I am always excited to get my hands on something new in the watch world. Recently, I was able to get a glimpse of an exciting new brand getting their start on Kickstarter.com, LIV Watches. I have had the opportunity to speak with the owner of the company over the phone, and have also had the opportunity to exchange emails with other company representatives. Through this contact, I was able to gather a good idea of the vision of this new watch company. LIV was founded by Sholom Chazanow (Chaz) who, in the early 1990’s, worked for a Swiss watch manufacturer. He found that one of the biggest gaps in the watch industry was the presence of a Swiss Made chronograph at a reasonable price with quality materials. Thus, began the quest resulting in the founding of LIV Watches and the first model the Genesis X1. Currently the Genesis X1 is available through the Kickstarter campaign HERE for $390 USD. After the Kickstarter campaign is complete, the watch will have a full retail price of $590 with the following basic specifications:
- Swiss Made
- 316L Stainless Steel Case
- 45mm case diameter
- Sapphire Crystal
- Swiss Ronda 5040.D Quartz Movement
- Silicon Rubber or Leather Strap
- Screwed Down Case Back
I want to start out by mentioning the sample provided for the review is a fully functioning PROTOTYPE, not the final production model, as there will be some small changes. Please disregard any scratches, imperfections under the crystal, etc. LIV will be providing a production model once available and I will provide an update here on WatchReport.com with a short video. Since the sample submitted for review is a prototype, I wasn’t provided any branded type packaging, so I hope to briefly be able to show a finalized example of the actual packaging in the follow up video as well. Based on what I am seeing via the Kickstarter campaign, the packaging looks like a clam shell rather than something a bit more functional, such as some sort of travel case. Hopefully, LIV will consider more functional packaging down the road for future models.
As noted above, the watch case is comprised of 316L stainless steel and will be available in multiple finishes. The sample provided has an evenly applied black IP coating, and as a sample, it looks like it held up to wear rather well, which is always a concern with IP plating. I admit, I am not a huge fan of IP plating. I prefer DLC coatings as they tend to be more durable based on past experiences. However, of course, cost will be impacted even further with that sort of upgrade. The case measures middle of the road at 45mm when measuring from the top to the bottom, however, when factoring in the crown/function pusher guards it jumps up ever so slightly to 47mm. I decided to go ahead and obtain the measurements including the function pushers and the crown, which were 50mm with the crown and 51mm with the pushers. Combined with the 14mm plus thick case, the above noted specifications should let you know well ahead of time that the Genesis X1 is going to provide a substantial amount of wrist presence. The watch weight is less than 150 grams, however, will keep the watch from feeling overly cumbersome on the wrist.
sam hafman
cool looking watch !
LIV Watches
Thanks Sam!
Mikki Volvo
So cool!!
LIV Watches
Thank you, we appreciate the feedback!
BlessedTA
very cool
Jay
I just purchased this IP model with the orange numerals, the watch is simply gorgeous! Coolest watch in the price range (and substantially above the price range) you can buy.
Love it!
LIV Watches
Thank you!
WatchGuy
I stumbled across LIV watches on Instagram and was instantly impressed by the design and (somewhat) reasonable price. I ordered a Genesis X1 and extra strap on a Thurs night from my iPhone and the site said ‘order placed’ or something to that effect. My Visa shows a charge pending but I never received any sort of confirmation email for my order….which you get from pretty much ANY online retailer these days. I got zip, nothing. No confirmation of order, no receipt, nothing.
I emailed LIV on Friday asking for confirmation of order…no response. Monday rolls around and I’m thinking surely someone will get back to me today. Still, no email, order confirmation, tracking number, nothing. I call the LIV office on their phone number and no answer.
LIV makes cool watches but they have a thing or two to learn about customer service. I’m sure they have a small group and maybe someone is on holidays but in 2015 it’s not acceptable for an online retailer to not have some sort of emailer in place to confirm orders, and issue a receipt. Maybe I’m too impatient but I expect immediate action from online retailers or I don’t use them again. The whole point of dealing with online companies is to A) get the best price, and B) because it should be quick and convenient.
I’m hoping that someone at LIV gets back to me by end of tomorrow otherwise I will contact Visa to reverse the charge and I’ll buyt a different watch.
WatchGuy
So….I thought I should follow uo on my last post. Yesterday I got an email from LIV saying their office had been closed for 10 days and that for some reason the auto-emailer didn’t work when my order was first placed. Then this morning I also got a phone call from LIV assuring me the watch is shipping today. All in all I am happy with how they dealt with the situation but I suggested to them that if aa small office is completely shut down for a period they should have some sort of notification on their website.
Looking for ward to getting my watch!
