Versace Character Small Seconds Ref. M8C
Fashion / Dress Watch · Versace (Timex Group Luxury Division). While a fashion house, Versace watches are produced under license by the Swiss-based Timex Group Luxury Division, positioning them in the 'Premium Fashion' tier.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-2010s). The watch exhibits the 'Neo-Baroque' aesthetic characteristic of the Versace brand, blending traditional horological layouts like the small seconds with bold, architectural case shapes and oversized branding.
Type
Fashion / Dress Watch
Brand
Versace (Timex Group Luxury Division). While a fashion house, Versace watches are produced under license by the Swiss-based Timex Group Luxury Division, positioning them in the 'Premium Fashion' tier.
Movement
Swiss Quartz Movement (likely Ronda or ETA based). Features hours, minutes, and a small-seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.
Dimensions
Case Diameter: 40mm; Thickness: 9mm; Lug-to-Lug: 48mm; Lug Width: Custom integrated fit (approx. 20mm interface).
Description
The Versace Character is a distinctively bold timepiece that prioritizes brand identity. Its most striking feature is the tonneau-meets-round case architecture with 'H-link' inspired lugs that integrate seamlessly into the leather strap. It offers a clean, sophisticated dial that balances Italian flair with Swiss manufacturing standards, making it a statement piece for fans of the fashion house.
Key Features
Triple-lug case design, 'Versace' branding prominently under 12 o'clock, asymmetrical Arabic numeral placement (12 and 9 only), and a small seconds complication at 6.
Dial Description
Silver-white matte dial with sunray texture. Features oversized applied Arabic numerals at 12 and 9. Small-seconds subdial at 6 o’clock with concentric circular guilloché. Alpha-style faceted hands in polished steel.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a mirror-polished finish on the bezel and lugs, featuring a unique integrated triple-lug design.
Crystal Type
Flat Sapphire Crystal with inner anti-reflective coating.
Bezel Details
Fixed, wide-sloping polished stainless steel bezel integrated into the unique lug architecture.
Crown & Pushers
Small, push-pull steel crown with knurled texture and embossed Medusa head logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Tan/Brown pebbled leather strap with contrast stitching and a stainless steel butterfly deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel caseback, usually held by four screws, featuring the Versace Medusa logo engraving and 'Swiss Made' stamping.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz Movement (likely Ronda or ETA based). Features hours, minutes, and a small-seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.
Water Resistance
30 Meters (3 ATM). Splash-resistant only; not suitable for swimming or showering.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Proudly movement-assembled and cased in Switzerland, utilizing Swiss quartz calibers.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2015. This specific 'Character' design language was a staple of the Versace boutique collection during this period.
Cultural Significance
A representative of the 'Fashion Watch' boom where high-end Italian couture houses leveraged Swiss manufacturing to gain credibility in the mid-tier luxury market.
Condition Notes
Excellent to Very Good. The polished case shows light hairline scratches typical of steel. The dial and crystal appear mint. The leather strap shows minor creasing from previous wear on a cushion.
Value Estimate
$300 - $550 USD (Secondary Market). Original MSRP was likely between $900 and $1,200. Value is primarily driven by brand recognition rather than mechanical complexity.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years. Avoid water exposure as leather straps degrade quickly. Wipe the polished case with a microfiber cloth to prevent smudge buildup.
Similar Watches
Gucci G-Timeless, Salvatore Ferragamo F-80, or Emporio Armani Swiss Made collection. Unlike the others, the Versace 'Character' has a unique lug structure that makes it instantly recognizable.
Interesting Facts
The 'Character' line was designed to be more understated than the brand's 'Medusa-heavy' jewelry watches, aimed at men who wanted a versatile dress watch that still signaled luxury status.