Build quality matters. Every day I am reading about how polluted the world is becoming, and our culture of disposability is directly responsible. While it isn’t possible (or palatable even) to revert to the days of the horse and buggy, we can make a meaningful dent in this trend by choosing to purchase fewer but higher-quality items.

Two years ago I made the conscious decision to deny cheaply made watches any visibility on WYCA, be it the website or social media channels. I do think it’s important that consumers be made aware of poor quality products, which is why I am happy to review popular watches that are junk (and freely disclose as such), but in my mind, it’s better not to give garbage a platform to gain visibility (good or bad).

The above is why I am especially impressed with the quality demonstrated in the GX1-A, which is on-par with some of my favorites (such as the SARB065 Cocktail Time, SARB017 Alpinist, Hamilton Jazzmaster, and so on). In some ways, LIV has done a better job given that they lack the enormous infrastructure or storied history of the above-mentioned brands. That the GX1-A is almost entirely devoid of imperfections – even when viewed under significant magnification – is impressive.

Telltale signs of quality construction include the smallest of details, such as the hands and applied markers, lacking material defects, the dial lacking dust or small blemishes in its finish, and the correct alignment of the seconds hand as it makes its way around the dial.

Flip the watch over and the same is true of the movement: the finishing on the standard-grade SW200-1 is acceptable, and again, there is no dust under the crystal or scratches on the movement.

The strap is also good quality, feeling comfortable right out of the gate. LIV ships the GX1-A clasped around the pillow in the watch box (which, refreshingly, isn’t anything fancy), so the leather is mostly broken in by the time you get it. I don’t have much to report here- the strap passed the “scratch test” just fine and the stainless steel buckle is a standard unit.

While the above signs are not definitive in their indication of quality construction, they are strong signs that demonstrate the care and attentiveness that went into its construction. These watches are handmade, and these details matter.