Versace Watches Review (Is It a Good Watch Brand?)

Even if you’re not a dedicated vogue aficionado, the chances are you have probably heard about one of the most recognizable fashion brands in the world, Versace.

Since the 1978 foundation, the Italian label has become one of the go-to destinations for luxury clothing and jewelry.

Not one major fashion show goes without the presence of the newest Versace collections. It’s also one of the favorite brands among celebrities and sports stars.

Questioning the quality of Versace clothes would be pointless for two reasons: a) the biggest fashion critics unanimously agree it’s one of the top-end fashion labels in the world b) I’m not a fashion expert.

That being said, I do know a thing or two about watches.

Because Versace is mostly associated with luxury apparel, not many people are aware the brand has a huge line of comment-worthy timekeepers to its name. In this Versace watches review, we will have a closer look at all factors that contribute to the overall quality of the collection and decide whether Versace timepieces deserve the not-so-cheap price tag.

Like with all reviews on my website, we start with the brand’s history. If you’d like to skip this part and move straight to the watch quality review, simply choose the appropriate section below.

Disclaimer: TimepieceKing is reader-supported and might earn a commission (at no additional cost for you) for purchases made via links in this article. Otherwise, writing this excellent piece would’ve been impossible! 

Versace Watches History

When you compare Versace to some of the most recognizable and oldest hands in the watchmaking industry, such as Bulova, Tissot or Citizen, the 5-decade sounds pretty short.

The company was founded in 1978 by the talented Gianni Versace, in Milan.

Gianni was an independent and highly thought-of designer who had just launched his first collections for other Milanese brands – Callaghan, Genny and Complice. After the massive success of his lines, he decided to open his first boutique in Milan’s Via Della Spiga.

At that time, Gianni Versace was one of just a few independent designers who were in full control of their business, from designing to retailing.

After starting to dominate the fashion industry, in 1982 the brand expanded into the jewelry, accessory, and home furnishing fields. At that time, Versace watches were still nowhere to be seen.

After joining the company, Gianni’s younger sister, Donatella, launched two new collections in 1993. “Young Versace” and “Versus” were instant hits and a year later the brand gained worldwide coverage due to the black Versace dress of Elizabeth Hurley.

Due to the adventurous design and connection with many celebrities such as Michael Jackson or Elton John, Versace was oftentimes referred to as the “Rock n’ Roll designer”.

From the very beginning till now, Versace has been known for hiring the same models for their ads as they do on the runway.

The murder of Gianni Versace

The constant year-to-year growth of the company suffered a massive setback in 1997 when the founder, Gianni Versace, was murdered in a cold-blooded manner in front of his Miami Beach mansion.

Decades later, there’s still a bit of mystery surrounding his death. Lately, even a Netflix series has been created to tell the story of one of the biggest fashion icons ever whose life came to an abrupt end.

After the murder, his beloved sister Donatella stepped down from the vice-president role to become a creative director. His brother Santo became the new CEO.

The birth of Versace watches

Not only did Donatella Versace manage to keep the brand alive; she actually took it to a whole new level. Because of her well-known bonds with popular celebrities like Madonna or Jennifer Lopez, she started dressing the stars. This move resulted in the already-high reputation of the brand shooting through the roof.

Her excellent business sense made her realize the importance of diversification. After taking over as the Creative Director, one of her first moves was creating a collection of Versace watches.

Donatella understood that watch is so much more than a simple timekeeping tool. In her opinion, it was a great way of helping people express themselves. She was right.

The collection of Versace watches became a massive success in no time, especially amongst those already wearing Versace clothes. Many considered the timekeepers as an integral part of the outfit and a must-have accessory that completes the daring look of the brand.

Are Versace Watches Good Quality?

There are many factors contributing to the overall quality of a watch brand.

In my opinion, the quality-price ratio is the biggest indicator of how good a brand really is. Measuring the overall score of any watch company is simple and fair when we compare the value it provides with other watchmakers in the same price category.

