In the growing landscape of microbrands, few can claim to design and manufacture their own components in-house. Yet Gyavius Watch Company, a small independent manufacture based in Sofia, Bulgaria, has quietly been doing exactly that. Founded by industrial designer T. Gyavurov, the brand blends traditional watchmaking craft with a modern industrial aesthetic — the result of over a decade of refinement, experimentation, and small-batch production.

Their latest release, the NAVI S Collection, represents the next step in that philosophy: a sleeker, more wearable version of the brand’s original NAVI model. The first NAVI was a bold, almost brutalist design — unapologetically chunky and distinct. Now, with the NAVI S, Gyavius channels that same spirit into a more compact and versatile 41 mm case that aims to preserve the rugged soul of the original while elevating wearability and refinement.

From Workshop to Wrist

Gyavius operates in a way few microbrands dare to. The majority of components — from the case and crown to the dial and hands — are designed, prototyped, and produced in-house. It’s a meticulous, slow process that results in only a handful of watches leaving the workshop each month. For founder T. Gyavurov, it’s less about volume and more about preserving the artistry that makes watchmaking a craft rather than a commodity.

This commitment is what gives the NAVI S its distinct personality. Rather than chasing trends or outsourcing design, Gyavius builds each piece as a product of its own metal chips, tools, and creative intuition. The NAVI S, described by the brand as a “sleeper upgrade,” carries this ethos forward — a watch that may appear minimalist at first glance but reveals its complexity the closer you look.

A Compact Evolution

The most immediate change from the first NAVI is its reduced size. Now at 41 mm in diameter and 41 mm lug-to-lug, the proportions have been rebalanced for daily wear without losing the bold stance of its predecessor. Despite the measurements, the case reportedly wears closer to a 39 mm, thanks to its refined curvature and shorter lugs. The rounded drilled lugs also make strap changes quick and practical.

Built from 316L stainless steel, the case features the brand’s signature industrial finishing. Each variant is paired with either a brushed or blasted texture, depending on the dial color. Water resistance is an impressive 100 ATM, supported by a double-sealed screw-down crown and a bi-directional 60-click bezel, underlining the watch’s tool-ready nature.

Dial Variations with Character

The NAVI S Collection debuts with three distinct dial configurations, each designed and manufactured in-house with Gyavius’s signature attention to detail. The Matte Black dial paired with a brushed case represents the most understated option — timeless, purposeful, and reminiscent of classic field and diver’s watches, yet sharpened by the brand’s industrial edge.

For those who prefer something bolder, the Matte Orange variant adds a surge of energy and personality. It’s vivid without being loud, capturing the spirit of exploration and the heat of sun-baked horizons that inspired its design. Perhaps the most distinctive of the trio is the Sunburst Mint version, housed in a blasted case. Its radiant green hue draws inspiration from the leather interior of a vintage Range Rover.

Across all three versions, the dials are hand-printed and hand-lumed, ensuring that each one carries subtle individuality. This handcrafted process is a reminder that Gyavius doesn’t chase industrial perfection, but rather embraces the beauty of small-batch watchmaking done by hand.

Under the Hood

Inside the NAVI S beats the Sellita SW200, a Swiss automatic movement that delivers proven reliability. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it offers a 41-hour power reserve and smooth, sweeping seconds. The movement is protected by a solid stainless steel case back, keeping the watch’s design purposeful and tool-like.

Paired with 20 mm spring bars, each watch includes both an FKM rubber strap and a stainless steel mesh bracelet. The combination reinforces the NAVI S’s versatility — ready for everyday wear, travel, or even serious diving.

A Watch for the Purists

The NAVI S embodies what makes small independent watchmaking special: creativity, control, and conviction. Priced at $2,400 USD (excluding taxes), it’s clearly positioned for enthusiasts who value genuine craftsmanship over branding. It’s not a watch that tries to appeal to everyone — and that’s what makes it interesting.

For those who appreciate design that’s built rather than bought, and watches made by people rather than machines, the NAVI S delivers a distinctive mix of durability, originality, and honesty.

Specs, Pricing & Availability

Brand: Gyavius Watch Company

Model: NAVI S Collection

Dial: Matte Black, Matte Orange, or Sunburst Mint — hand-printed and hand-lumed

Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel

Diameter: 41 mm

Lug-to-Lug: 41 mm

Thickness: 13 mm (including crystal)

Crystal: Double-domed sapphire

Case Back: Solid stainless steel

Bezel: 60-click, bi-directional

Crown: Double-sealed screw-down crown

Water Resistance: 100 ATM tested

Strap/Bracelet: FKM rubber and stainless mesh, 20 mm spring bars

Movement: Automatic

Calibre: Sellita SW200 Swiss automatic

Power Reserve: Approximately 41 hours

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Price: $2,400 USD (excluding taxes)

Availability: gyavius.com

Limited Edition: No