Gruppo Gamma Vanguard 42mm at Finch Watches: AG-10, AG-11, AV-10, AV-11

Some watches win you over with perfect proportions. Others do it with texture, patina, and sheer attitude. The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard 42mm manages both: a compact, purposeful case profile paired with a forged-carbon luminous sandwich dial that looks alive in changing light—and absolutely electric once the lume wakes up. 

At Finch Watches, the Vanguard 42mm line-up currently revolves around four references—AG-10, AG-11, AV-10, AV-11—two case finishes, and two “display styles” (time-only vs. triple-date). Here’s what sets them apart, and how to pick the right one for your wrist and your rotation. 

The Vanguard 42mm in a nutshell

Across all four models, the platform is consistent and very “wear it hard” in spirit:

• 42mm case, 49.5mm lug-to-lug, 22mm lug width, 12.6mm thickness 

• Domed bezel, box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment 

• Solid caseback and push-pull crown with locking device 

• 100m / 330ft water resistance 

• Miyota 9039 automatic, 28,800 bph, ~42h power reserve, hand-windable 

In other words: modern daily robustness, vintage-leaning design cues, and the kind of dial material that keeps you glancing at your wrist for no reason. 

 

The dial: forged carbon + lume, done the Vanguard way

The signature here is the forged carbon dial infused with luminous pigment, built in a sandwich construction with luminous markers, plus silver hour/minute hands (luminous) and a red seconds hand. The lume is listed as Swiss Super-LumiNova in an “Old Radium” color, giving it that warm vintage glow rather than an icy modern blast. 

What you get on-wrist is contrast and depth: the carbon’s marbling shifts from matte stealth to granular sparkle depending on angle, while the domed bezel + box sapphire adds a nice “crystal edge” distortion around the perimeter. 

 

Two case personalities: Brushed Steel (AG) vs Weathered Steel (AV)

This is the first big fork in the road:

AG (Brushed Steel): cleaner, sharper, more “tool watch classic”

Both AG-10 and AG-11 come in 316L brushed steel. 

They also ship with a steel bracelet (quick release spring bars) plus a brown leather strap with Toscana accent stitching, and include a travel pouch + multi tool. 

 

AV (Weathered Steel): louder, more character, instant patina vibe

Both AV-10 and AV-11 use 316L weathered steel, a finish that leans into “already lived-in” character from day one. 

These are listed with two brown leather straps (retro closed stitching + Toscana accent stitching), plus the travel pouch+ multi tool. 

If you want the Vanguard to read as a versatile daily diver-adjacent piece, go AG. If you want it to feel like something pulled from a field kit, go AV. 

 

The “10” vs “11” question: time-only or triple-date?

The second fork is about dial layout:

• “-10” models (AG-10 / AV-10): time-only (“Hours, minutes and seconds”). 

• “-11” models (AG-11 / AV-11): add a “triple” date aperture designed for readability. 

If you love symmetry and pure dial texture, the -10 references are the cleanest expression of the forged-carbon sandwich concept. If you actually use the date daily (and want it bold), the -11 references are the practical choice. 

 

The four models, clearly explained

1) Vanguard  AG-10 (Brushed Steel) — the “classic” platform

• 316L brushed steel case, 42mm 

• Forged carbon luminous sandwich dial, Old Radium lume tone 

• Miyota 9039 automatic (28,800 bph / ~42h) 

• Steel bracelet + leather strap, plus pouch + tool 

This is the most versatile entry point: it can swing from casual to office to weekend straps without changing personality. 

 

2) Vanguard  AG-11  (Brushed Steel, triple-date) — function without losing edge

• Same brushed steel case architecture and dimensions 

• Same forged carbon luminous dial + red seconds hand 

• Adds the “triple” date aperture for maximum readability 

• Steel bracelet + leather strap, plus pouch + tool 

If you want the bracelet-equipped “do-it-all” Vanguard but with daily utility front and center, this is the sweet spot. 

 

3) Vanguard AV-10 (Weathered Steel) — maximum character, clean dial

• 316L weathered steel case, 42mm 

• Forged carbon luminous sandwich dial, Old Radium lume tone 

• Miyota 9039 automatic (28,800 bph / ~42h) 

• Two leather straps, plus pouch + tool 

This one is all about mood: the weathered finish + forged carbon combo looks unapologetically rugged while keeping the dial layout clean. 

 

4) Vanguard AV-11 (Weathered Steel, triple-date) — the “field kit” daily wearer

• Weathered steel 42mm case with the same Vanguard architecture 

• Forged carbon luminous sandwich dial + Old Radium lume tone 

• Adds the bold, readable “triple” date aperture 

• Two leather straps, plus pouch + tool 

This is the most “instrument-like” of the four—texture, patina vibe, and maximum day-to-day practicality. 

 

Quick choosing guide

• Want a bracelet option? Pick AG-10 or AG-11. 

• Want the most rugged/patina look? Pick AV-10 or AV-11. 

• Want the cleanest dial? AG-10 / AV-10. 

• Need a prominent date? AG-11 / AV-11 (triple-date). 

 

Shop now the Vanguard collection at Finch Watches. And get in touch with us if you have more doubts and need comparisons.

A few details collectors tend to care about (and why they matter)

• 49.5mm lug-to-lug keeps the 42mm case from wearing “too big” on many wrists—this measurement often matters more than diameter. 

• The box sapphire + domed bezel combo gives that pleasing vintage profile while staying modern where it counts (scratch resistance, clarity). 

• 100m water resistance is real-life practical: showers, rain, swimming, travel—without turning the watch into a thick “spec monster.”