adjusting straps, removing watch screws and more.
- 【2024 New Watch Opener & Presser】①The upgraded rotary watch opener is more stable and larger in size for a more comfortable grip; ②The new watch presser is more stable, more accurate and less labor intensive, so even women can do the job easily.
- 【2024 New Metal Watch Link Remover】①The new metal watch pin remover has improved the threaded rod to enhance the stability when rotating; ②The watch lin remover and strap holder are combined into one, saving storage space.
- 【Easy to Store and Carry】①This zipper pouch not only holds all the repair tools, but also has a built-in transparent strap for storing manuals, spare batteries, spare straps, etc.; ②Note: The pouch only shows the items that can be stored, the set does not contain these items: watches, straps, batteries. ③The lanyard design makes it easy to carry.
- 【Instruction Manual】The instruction manual (in English) describes in detail how to use each tool, so even beginners can get started easily. This upgraded watch repair tool set is perfect for professional repairers or watch enthusiasts.
“37.5mm sounds small. Is this indeed a small watch?”
That is one of the questions in VPC’s FAQ. The published measurement is 37.5 mm in diameter; whether it wears small depends on the wearer and fit preferences. The FAQ supplies the measurement, not a universal fit judgment.
“Would you call the Type 37HW vintage-inspired?”
VPC includes this question in its FAQ. The episode focuses on production and prototype corrections rather than establishing a definitive design classification, so the label is best treated as an interpretation rather than a production fact.
“Can I swim with a VPC Type 37HW?”
VPC’s FAQ states a water resistance rating of 120 m. That rating is the brand’s published specification; follow the brand’s care guidance and ensure the crown is secured before water exposure.
“Can I sell my VPC Type 37HW?”
VPC’s FAQ addresses resale, but the archive’s sold-out entries do not establish the availability or value of pre-owned watches. Buyers and sellers should assess any individual watch and transaction on its own terms.
What has changed at VPC since the episode?
VPC’s archive records a VPC Watch Co. rebrand in September 2025 and the Type 39VM launch in January 2026. The FAQ expands VPC as Venustas Per Constantiam, loosely rendered as “beauty or charm through restraint.” It says founder Thomas van Straaten writes for Fratello and that Fratello has no commercial connection to, or stake in, VPC.
