The Nezumi Voiture VM2: A Racing Chronograph That’s Here To Stay

Over the past decade, we have come to know Nezumi as a creator of stylish, affordable watches. I particularly love how the Stockholm-based brand uses less common colors to make its watches stand out. Over the past year or so, Nezumi has focused on updating its collection. Last year, we saw revamped versions of the popular Aviera GMT and Baleine diver. This year, we are treated to a revamp of the popular Voiture racing chronograph, now featuring a revised look and a different movement. The Voiture VM2 is indeed an interesting update in Nezumi’s permanent collection.

As a designer, I love being surprised by less obvious colors. Nezumi has repeatedly proven that it makes watches that not only look great but also stand out immediately. Examples that come to mind are the colorful limited-edition Baleine diver and the two Corbeau chronographs I reviewed last year. The former uses a funky color palette to instantly catch the eye. But the two chronographs perfectly show how well Nezumi uses colors. One of the two Corbeau models utilizes soft tones to create a wonderful vintage-inspired mil-spec-themed chronograph. The second model uses a tasteful injection of color to make the classic chronograph look more modern and distinct. I love this smart use of colors, and it has led to an interesting ongoing series of releases.

The story of the new Nezumi Voiture VM2 chronographs

For Nezumi’s Voiture, the story is somewhat different. The Voiture was the brand’s first release in 2015. Ever since, we have seen a variety of colorful executions of this ’70s-inspired chronograph series, so what makes the VM2 different? The classic late-’60s and early-’70s chronographs that inspired the Voiture series already featured wild color combinations. In that sense, then, the element of surprise might be less impactful than with the Aviera GMT and Baleine diver. That said, the colorful executions we’ve seen fit Nezumi’s overall color philosophy perfectly.

For the updated Voiture VM2 series, the brand introduces two executions. One uses black, gray, and white (ref. VM2.202), while the other uses black, gray, orange, and cream (ref. VM2.1102). We had the latter version in for a hands-on review to find out more about the new series. After all, the biggest update is not the new colorways.

The Nezumi Voiture VM2 houses a mechanical movement. Following the release of the 10th Anniversary model of the Voiture Chronograph, which featured a mechanical Sellita caliber, Nezumi decided to go mechanical with the VM2. It is a welcome upgrade over the standard mecha-quartz movements the brand has used for the Voiture until now. On top of that, the two new models join the permanent lineup next to the existing mecha-quartz versions.

The details of the Nezumi Voiture VM2

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the Nezumi Voiture VM2 chronographs. Each has a 40 × 47mm stainless steel case with a 100m water resistance rating. The watch’s 12.9mm profile consists of the 11mm-thick steel case itself and a double-domed sapphire crystal on top. The case also has a fully brushed finish, lyre lugs with a 20mm spacing, and a fixed black bezel insert. On the right side, you will find the knurled push-pull crown and two pump-style pushers to operate the chronograph.

As mentioned, the two versions feel very different from each other due to the colors used. Both feature a three-register layout with the 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour totalizer at 9 o’clock, and running seconds at 6 o’clock. As mentioned, the ref. VM2.202 uses a simpler overall color scheme, with all three registers rendered in white. The two chronograph sub-dials sit inside the gray “Zorro mask” that adds a lot of character to the dial.

The dial design of the Nezumi Voiture VM2 chronographs

For the ref. VM2.1102, Nezumi chose a different design solution. The two chronograph counters both combine black, orange, and cream tones, but they look completely different. Here, they sit inside a black “Zorro mask” that contrasts with the dial’s gray base.

The running-seconds register is black with cream-colored markings, so it looks completely different from the chronograph counters. The applied markers and hour and minute hands contain Grade Xl Super-LumiNova that matches the color of these counters and lights up blue in the dark. Lastly, the orange central chronograph hand matches the style of the chronograph registers.

Hiding behind the deeply engraved case back is the new movement. Nezumi switched from the mecha-quartz Seiko VK63 to the Chinese Peacock SL4801 caliber. This automatic column-wheel chronograph movement operates at 28,800 vph, has 41 jewels, and offers a 55-hour power reserve.

It debuted in 2023 and is part of Peacock’s SL-4 family of automatic chronograph movements. It is a great mechanical caliber for brands that want to keep their chronographs affordable.

Wearing the Nezumi Voiture VM2.1102

We received the Nezumi Voiture VM2.1102 on a moss-green canvas strap, but that is only one of five available options. The first two are a black or brown perforated rally-style leather strap. The next two options are either a moss-green or a black canvas strap. Lastly, you can choose a five-row Jubilee-style bracelet. All the leather and canvas straps feature contrasting stitching for added style. The green one looks really nice on the Voiture VM2.1102. Still, I would probably have picked the black canvas strap to make the dial pop even more.

But I have nothing but positive things to say about how well the watch wears. The case is beautifully proportioned, and the 11mm thickness (without the crystal) gives it a nice, slim overall profile. The overall build quality feels super solid, as we have come to expect. All Nezumi watches are assembled and checked in Germany to ensure they meet the brand’s standards. Germany has a reputation for delivering high-quality goods, and in this case, I can only confirm that.

Final thoughts on the Nezumi Voiture VM2 chronographs

On the wrist, the watch has a ton of vintage appeal. Watch people usually like to throw in comparisons to other watches, and the best way to describe the vibe is a combination of a Speedmaster case with a dial design reminiscent of the classic Tudor “Monte Carlo,” which was later reintroduced as the Tudor Heritage Chrono.

But such comparisons always seem a bit nonsensical once you put a watch on. Though mine describes what you see, the Voiture VM2 chronograph feels distinct on the wrist. The watch wears very well on wrists of many sizes. Multiple people in the Fratello office tried the Voiture VM2.1102, and without exception, they were impressed by its great quality and wearability.

When it comes to operating the chronograph, I also have nothing but good things to say. The chronograph starts, stops, and resets with a series of firm clicks, partly due to the column wheel. This makes interacting with the watch fun. Plus, the dial design drew me in again and again, which was nothing but a pleasure. All in all, the Nezumi Voiture VM2.1102 seriously impressed me. The updates present a step forward for the brand by offering a new chronograph powered by a mechanical caliber.

A great update for the Nezumi’s signature chronograph

But I would put it into a wider context. Retailing for just €850 (excluding VAT), €902 (excluding VAT) on the bracelet, the Nezumi Voiture VM2 is one of the best affordable mechanical chronograph series on the market. Just as importantly, the watches look the part too. While that may sound simple, it’s a great achievement, so kudos to Nezumi for this great update.

The two Nezumi Voiture VM2 chronographs are available now on the brand’s official website.

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