Victorinox Men's Watch

Long story follows, short story is at the end of this review -- summary is that this is a GREAT watch! (Skip to the end it you don't want to read the rest, or read on for a more thorough review of the watch, and the Victorinox brand)This is my first Victorinox watch, and I'm thrilled! For those wondering the history, Victorinox (named after the founder's mother, Victoria, combined with the word INOX, for steel) is the maker of the "original" Swiss Army knife, world-famous, of course. Wenger is the other "real" Swiss Army Knife (which is a term actually coined by servicemen, not the Victorinox company) out there, and is also genuinely Swiss, although the company fell on hard times, and was bought out, in 2005, by Victorinox. Even so, both companies remain separate entities.Victorinox started making watches in 1989, and Wenger didn't get into watches until 1997, seemingly trying to compete with the success of Victorinox in the watch business. Generally, in both knives and watches, Victorinox is widely considered to be the superior company, making superior products, and it could be said that such was proven when they bought out Wenger, which was falling into bankruptcy. While Wenger products are generally less expensive, they are a respectable entry into Swiss made goods, but, for not a whole lot more money (and in some instances, for about the same money) one should consider Victorinox as the better option (although Wenger fans may well disagree, of course).I have a couple of Wenger watches, and, up until now, I only had the opinions of others upon which to compare and wonder if it was "worth" it to pay a bit more, on average, for a Victorinox watch. My experience with Wenger (in case you're looking to choose between the two) has been good, and certainly it has been great, for the very low price. It is a "genuine" Swiss brand and perhaps one of the most, if not THE most, affordable means of getting a true Swiss watch. Wenger makes some very sharp models (the Wenger Men's Squadron Chrono Watch with Leather Bracelet, for example, which is one I have, and have reviewed) and prices are very reasonable, especially considering that, if you search through model specifics, you can get most of what any great Swiss watch gives you, including a sapphire crystal, good water resistance, a reliable movement, etc.So, Wenger remains, in my mind, a good step into the Swiss watch world you can get a decent watch, if you prefer Swiss over other options in the Wenger price range. However, Wenger seems perhaps a bit limited, and many of their offerings are only mineral glass, even in some of their higher priced models. Also, many straps are either leather or rubber, with not so many stainless steel options.Since I wanted stainless steel, and naturally desire sapphire over mineral glass, when I saw this Victorinox on sale for less than I paid for my Wenger, I was eager to give it a try, and see what Victorinox is all about -- would it truly be the superior choice?For me, the answer is a big YES! Victorinox seems a definite step up, and that was proven to me upon receiving this watch. I had read some views that Victorinox is just an overpriced version of Wenger, but I'd say it's more the case that Wenger is a budget effort to mimic what Victorinox has being doing far better, for much longer. Not that Wenger isn't providing solid products, but, if you're willing to spend almost equal in some cases, or about double in other cases, it's worth your budget for the superior quality and craftsmanship.While Wenger is a good start into Swiss watches, Victorinox is a better start, and, honestly, with prices at nearly the highest end of Victorinox still far less than other "Swiss" brands (some of which are not even very Swiss, in reality), one really benefits from the Victorinox mission of providing true Swiss quality at a very affordable price.So, if you're wanting to get into a Swiss watch, but don't like the idea of paying near to, more than, or many times more than a thousand dollars, Victorinox is the BEST choice. In house movements, sapphire crystal, surgical grade stainless steel, quality of workmanship, excellence in craftsmanship and a legacy of accuracy, reliability and extreme durability (like easily surviving tests such as being dropped from a building, being run over by a tank, roasted with blowtorches, etc.), and all for, on average in most cases, around three hundred bucks. That's insanely amazing, especially when other "Swiss" watches start at double or triple that price (at minimum!) or often start at near to ten times that amount. Plus, you get a "respectable" brand -- and while that may not matter to some, for others brand recognition or respect is part of what is desired, and certainly, for anyone, a brand with a respected history behind it generally means the product is one worth buying.For me, it's about how much watch I get for the money -- will it last, is it accurate, is it handsome on the wrist, is there a strong heritage? I have to say, with this Victorinox, I am utterly astonished. Retail runs $550, but I got it here for less than $300, and it easily rivals, or supersedes, watches I have for which I paid far, far more.Beyond the obvious (sapphire, 5030.D Ronda movement, surgical grade stainless, 100m of water resistance) it is the refinement of the build itself, which just announces quality in every aspect. The bracelet is like liquid, silky smooth and ultra comfortable and has some style to it, as opposed to the more boring SS bands that are often so commonplace. The bezel clicks assuredly around the dial, all the hands line up perfectly on their indices, the design is perfect for a sport/military kind of look, and it looks as great as it performs, making one wonder why anyone would pay quadruple or far more for any watch that fails to give more than what is provided here, in this beautiful time piece.I would say the element that does not exceed pricier watches I own, is the lume -- it's a bit faint, frankly, but not to where it is useless, by any means, it's just not as brilliant as on other watches I own. It's not at all inferior enough to lose a star, but just be warned it's not that bright, or at least such is the case on the one I received.In range of designs, in keeping with the Swiss Army Knife roots and heritage, naturally you will see mostly sport type designs like this one, or those with a more military or outdoor field use look, but I see they do have some that could be definitely considered a more formal or dress design and I will likely be ordering up one of those, as my next Victorinox choice. I think this watch, simply because of how well it is made, and how great it looks, could frankly work in almost any situation, outside of a dinner with royalty, perhaps, but it seems it could take on the mountains just as easily as it could make a statement of strength in the Board Room.Granted, one might want to step further, into a Swiss automatic, and Victorinox has rather few options in that arena (and they are priced far more than the Quartz listings -- but still less than many other brands) but, for the price and quality, this Victorinox really excels with respect to value for money, and I think it is a terrific brand of choice for anyone wanting to pay less than a fortune for a Swiss watch, unless of course the limitation of design options keeps you searching beyond this brand for a dressier or other kind of look, or, as I say, if you prefer a mechanical over a quartz (understandable for fans of what a mechanical watch can provide).All in all, for my first outing with this brand, I'm extremely pleased, and this is coming from someone who loves watches, collects them, has a wide range of brands from entry to higher end, and has spent a lot of time over the years learning about what makes watches "worth" buying, so, while I'm not an expert by any means, this is more than just a random opinion of saying, "nice watch" in reviewing this piece, so, I truly hope this review has been helpful, and I thank you kindly for taking the time to read it.***** SUMMARY:* Definitely a very handsome and impressively designed watch* Definitely high quality, in fit, finish, features (unidirectional bezel, chronograph, date, 100m water resistance, sapphire, SS build)* Extreme value for the money, and easily beats almost any other brand, for true Swiss build, with the best of what Swiss time pieces are all about -- certainly one of the best of its kind in this design and look* Would most definitely recommend to a friend, or give proudly as a gift* Would most definitely buy again, and will, in fact, be buying another Victorinox as my next watch!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