WatchReport
Glad to hear all worked out well! Send us some pics when you get your Genesis X1
Peter
I had the same. Exactly the same. Several emails, conversations with my credit card company, etc and only now have I got a response. I contacted America in the end as I was not making much progress via Born.com. The watches are being shipped in the next few days and I hope then someone will contact me asking for my address. Very concerning that none of the basics for online retailing are being applied to the business model. Peter
LIV Watches
@Peter – I’m sorry about the experience you had as well, regarding our communication, we have put processes in place to ensure that there are systems in place when our office is closed. Regarding your experience with Born.com, that is completely out of our control (it is being run by Born.com) but we are working with them to try to expedite everything. Either way we appreciate the feedback!
LIV Watches
@Peter – Just to clarify regarding Born, they did promise that the watches would be delivered in October… and they will make sure that you get the watch by the end of October! So in that regard they are on track!
LIV Watches
@WatchGuy – We do apologize for this experience and we appreciate your feedback. We have put processes in place to ensure this will not happen again! Would love it if you could post your thoughts on the watch on this thread!
Juan Jose Jimenez
When i discovered kickstarter i really want to find something new and exclusive, but ive never imagined i can buy such an amazing watch. Then when the project was funded i have problems with my credit card, because of my country, then after a few emails the livTeam send me a promotional code for buy my watch at the original kickstarter price, i cant believe that, they really care about my issue and help with a solution.
The watch itself is a masterpiece, with an incredible packaging and great build quality. The unique style of every detail definitely make the difference, and the price also is a big deal.
Sam Farid
I came across the LIV watch via Instagram and loved the look and design, jumped and read more about how it started and connected even more with the brand. I loved the idea of its inception. I ended up at the time taking the plunge and purchasing a watch I’ve seen only on photos which is not something I usually do.
When it arrived, the first thing I was impressed with is the looks and make quality. I have few high end 4k+ brands and this watch was up there with the quality, build and looks.
I’ve had few people complement the look and ask about it, the story about how it stated is always a nice thing to add to the conversation.
It’s now about 4 months since my purchase and so far really happy with watch, great quality, unique looks and definitely one to add to the anyone’s collection.
I have few raw pics of the watch on Instagram, look up sam.farid.
Jasmine
When my hubby first came across LIV watch, it was via IG. Seeing how he was going ooh and aah over it, so I decided to surprise him with one. Though it took quite a while to reach us but the wait was all worth it.
It is one of his better looking watches in his collection, striking orange on black. He is considering the limited editions soon i guess.
Definitely a watch that he recommends to his friends.
Mark Perry
I first saw the watch on instagram and a few days later ordered direct form LIV. Unfortunately due to Portuguese customs I had way too many problems to import the watch but Esti of LIV was always helpful and eventually no thanks to Portuguese customs I got the watch. The look and feel of the watch is very good considering it’s price and it has some nice features that you would normally only get on more exclusive devices. My favorite watch is actually the Panerai but the LIV stands beside it well and I’m wearing it more than my Panerai’s at the moment..… I am a very happy owner !
Peter
Happy to update since my last post. Contact with LIV (Esti) who put my mind at rest. He played point on getting the watch to me and I could not be more pleased with his communication and the quality of the watch itself. It oozes quality – aesthetically and build quality. A lovely piece. Well done, chaps.
Alex
Hi All, I have the same situation with LIV watches – NO confirmation e-mail, NO order status… Contacted Liv watch via e-mail, nice lady promised to organize quick shipment and delivery, but almost a week has passed and nothing changed. I do understand that it’s busy time now, but just let your Customers know whether watches will be shipped or the order should be cancelled. I am waiting for 1 more day and cancel the payment…. Very sorry that can’t receive this very nice watches(
LIV Watches
@Alex – Just saw this post, not sure what happened, we do answer customers right away. Did you sort everything out?
Mike Rotella
Awesome watches! I recently received the Limited Edition Kickstarter Green! Best watch I’ve ever owned and I have many others including high end Tag’s. Can’t wait to get my next one!
Bill Byrne
@LIVWatches if I buy a watch through kickstarter, when will I receive the watch? The estimated shipping is August, is that accurate? Thanks.
LIV Watches
@Bill Byrne -Just saw your comment, looks like you sorted this out in the meantime :).
Mr. Wilson
“I see the future!…. Soon, every one who appreciates beauty and art is going to own one of these watches”
I like it when some one takes the extra step to construct something well… like for example… It looks like they have really dedicated time and ingenuity in making these LIV watches a work of art.
Every single detail on the watch is perfect, including the Swiss Movement and its sweeping motion of the ‘Second Hand’, (I am referring to the Automatic series GX1-A), of which I already own two of them.
One of the rules I LIV by is: “If you want something well done, then do it your self”.
Well!… It seems like the owner of the company, him/her self, is making these watches; they are beautiful, elegant, sporty and sturdy looking… In other words: they are, definitely, well done.
Sincerely:
Mr. Wilson.