Versace Character Small Seconds Ref. M8C
Fashion / Dress Watch · Versace (Gianni Versace S.r.l.). High-fashion lifestyle brand. Horological production is often licensed, historically to Timex Group Luxury Division in Switzerland.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-2010s). Stylistic indicators include the oversized architectural lugs, 'Swiss Made' movement in a fashion-brand casing, and neo-classical dial elements common to late-90s/early-00s Versace designs.
Type
Fashion / Dress Watch
Brand
Versace (Gianni Versace S.r.l.). High-fashion lifestyle brand. Horological production is often licensed, historically to Timex Group Luxury Division in Switzerland.
Movement
Swiss Quartz (likely ETA or Ronda base). These models typically utilize a reliable 2-jewel or 5-jewel quartz movement with a 6 o'clock small seconds complication.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 38mm-40mm; Thickness: 8mm-10mm; Lug Width: Approx. 20mm. The watch wears larger due to the wide, integrated lug structure.
Description
The Versace Character is a bold expression of the brand's glam-rock aesthetic merged with classic Swiss watchmaking elements. It features a unique 'H-link' lug design that integrates the strap into the case geometry, creating a broad wrist presence. The dial is clean and legible, favoring Italian minimalism with its high-contrast hands and oversized numbers.
Key Features
Architectural triple-stepped lugs; Small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock; 'Character' series case geometry where the lugs are wider than the strap itself.
Dial Description
Silver-tone sunray or matte dial with semi-circular and straight line motifs. Large Arabic numerals at 12, 3, and 9; square dot minute markers; Alpha or Leaf-style hands in black; small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock with concentric circular guilloché texture.
Case Material
Polished Stainless Steel (316L). The case features a high-polish finish across the bezel and the distinct, integrated 'stepped' lugs.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant Sapphire Crystal. Flat profile with a flush fit to the thin bezel.
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished stainless steel rounded bezel without markings. Note the integrated appearance with the case lugs.
Crown & Pushers
Small, stainless steel push-pull crown located at 3 o'clock. Often features a Medusa logo on the flat end (not visible in image).
Bracelet or Strap
Brown textured 'Epsom' or Saffiano leather strap. Features a folding deployment clasp (standard for this model) or a simple tang buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel caseback, likely held by four screws. Typically engraved with the Versace Medusa head logo, model reference M8C, and water resistance rating.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz (likely ETA or Ronda base). These models typically utilize a reliable 2-jewel or 5-jewel quartz movement with a 6 o'clock small seconds complication.
Water Resistance
30 Meters (3 ATM). Splash proof only; not suitable for swimming, showering, or immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. While Versace is an Italian fashion house, the 'Swiss Made' label at 6 o'clock indicates the movement was cased and inspected in Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2012. The logo styling and case dimensions are consistent with the 'Character' collection of the mid-to-late 2000s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Fashion Watch' boom of the 2000s where luxury brands like Versace, Gucci, and Chanel sought to establish Swiss-made credibility for their accessory lines.
Condition Notes
Good. The polished steel case shows visible 'desk diving' scratches and micro-abrasions, particularly on the 9 o'clock side of the bezel and lugs. The dial and crystal appear clean. The leather strap shows minor creasing at the lug ends.
Value Estimate
Secondary market: $250 - $450 USD. Value is heavily dependent on the presence of the original Versace box and papers and the condition of the movement.
Care & Maintenance
Replace the battery every 2-3 years to avoid leakage. Clean the polished case with a microfiber cloth to prevent smudge buildup. The leather strap should be kept dry to prevent rot.
Similar Watches
Gucci G-Timeless (for the brand prestige), Longines DolceVita (for the rectangular/stepped aesthetic), or Raymond Weil Toccata.
Interesting Facts
The 'Character' series was a departure from Versace's more ornate, Greek-key heavy designs, intended to be a more versatile daily wearer for the brand's clientele. Previous iterations of this case were used for chronographs and automatic versions.