How the LIV GX1-A Swiss Automatic came to be
From the moment our brand launched in 2014, fans and those wanting to be were begging for a LIV Automatic watch. And, why not? Automatics are some of the best examples of horological art and have the advantage of not requiring battery changes. Just by the simple act of showing up your watch freak friends with your LIV Automatic keeps it wound and ticking off the seconds with precision.
The following year, we got hard to work designing the GX1-A, keeping signature features and materials, such as the anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, three-dimensional multi-layered dial, 316L stainless steel case, and IP bezel from our original GX1 watch. Fans already loved the basics, so we were going to retain all the things they expected.
The goal was to craft this new design into another high-quality timepiece, using the Swiss values of precision, fanatic attention to detail, and workmanship. Meticulous detail was to go into every step of the manufacturing process, beginning with the design. Our fans deserved no less.
Deliberate design
We chose the Sellita SW200 Swiss movement because Sellita has a secure supply and a long history of building accurate and reliable movements. We opted for a clean design and topped the indexes and hands with Super-LumiNova BGW9, so the dial would be easy to read, night and day. And we built the watch for the elements: it's 100 M water resistant, with a screwed down crown, and screwed down sapphire crystal exhibition case back. All housed in a 316L stainless steel case, the GX1-A was built for a lifetime of adventures.
The launch
On January 20, 2016, we launched the LIV GX1-A, our first automatic watch, on Kickstarter. It was fully funded within 34 minutes and raised over $1.1 million in just 30 days. Our 2,169 backers came from across the globe, from the United States to the United Kingdom, Sweden to Singapore, Malaysia to Germany. A few months later, we delivered the watches, and the reaction was incredible.
It's been a year of blood sweat and tears. We've had challenges in getting Swiss automatic movements and our quality specifications implemented for the right price. After countless renderings and three prototypes, we've triumphed.
- CHAZ - JAN 20, 2016
The journey continues
LIV Watches is dedicated to the idea that a Swiss quality timepiece does not have to be something for the rich and the few. We are bringing that quality using the same movements and materials as those big brands. And, delivering it in amazing, unique designs, accessibly priced.
A press impression
"If you've ever wanted to own a Swiss Automatic watch, but couldn't stomach the price tag, then a sub $500 Kickstarter price for a unique watch that features a genuine Swiss Automatic mechanism is probably quite attractive."
- ANTONY LEATHER, FEB 19, 2016-
