Introducing The Laventure Marine Type 3 Chronometer

Laventure, a Kickstarter brand turned microbrand, just released what might be its most compelling design in the Marine Type 3. These new watches take the previously established design language in a new direction, with what might be its most original model to date.

The new Marine Type 3 is inspired by a fusion of 1980s watch design and marine chronometers, resulting in a Grade 23 titanium case, 38mm in diameter and 11.2mm thick (including the tall acrylic). Even with the flare of the "integrated" end link design, it remains a reasonable 46.2mm lug-to-lug measurement on one of the strap options available for delivery with the watch.

The titanium is treated with a matte stonewashed finish, a more unique approach than typical sandblasting, featuring a distinctive texture and softened edges. The solid bezel, crafted from matching titanium, is engraved with 60 graduations and infilled with black lacquer. It surrounds a plexiglass crystal and features either a white or black dial — the white dial is a plate molded from a mixture of Super-LumiNova and ceramic-based resin. In contrast, the black dial is galvanically treated and pad-printed with Super-LumiNova for all dial text. That way, either colorway provides you with plenty of lume, though many may be inclined to opt for the full-lumed white dial as a more interesting option. The hands are also contrasting, with the white dial featuring titanium hands with a matte black coating, and the black dial featuring titanium hands with a matte white Super-LumiNova coating.

Underneath the slice of dial is a soft iron lower plate, which combines with the movement ring and caseback to form a Faraday cage providing greater amagnetic properties. Laventure touts this watch as amagnetic, having passed the ISO 764 standard for anti-magnetic performance (resistant to a continuous magnetic field of 4800 A/m, while maintaining its accuracy). The movement inside is based on the Sellita SW300-1, with additional customization features including 3N gold plating, decorative elements, and custom-branded engravings. To live up to the "Chronometer" in its name, the Marine Type 3 Chronometer is COSC-certified, with a rated accuracy of between -4/+6 seconds per day. In a move that is unique for a microbrand, Laventure touts a "100% Swiss Made" origin for its watches, which means that every single component is designed and produced in Switzerland.

Both dial colors of the Laventure Marine Type 3 are limited to 100 pieces per year, come with both a rubber strap and fabric strap (in several color options), and are priced at 4,200 CHF each.

While I've been following the brand for years, this is really the first design from Laventure that I could picture on my wrist. Previously, the design language (and the borrowing of some prominent elements from some famous integrated bracelet designs) didn't line up completely with my aesthetic. This Marine Type 3 Chronometer, however, is dramatically different, despite its similar silhouette. Sure, features like stonewashed titanium automatically make the Marine Type 3 feel unique, but the remixed proportions of the case, bezel width, and dial size feel a lot more deliberate in this case. I love the smaller dial, with the typeface proportions working well in the multiple layers. And while some may find two 60-index tracks to be redundant, I actually find it quite charming and practical, with the markings on the bezel lining up with the seconds hand and the markings on the dial perfectly suited for the minutes.

The Marine Type 3 feels like a field watch on steroids, and I quite enjoy the look. The only thing that I wish were changed was the plexiglass crystal. I appreciate the charm and vintage aesthetic, but I don't find them practical for everyday use, given that a tool watch is supposed to be scratched up, and the plexiglass will require frequent polishing.

The biggest question will be if customers find that a 100% Swiss-made designation is important enough to justify the relatively high price of 4,200 CHF. No doubt, this price is partially attributed to the lack of economies of scale, with only 100 units of each color produced annually. Many alternatives to this aesthetic exist at drastically lower price points from other microbrands, and this price point competes with so many options from the largest names in the industry. However, for those seeking a truly unique tool watch that stands apart from the classics, this might be the right choice.

Brand: Laventure
Model: Marine Type 3
Diameter: 38mm
Thickness: 11.2mm (8.9mm without crystal height)
Case Material: Grade 23 titanium
Dial Color: White or black
Indexes: Printed
Lume: Yes, Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber strap and additional fabric strap

Caliber: Calibre 4 (Sellita SW300-1b)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power Reserve: 56 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VpH
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: Yes, COSC-certified

Price: 4,200 CHF
Availability: Laventure Website
Limited Edition: Yes, 100 pieces each for 2025

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