And that’s exactly how we will evaluate Versace.

Before we begin, it’s fair to say that the prices of Versace watches aren’t the lowest. The cheapest timepieces start at $500 and some of the more refined models are priced even as high as $2,000. That makes it a mid-to-high-budget brand.

Does the quality match the price, then?

• Design & Durability

Because Versace is first and foremost a fashion brand, it’s only natural that these watches present a style that matches the adventurous design of clothes. Most of the timepieces are created by the brand’s top designers in Italy, although some models are personally designed by Donatella.

Without a doubt, Versace produces comment-worthy timekeepers that are a great addition to the brand’s world-renowned apparel. The style makes them a great fashion accessory for both casual and elegant outfits.

“Fashion accessory” is the key phrase here. And here’s why.

Although the watches do look great and there’s a lot of prestige attached to wearing “Versace” on your wrist, anyone considering the purchase needs to keep in mind that Versace is not a watchmaking company but a fashion powerhouse. Hence, you shouldn’t expect the watch to use as complex movements and workmanship as some of the watch-exclusive brands in the same price region.

There’s not much we can complain about in terms of the exterior, though. All Versace watches are made of durable elements thanks to which you will be able to enjoy your purchase for many years to come.

Depending on your preferences, you can pick from stainless steel, leather, or titanium bands.

When it comes to cases, the choice is either stainless steel or metal.

The presence of these materials and the lack of rubber or silicone straps mean there aren’t any models that boast a truly sporty look. It’s all about elegance and style.

The good news is, no matter which Versace watch model you pick, it will come with the most scratch-resistant glass material available – sapphire crystal. Since a dial is easily the most damage-prone part of any timepiece, the best possible protection is of utmost importance. That said, given the cost of these watches, we couldn’t expect any other type of glass.

Depending on the collection, Versace watches come with either 30m, 50m or 100m water resistance. Considering the fact that those are primarily dress watches, it’s a fairly standard rating.

• Movement & Precision

As already said, I’m a huge fan of the way Versace watches look. They use high-quality, genuine materials that are likely to secure long years of hassle-free use.

The biggest and probably only issue I have with the brand is the standard of movements used in the large chunk of models.

Considering the price margins of all collections, you’d expect the movements to be of really high quality and accuracy. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Versace timepieces use quartz calibers that can be found in way less expensive brands. For example, the Swiss-made Ronda 732 caliber is a popular choice amongst watches in the < $300 price category.

Precision-wise, there isn’t that much difference between a standard and top-quality quartz movement. It’s more about its longevity, and how inconspicuous it is. With battery-powered Versace watches, you can expect an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds/month.

Only a few years ago, quartz movements were the only type seen in Versace timepieces. Luckily, the brand realized a customer willing to shell out +$500 on a designer’s watch deserves a bit more than a standard quartz caliber. That’s why the last few years have seen a rise in the number of automatic watches.

It’s hardly a secret that automatic timepieces normally require more time and a higher skill to assemble. Hence, they’re usually more appreciated amongst watch enthusiasts.

The most obvious advantage quartz watches hold over automatic is the precision. Whereas the +/- 15 seconds/month accuracy is fairly standard for battery-powered models, it’s not uncommon for automatic watches to lose a bigger number of seconds daily. That’s normally recompensated by a longer lifespan of automatic models, providing they are taken right care of.

The good news is, Versace uses Swiss movements. A popular choice is ETA 2842-2, a highly durable caliber ensuring the precision of +/- 7 seconds/day up to +/- 20 seconds/day. It’s nothing that would make your jaw drop but it’s still an acceptable result.

• Versace Watch Warranty

All watches purchased from Versace’s official website or via one of the authorized retailers are subject to a 2-year warranty.

The guarantee covers all manufacturing faults that arise during the 24-month period. Damage caused by normal wear and tear will not be considered for free repair.