I was looking into buying a durable, reliable and sporty Swiss watch, and figured I would need to buy a used Tag Heuer or similar to keep within my $200 budget. One day I asked my brother what he thought and he tells me he has a victorinox for years and it's really held up. Not a scratch on the crystal even though the stainless steel band is all scratched up. So when I passed the victorinox store in the mall, I had to walk in. Instantly fell in love with this model, but walked out because I couldn't afford the MSRP of $450. Amazon to the rescue! Had this thing for 4 months now and have zero real complaints. (If you are big into night time visibility it may disappoint there, as other reviews have said.)Love the white dial and sporty look of the band. Pictures do not do it justice at all. It's not too heavy or bulky it's just the right size and weight . I also like the way they got some red, white and blue going on with the hands! USA! I rarely write reviews but I would seriously recommend you buy this right now if you are thinking about it. It's a no-brainer because I think it is very hard to find a watch with a sapphire crystal and this kind of build quality for $200.

Product was delivered in a timely manner....The watch is beautiful nice and clean....It does comes with an alternate strap which I thought was great..Victorinox has a reputable history in the watch making business and you're getting that on your wrist for a very very reasonable price...However,this isn't the very high end of their watch line but it is a great investment.....Very accurate,all the markers are luminated (not the numbers though),hour,and minute hands...The only downside is that the lume doesn't last that long...It's a sport watch but could very easily be worn for casual dress.Again,the face is clean and smooth....Beautiful bezel click and very comfortable strap....For the price it is worth the buy to add to the collection......In closing I will say that I'm strongly considering the chrono as well.....Yeah,I'll be back to get it soon....The watch is really a nice quality piece...So if you're in doubt,don't be.....And I suggest you get it while it's at a great price...The MSRP on this watch is 400.00+ at the actual Victorinox site....Oh,it does come with factory warranty...Another plus and reason to pick one up...You can't go wrong....

Burns through batteries, but if you don't mind the five-second sweep it does on low battery, you will get another 3+ months out of the battery. Wish the bezel was metal but it is holding up well. This watch has withstood the acidity or whatever of my sweat that other much more expensive metal bands/watches have not.

I have a medium sized wrist and the watch face is a perfect fit. Now, my concern is if you have small or tiny wrists there may be two problems. One, the watch face may be too large. Second, the band itself comes with a lot of links. You would need a wrist the size of the top end of a Louisville slugger bat to make use of the length of the band. Now, I took out all the removable links and it is a perfect fit. However, if my wrist was a bit smaller the watch band would be too long! I went as short as the band will go. So, I guess if it came to that you can replace the band altogether, but I wouldn't be happy about doing that. So, to sum up it's a really nice looking watch; not too busy of a face and sleek edges. Just be careful if you have small wrists you may need to purchase another band.

Excellent watch! I've owned 4 Victorinox watches and this is my 5th. I usually get a new one every 5 years and I decided to go witj this one this time. Excellent quality watches with great warranty. Very comfortable watch and perfect for everyday use. Highly recommend this brand of watches as well as tissot as those are the two that I hace been using. There is nothing better than siwss made watches. Price was just astonoshing from what they are usually worth.

Got my watch in time and is like expected. Was surprise to have a bill of 50 $ for shipping and custom, after a e-mail ,the paid every thing and now i am happy

El producto cumplio con mis expectativas. Llego a tiempo. Lo he usado tofos los días y no he tenido ninguna queja en el funcionamiento ni en na calidad del producto

stunning watch, great weight to it, perfect size for me, draws attention - love the clear face with white background.

Victorinox always stands out for the red logo. This is a good watch though the design is quite common these days. However, the band is a matt finished steel and you wont know that from the image here. Its always better to check the original at a store and then take your decision. This can help avoid future disappointment and hassles. This also helps to ascertain the exact size and look of the watch.

Buena calidad y muy bonito. Lo he visto en otros lugares hasta en 6000 pesos