Victorinox, yes the Victorinox that makes the ubiquitous Swiss Army Knife, has been in the watch business for a while. While a number of their watch offerings have been attractive, I rarely see something from them that makes me want to buy one. Well, I think they found their sweet spot, at least when it comes to what I like in a sports watch. A limited edition, Swiss automatic chronograph dive watch, and a serious dive watch at that.
The watch is being released as part of the Victorinox’s 25 anniversary as a watch brand. The titanium case is 43mm sandblasted mat grey, with a matching bracelet and a color matched dial. Screw down titanium pushers and a crown keep the movement protected. Powering the watch is an ETA 2894-2 mechanical automatic movement, with a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, a nice addition for a watch that is rated to 500 meters. Also included is a helium escape valve at 9:00, and a unidirectional bezel.
Chronograph functions are handled with the central second hand and the 30 minute sub dial at 9:00 and 12 hour at 6:00. A small second hand for timekeeping is shown at 3:00. From the press photos, the lume on the watch is quite impressive, bi-colored, and may be enough to light an evening stroll down a dark street. victorinox.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Models: Victorinox Divemaster 500
- Price: TBA, but I expect it to be a bit north of $2000
- Who we think they might be for: Your inner MacGyver.
- Would I buy or recommend them just on the photos?: Yes.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: A fold out corckscrew (just kidding).
- What spoke to me the most about these watches: A titanium diver’s chrono, how much more sporting can you get?