If upon arrival it turns out you don’t like the watch as much as you thought you would, you are entitled to a free refund up to 30 days from the date of purchase. It’s worth noting that once the 30-day period is gone, the warranty only covers repairs and full refunds are not included.

Versace Watch Collections

Since the launch of the first model in 1998, the Versace watch collection has expanded a lot.

Although the iconic styling and imaginative shapes are visible in all watch lines, each collection comes with its own tweaks and unique designs.

At the time of writing, there are as many as 13 Versace watch collections to pick from. Below find a brief description of each, as well as some of the most popular models currently on offer.

• Versace Dylos

Thanks to a high standard of craftsmanship and unique octagonal cases, the Dylos collection successfully redefines the geometry of style.

The look of Dylos timepieces differs depending on whether we’re after a men’s or women’s model. The edition for men is full of chronograph watches, whereas the women’s line comes with a standard three-hand configuration.

Below find one of the best-selling watches from the collection, Versace Dylos VAG020016. The eight-sided model comes with a unique-looking date window, transparent caseback, and a Swiss automatic movement.

• Versace Khai

In many cultures, the word “Khai” is associated with qualities such as majesty and greatness. As you would expect, watches from this collection can be described using similar superlatives.

Currently, six distinct editions of the Khai collection are available. Those include models with silver, black, IP gold, or two-tone dials. There is even a premium model ornamented with 66 sparkling jewels implanted in the bezel.

Below find an example of Versace Khai timepiece, model VQE100016. The watch comes with an elaborated two-hand configuration adorned with the brand’s iconic symbol, a massive Medusa at the center of the dial. The watch is equipped with a 38mm iron-plated rose gold case and Swiss quartz movement.

• Versace V-Race

Thanks to a large number of GMT watch models, the V-Race collection is the ultimate choice amongst people who are constantly on the move.

GMT timepieces, often referred to as Greenwich Mean Time watches, come with either an additional dial or hand that helps you track time in two different time zones at once. These watches are a popular choice amongst folks who want to keep an eye on the time in their homeland while traveling.

V-Race VEBV00519 is a prime example of an excellent-looking dual-time watch from the line.

• Versace Vanity

Just like Versace Khai, the Vanity collection is also created exclusively with women in mind. Some say it’s as feminine as a Versace watch can get.

Although timepieces from this line are extremely elegant, the exquisite craftsmanship makes them a great fit both for casual and more official outfits.

You can find one of the trademark models from the collection below. The ladies’ watch uses a precise Swiss-made quartz movement and comes with a crocodile-print leather strap with two Medusa logos on each side of the case.

• Versace DV-25

DV-25 collection was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Versace watch line. Needless to say, it was the visionary Donatella Versace that came up with the idea.

The collection is full of incredibly well-made and luxuriously-decorated timepieces that are in line with the brand’s iconic imagery.

Crucially, both men and women are likely to find a lot of eye-catching models in this unique collection. What’s more, it includes a fairly large selection of automatic watches.

Below one of the most unique timepieces from the collection, Versace DV-25 V13010016. It’s powered by a Swiss automatic movement and has a date window at 3 o’clock.

• Versace V-Ray

If you like watches with a sporty design, the Versace V-Ray collection might just be something you’ve been looking for.

All watches in this unique line are a celebration of sportsmanship and are designed primarily with men in mind. Versace V-Ray collection specializes in chronograph watches. Hence, all models come with feature-rich faces that include three sub-dials to help you keep track of your sports endeavors.

My favorite model from the line, V-Ray VDB040014, can be seen below. It’s powered by a Swiss quartz movement and includes three chronograph timers. To complete the sporty design, there’s also a tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel.

• Versace Leda

Leda is one of the newest arrivals in the ever-growing list of Versace watch collections. Also, it’s another line that features female-only timepieces.

Versace Leda watches combine the sophisticated charm of the Versace myth with pinpoint attention to detail that can only be delivered by the best of craftsmen.

If I were to point to one collection with the most minimalistic design, it would probably be this one.

