VIIS Flieger GMT 42 Velebit Review — Living With a Modern German Pilot’s Watch
Hey Watchfam!
Every so often a brand I’ve never handled before lands on my desk, and that mix of curiosity and excitement kicks in. This time it’s VIIS, a young name blending aviation cues with German build quality. I’ve been wearing the Flieger GMT 42 Velebit, the black-dial model with orange details, for the past week — long enough to get a feel for what this watch is really about.
Who Are VIIS?
VIIS is a newcomer with an interesting back-story. Founded in 2024 by Leonie and Josip Kožul in Graz, Austria, the brand now builds its watches in Pforzheim, Germany. The couple set out to make pieces that remind us why we enjoy watches in the first place — not to shout about luxury, but to celebrate time, exploration, and a sense of purpose.
The Flieger GMT 42 line, launched in 2025, follows that philosophy. Three versions share the same case and movement, differing only in colour and mood:
Each takes its name from a Croatian region — a quiet nod to the founders’ roots.
First Impressions
The packaging set the tone straight away: sturdy, simple, and nicely thought through. Nothing over the top, just the right balance of presentation and practicality.
On wrist, I was surprised by how well it wears for a 42 mm case. It sits flat, and the lugs curve in a way that makes it feel planted but not bulky. The legibility is exactly what you’d hope for from a flieger — crisp, uncluttered, and easy to read at a glance.
That orange GMT hand gives a welcome hit of colour. I’m not someone who regularly tracks multiple time zones, but it’s so well executed that I found myself using it just because it’s there. It adds function without fuss.
Case and Finishing
This is very much a tool-first design. The brushed 316L steel case keeps reflections down, and the slim polished bezel edge gives a bit of life when the light hits it. There’s no decorative chamfering or showy polish here — and honestly, that’s the right call.
The fluted screw-down crown feels solid and positive in the hand. Winding it gives that satisfying mechanical resistance; there’s no play or roughness. A larger onion crown might have added some vintage flair, but I’ve had those dig into the wrist before, so I’m fine with this size.
Up front, a double-domed sapphire crystal with internal AR keeps the dial visible from every angle, and the 100 m water-resistance adds real-world practicality.
Dial and Legibility
The matte black dial is as straightforward as they come — no applied markers, no gimmicks. Everything is printed cleanly, and it gives the watch that cockpit-instrument clarity you want from a pilot’s piece.
The skeletonised hands introduce a small modern touch. I didn’t expect to like them as much as I do, but they add depth without compromising readability. In bright daylight, the contrast between white markings and black dial is spot-on; even in lower light the orange accents catch your eye first, making time checks effortless.
Movement and Performance
Powering the Velebit is the Miyota 9075 Traveller GMT, a true GMT automatic with hacking, hand-winding, and a 42-hour reserve. It runs at 4 Hz and includes Citizen Parashock protection for durability.
Timekeeping over the week has been steady and predictable. The rotor makes its presence known — you’ll hear a faint whirl in quiet rooms — but that’s part of the Miyota character. Personally, I don’t mind it; it’s a small reminder there’s something mechanical ticking away under the hood.
Flip it over and you’ll see the movement through the transparent screw-back. It’s cleanly finished but not decorative, and if I’m honest, I’d have preferred a solid engraved back to fit the tool-watch vibe. Still, the clear case-back will please anyone who enjoys seeing the movement in action.
Strap and Comfort
The Italian calf-leather strap was thicker than expected at first glance, yet it’s been comfortable from day one. It’s softened up nicely as I’ve worn it, and I really like the quick-release pins — I swapped it a few times during the week just because it’s so easy.
The signed pin buckle feels reassuringly solid. I wore it mostly on the granite-black strap, but the orange details mean it’ll look great on brown, tan, or even grey if you like to experiment.
Overall, it’s a watch that feels secure but not heavy, and it slides under a cuff more easily than you’d expect for something this size.
Lume and Night Readability
The hands and markers use Super-LumiNova BGW9, giving that familiar blue glow in the dark. The application looks even, and the glow holds well after a quick charge under light. It’s plenty bright enough for night-time checks — exactly what you’d expect from a watch built around legibility.
On Wrist
After a week of daily wear — everything from desk time to school runs and a few photo sessions — I’ve come to appreciate how honest this watch feels. It’s sturdy, clear, and dependable, with just enough detail to stay interesting.
There’s no pretence of luxury here, and that’s a good thing. The Velebit isn’t trying to dazzle you; it just gets on with the job. I caught myself forgetting I was wearing it more than once — which, for me, is a sign a watch fits naturally into daily life.
Specifications
Model: VIIS Flieger GMT 42 “Velebit”
Movement: Miyota 9075 automatic true GMT (24 jewels, 4 Hz, Citizen Parashock)
Power Reserve: ≈ 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, 24-hour GMT hand
Case: 316L stainless steel, brushed with polished bezel edge
Crown: Fluted screw-down
Case Back: Screwed transparent exhibition window
Crystal: Double-domed sapphire with internal AR
Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9 (blue glow)
Water Resistance: 100 m / 10 ATM
Dimensions: 42 mm diameter · 49 mm lug-to-lug · 11.3 mm height (excl. crystal) · 20 mm lug width
Weight: ≈ 83 g
Strap: Italian calf leather, quick-release, signed 316L buckle
Price: €649 incl. VAT (≈ £550)
Final Thoughts
The VIIS Flieger GMT 42 Velebit has that rare mix of simplicity and substance. It’s not a showpiece — it’s a watch designed to be used, and that’s exactly how it feels after a week on wrist.
The comfort surprised me, the readability impressed me, and the quiet confidence of the design grew on me more each day. I’d tweak the case-back if it were mine, and yes, you can hear the rotor now and then, but those are small quirks in an otherwise very complete package.
For a young brand’s first serious outing, this is a strong debut. The Velebit delivers what a pilot’s watch should: clarity, reliability, and character — nothing more, nothing less.
FAQ — VIIS Flieger GMT 42 Velebit
Where is VIIS based?
Founded in Graz, Austria and produced in Pforzheim, Germany.
What movement does it use?
The Miyota 9075 Traveller GMT automatic with true GMT function, hacking, hand-winding, and ≈ 42 h reserve.
Is the rotor noise normal?
Yes — it’s characteristic of Miyota movements. It’s not loud in daily use but audible in quiet rooms.
How is the lume?
Strong and even, thanks to Super-LumiNova BGW9’s blue glow.
What versions exist?
What’s the price?
€649 incl. VAT / ≈ £550.
You can check out the full range here at VIIS.