VION: nautical precision from Paris

If Schatz stands for German tradition in brass, VION Paris is its French counterpoint: marine instruments of clean lines, designed for the modern yacht.

Steel as a signature

VION's hallmark is mirror-polished stainless steel: barometers, thermometers and combined hygrometers in cases that shrug off the marine environment and sit as naturally in a contemporary interior as on a bridge. For more classic tastes, many dials also come in brass — or even in black with a titanium look.

More than barometers

The VION catalogue goes where few dare: electronic barographs that record the pressure curve over time, tide indicators — the famous indicateur de marées — and the Axium series of bearing compasses, valued by racers and professionals alike.

Who is VION for?

• For the owner of a modern boat, where classic brass would feel out of place.
• For deck and outdoor mounting: stainless steel is the most salt-resistant finish of all.
• For those who actually sail and want instruments that read fast and true.

Want to compare styles first? Our guide to finishes puts brass, chrome and steel side by side.

What sets VION apart

Against classic brass, VION chooses stainless steel: polished or brushed cases, clean dials and a contemporary chart-room look that suits a modern sailing yacht, a steel boat or a flat overlooking the harbour equally well. The Paris house specialises in nautical instruments and it shows in the details: bezels that close properly, flat glasses that reflect less and reliable movements.

The range at RelojesNauticos.es

• Ship's clocks with quartz movements in ø127 and ø150 mm, with a classic dial or with the radio-silence sectors (minutes 15-18 and 45-48 marked on the dial, a legacy of listening on the distress frequency). See them in ship's clocks.
• Aneroid barometers, including open-dial models that show the mechanism, and Hi-Sensitiv models of ø150 mm. In barometers.
• Tide clocks and Time & Tide combinations in steel, in tide clocks.
• AXIUM hand-bearing compasses: VION's hand compass for taking bearings, in compasses.

Who VION is for

For those who prefer clean lines to golden shine, for boats with stainless steel fittings and for modern interiors where brass would "shout". It is also the most salt-resistant option: stainless steel needs neither lacquer nor polish, just a cloth. If you hesitate between brass, chrome and steel, the guide which finish to choose sums it up; and to pair a VION clock and barometer, see mounting your instruments.

VION versus Schatz 1881

Not rivals — two languages. Schatz 1881 is solid brass, the hinged bezel and the ship's bell: tradition. VION is steel, the uncluttered dial and French design: modernity. Many customers combine both by space: Schatz in the living room at home, VION in the saloon of the boat. All VION models are on our brand page.

Frequently asked questions

Do VION instruments take batteries?

Yes, quartz movements on a standard battery in clocks and tide clocks; the barometers are mechanical, no battery.

Does stainless steel rust at sea?

Marine-grade stainless steel can show superficial rust spots ("tea staining") if dried salt is left on it; a fresh-water rinse and a cloth prevent it.

Can I combine a VION with a Schatz barometer?

You can, but the set gains when it shares finish and diameter: better clock and barometer from the same family.