Well, perhaps that’s wishful thinking, but as I type this, Chicagoland has it’s first snow on the ground of the season, so, yeah, it’s a bit chilly out there. And, ok, watches may not keep your wrist warm, per se, but they do cover exposed skin, so there’s some benefit, right? Just announced yesterday, the Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chrono and the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical are ready to help you out.
The first watch, the Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chronograph, is what I think of when I think of watches from them. The design – a tri-compax chronograph – is a classic, and you’ve got a great combination of utility and legibility. Powered by a quartz Ronda movement and tucked into a 42mm stainless steel case, this is a watch that should just run and run (aside from battery changes) and not give you any worries. Just like, say, a reliable pocket knife that you’ve got with you, day in and day out.
For the Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chronograph, there are some different combos you can work out, depending on the dial colors, case finish, and strap or bracelet choice. I always recommend the bracelet, so that’s a quick choice. On the dial, I find myself declaring a clear winner. There are some plainer ones that will fly under the radar, and I’m sure many will opt for those. To my eyes, though, the “dark panda” dial with it’s mint green indices and hands just pops out. Not in a gaudy way, but in a manner that manages to bring that pop of color to increase legibility and give things some tidy visual interest. Pricing for the Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chronograph starts at $475, and tops out at $595 if you opt for the steel bracelet.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling like you want to go a bit more upscale and exotic, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical is where you want to take a look. Especially if you don’t like the feel of cold steel on your wrist. With this carbon composite case, you’ve got something special here. First off, it feels unlike any material you’ve handled. It also brings a subtle textured pattern to it that really has to be seen to appreciate. Secondly, the carbon used here gives you two great things – high strength and light weight.
If you’re not a materials geek, well, how about the movement? Rather than a quartz, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical is housing the rather nice Sellita SW200 movement inside, so you’ve got a rather nice – and classic – Swiss automatic paired up with the materials wizardry. Oh, and if you take a look at the photos, there’s another pairing there as well. It looks almost like a bezel swap (which would be trick with this material) but it’s not. It’s actually a protective bumper that you can put over the top of the whole thing to keep that carbon safe. And, well, have some additional direction sense while you’re out and about.
Given the materials and the movement, it should be no surprise that the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical is a higher-end piece, though still affordable for a carbon case. Here, it’s running at $1,150, and that also comes along with a special Victorinox knife as well. And, if you’ve not discovered the utility of having a good pocket knife with you in your daily carry, well, this is a great way to check that out. And we’ll be in touch with the brand to see if we can check out one – or both – of these watches in person to give you a more in-depth look. FieldForce Sport Chrongraph and I.N.O.X Carbon Mechanical
Tech Specs from Victorinox
Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chronograph
- 42 mm stainless steel (316L), gunmetal PVD, case
- Scratch-resistant, triple-coated and anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant to 100 m (10 ATM / 330 ft)
- Chronograph function & tachymeter scale
- Screw-in case back
- Crown protection
- 5 year international warranty+ on the watch Dial and Strap
- Black or anthracite dial
- Super-LumiNova® on hands and numerals
- Date calendar at 6:00
- Orange or black genuine rubber strap or stainless steel (316L) black PVD bracelet
- Movement: Ronda 5030.D Swiss-made quartz movement
- Pricing
- Orange Strap: $475
- Black Strap with yellow numerals: $475
- Black Strap with red numerals: $495
- Black Strap with green numerals: $495
- Stainless Steel Strap: $595
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical
- 43-mm carbon composite case
- Triple coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Protected screw-down crown
- Screw-in caseback with exhibition crystal
- Water resistant to 200 m (20 ATM / 660 ft)
- 5-year international warranty+ on the watch
- Dial and Strap
- Guilloché monobloc dial
- Super-LumiNova® on hands and markers
- Date calendar
- Genuine rubber with guilloché inprint
- Movement: Sellita SW-200, Swiss-made
- Extras: Delivered in a shockproof box housing a special edition spartan black knife and bumper
- Price: $1,150