The majority of watches come with an elegant two-hand configuration and a dial with polished finishes. The presence of the Versace Greek key motif is also very common – as seen in the Leda VNC220017 model I picked below.

• Versace V-Signature

If Versace Leda is the most minimalistic line, the V-Signature is probably the complete opposite.

The fashion-forward designs of V-Signature are a match made in heaven for bold women that aren’t afraid of expressing themselves.

Most watches in the collection, like the one attached below, come with an ion-plated rose gold case that’s often decorated with the Greek key symbol.

V-Signature watches are unique because they can be worn in two ways. If you leave the distinctive leather cuff in place, the timepiece screams boldness and has a bit of a rock n’ roll feel to it. The second, more feminine way you can wear the watch is by slipping the thinner top part of the band of the cuff-style base.

The V-Signature VLA060014 model you see below comes with a Swiss quartz movement and a dial decorated with 8 genuine diamonds.

• Versace Hellenyium GMT

Whereas the previously-discussed V-Ray collection has some GMT watches to its name, Versace Hellenyium GMT is dedicated exclusively to those who want to keep track of two time zones at once.

The super-masculine collection features tens of dual-time timekeepers. Looking at the style of some of them, it’s clear the designers took at least a bit of their inspiration from popular Rolex models.

Hellenyium GMT V11040015 is one of the best-selling models from the line. On top of the dual-time feature, it also has a date window at 3 o’clock and a unidirectional bezel.

• Versace V-Helix

The V-Helix collection puts a completely different spin on time.

Timepieces in this collection use a minimalistic two-hand configuration. The hands are located in an offset chapter ring, encircled by a spiral of raised bar indices. The visual effect is really comment-worthy.

Currently, there are five watches in the V-Helix collection. All timepieces, like the VQG020015 model I selected below, come with a premium leather strap decorated with geometric patterns.

• Versace Mystique Sport

There’s a clear connection between Mystique Sport and the V-Ray collection as both pay tribute to the world of sports and boast a masculine look. Design-wise, Mystique Sport watches got their inspiration from the world of motor racing.

Akin to the V-Ray line, all timepieces in the collection are chronographs. The faces include three sub-dials with metal-edged totalizers that resemble the instruments found in racing cars.

All Mystique Sport watches, just like the VFG130015 model below, include a tachymeter scale installed on the bezel, as well as luminous hands and indexes. Another detail that connects all models is the Medusa logo at 12 o’clock.

• Versace V-Metal Icon

Timekeepers from the V-Metal Icon collection are instant attention-grabbers due to the centrally-located Versace Medusa.

Surrounding the iconic symbol are two triangular arrows that look as if they’re suspended in mid-air. These are, naturally, watch hands pointing to a Roman numeral scale that further adds to the mysterious design.

The watch I selected, V-Metal Icon VLC120016, comes with a unique-looking black leather strap and is powered by a Swiss quartz movement.

• Versace Venus

Venus is the last collection I’m going to cover in today’s Versace watches review. By no means is it any less unique-looking, though.

It’s another line that’s designed exclusively with women in mind. All the models send a youthful and feminine vibe, making them a great choice both for everyday activities as well as more formal occasions.

All Venus models come with a dual-bezel design, enriched by a floating topaz gemstone pirouetting around the dial. The stylish collection includes watches in different colors, ranging from the classic black&gold combination to more adventurous shades of sorbet or seafoam green.

Venus timepieces come in two types of bands – a stainless steel bracelet and genuine leather strap, like the one in the VQV040015 model I attached below.

Who Makes Versace Watches and Where Are They Made?

The fact that Versace headquarters are in Italy and the watches are advertised as “Swiss-quality” is confusing for some.

So, the question that arises is: are Versace watches Swiss-made?

Yes, they are. All of them.

Although they are designed in Milan, the process of manufacturing and assembling the timepieces takes place in Switzerland. That also relates to all movements used in Versace timekeepers.

