Victorinox INOX Watch Review
A deep dive into the rugged, minimalist utility of a modern field watch
Background and Philosophy
Almost like clockwork, I purchase a new watch every year around this time. With last year's acquisition of the Armani AR585, I developed a liking for watches in the 43 mm range. This year, I decided to get the Victorinox INOX Watch in OD olive green.
I've wanted the INOX for several years but hesitated, thinking that 43 mm was too big. At the time, I sold my Armani AR585, but as time passes, my perspective has changed. I now see a place for larger watches to complement my existing collection of 38 and 41 mm sizes. The INOX also offers a 200-meter water resistance with a screw-down crown, which I have always wanted in a watch besides my G-Shock for swimming.
The hexagonal bezel design appeals to me as well. It resembles an AP Royal Oak or a PP Nautilus but is different enough that it doesn’t come across as a cheap knockoff or homage design. It's bold and blunt in size and design, but less so than my Seiko Orange Monster, which feels too blunt for my taste.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 241725.1 (Dark Green Dial) |
| Case Size | 43 mm x 13.5 mm height |
| Lug Width | 21 mm |
| Movement | Quartz (Ronda 715) |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters (screw-down crown) |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Clasp | Deployment Clasp |
Initial Impressions
The INOX finally arrived after about a week. It wears smaller than the Armani AR585, despite sharing the same 43 mm case size. This difference is likely due to the smaller crystal on the INOX, which I appreciate as I prefer watches in the 38-40 mm range.
The weight of the INOX is noticeable; it is by far the heaviest watch I own. Previously, the Armani held that title, but the INOX has added heft. The crown is smooth and easier to thread than my Seiko Monster SKX781. The flat case back helps keep the watch level and steady on the wrist, addressing issues I had with the Armani and other watches with more curved case backs.
- →Pros — Clean and easy-to-read dial, simple case design with a lack of a busy bezel, comfortable bracelet with nicely angled edges for a good sheen, sapphire crystal appears to have an anti-reflective coating.
- →Cons — Bracelet pins are solid bars that require extra effort to remove, deployment clasp is tricky to use, the lume is underwhelming, lack of micro-adjustments, heavy watch (though I prefer that to a degree).
Long-Term Performance
It's been almost a week since I acquired the INOX, and I'm pleased with the purchase. It meets my expectations admirably. After three months of near-daily wear, the weight took a while to get used to, as did the unusual clasp, but I'm satisfied. With the exception of the poor lume, it embodies everything I want in a rugged quartz watch.
As of June 12, 2021, the INOX has performed well. I still wear it regularly most days of the week. There are times when the weather and humidity prompt me to take it off to let my wrist breathe, but this occurs less frequently as I acclimate to wearing the INOX almost full-time.
I appreciate its heft. Thanks to its weight, it trains my wrist to feel used to the nearly half-pound metal bracelet, making my lighter watches feel much more comfortable when I switch between them. This difference became particularly apparent when I swapped back to my Seiko Monster, which I used to perceive as heavy but now feels much lighter.
Comments
Post a Comment