To meet the rigorous Swiss certification requirements, the craftsmanship behind all models needs to be of the highest standard. This is exactly why Versace hires only the country’s most experienced and talented watchmakers.

Where to Buy Versace Watches Online?

Although the popularity of counterfeit Versace watches is low compared to brands like Casio, Rolex, or Hublot, they do exist. And that’s why it’s important to know where to do your shopping.

The first obvious choice is Versace’s official website. Shopping there you can be sure of receiving 100% authentic product covered by a 2-year warranty. The biggest drawback of using the official site is the rather steep prices of most watches, sometimes even 20-30% higher than at some of the authorized retailers.

Other online destinations deemed safe are popular marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. When compared to Versace’s online store, the two offer much better deals on a large section of models. If you decide to go with either, consider only products with high ratings (at least 4 stars) and from trusted sellers. Most importantly, don’t forget to make sure that the watch comes with a 24-month warranty issued by the brand.

Another trusted retailer of Versace timepieces is Jomashop, one of the biggest online fashion & watch stores in the United States. It sells 100% authentic timekeepers with the brand-issued guarantee card. Price-wise, it’s probably somewhere between the official site and Amazon.

Also, don’t forget that it’s still possible to do your shopping offline! Versace website allows you to find the nearest authorized retailers through the Store Locator.

How to Spot a Fake Versace Watch?

As already mentioned, the amount of fake Versace watches is not even comparable to some other, more recognizable watchmakers. To say that they don’t exist would be far from true, though.

If you shop at any of the above-mentioned online destinations, the chances of getting a counterfeit product are really slim.

But…

If you’re lured by a super-cheap Versace watch offer – either online or at some cheerful holiday vendor – the very first thing you need to check on is the product label. If it doesn’t come with any, it’s sure as hell the watch is fake.

Assuming it does…

To fight the production and sale of counterfeit watches, Versace developed an online authentication system through which you can easily verify whether your watch is legitimate. All you need to do is tap the NFC tag associated with your timepiece with your phone.

You can read more on the subject on Versace’s official website.

Versace Watch vs Rolex – Which Is Better?

Although looks-wise Versace timekeepers can rise up to the challenge against any brand, comparing them with Rolex is the definition of punching above one’s weight.

Folks who aren’t experts in the field (not that they should be – hence websites like this one), are often tempted to compare the two names because of their worldwide recognition and status.

I mean, there are not many who haven’t heard about Versace or Rolex.

Again, what we have to remember in terms of where Versace stands in the watchmaking hierarchy, is that it’s a fashion company and timepieces are just a part of the product line. These are excellent designer’s watches and above all are built to look great and be a comment-worthy fashion accessory.

They are not in the same league as Rolex when it comes to the craftsmanship and everything that goes with it – durability, prestige, and the longevity and precision of the movement.

Being one of the most respected and expensive watch brands in the world, Rolex watches also provide excellent resale value and are a popular choice amongst investors.

Versace Watches Review Conclusion: Is it a Good Brand?

If you’ve been contemplating the purchase of your first Versace timepiece, I’m pretty sure by now you’ll have a much better idea of whether it’s the right fit for you.

To sum up the Versace watches review, I think these are excellent-looking watches designed with a cautious balance of classical and modern influences.

By far, the adventurous design is the strongest point of the Versace watch line. All timekeepers make superb use of color and the ever-present Greek key and Medusa symbol complete the unique look of each model.

At the same time, it’s only fair to admit that these are designer watches and, although not the cheapest, you shouldn’t expect them to compete with watchmaking powerhouses in the same price category in terms of craftsmanship and complexity. Considering the brand’s global status, the hefty price shouldn’t be surprising anyway.

The Final Word: Versace produces comment-worthy timekeepers that many consider prestigious to wear. If you’re after a great-looking watch from a premium, world-renowned brand and prioritize the looks over super-complex movement types, the chances of you ending up disappointed with your purchase are slim.