The Victorinox FieldForce

The Victorinox FieldForce, A Pretty Damn Decent $350 Adventure Watch

Founded in 1884, Victorinox is a brand known first and foremost for their extremely reliable Swiss Army knives. Unfortunately, Victorinox’s watch collections are often overlooked, so today we’re taking an in-depth look at the newly launched FieldForce Collection.

By Viviana Shanks
Contributor

Just in time for your summer adventure, the Victorinox FieldForce is a robust collection of two well designed military inspired stainless steel watches.

“Watches? I thought they only make knives”

Most times, when you go to Switzerland, you are often asked to bring back chocolate or a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife as a souvenir. And truth be told, it’s hard to find a better token to represent Switzerland than this unmistakable knife. I’m from there, I should know!
 

In reality, Victorinox is a swiss brand of multiple talents. The brand started with making pocket knives back in 1884 and watches for the American market followed a century later in 1989. They also had an apparel brand, and now they are upping the ante with their new collections of travel gear and business accessories which are incredibly reliable and fashionable.

What is Field Force

Victorinox is the sole supplier of pocket knives for the Swiss Army. It is only reasonable, then, that this newly released watch collection would be inspired by the brand’s origins. In the military world, FieldForce means an armed land force operating under actual or assumed combat circumstances, usually under the guise of a definitive military campaign.
 

We understand you’ll most likely not be taking this watch to the battlefield, although it could certainly withstand it. This collection is a great companion for outdoor adventure with a price tag that allows the wearer to not worry about getting the watch wet or dirty. You're not too outdoorsy? Not to worry, the watch can be easily worn under a shirt cuff thanks to the sleek and slim design of its case.
 

Elegant, durable and iconic and priced reasonably

Available in a three hand or chronograph version, each watch is powered by a Ronda quartz movement. The FieldForce is the perfect companion for outdoor activities or city life. Both the time-only and chronograph versions come in a 42mm stainless steel case. The collection is available in three different dial colors (blue, white, and black) and is water resistant to 100m. Not to worry, you can feel free to take that plunge in the freshwater river after a long hike, and survive a torrential downpour, while wearing the watch.
 

The monobloc stamped dial with bold SuperLuminova numerals and matching luminescent hour and minutes hands reminds me of a vintage military-style pilot watch. The watch is perfectly readable in the dark, should you happen to find yourself in a cave because your hike took longer than initially scheduled. It's also helpful when your subway car suddenly goes dark due to a blackout (true story).
 

In place of the 12 o’clock, you’ll find the iconic Victorinox red shield and white cross logo. The symbol is a gentle nod to the Swiss Army knife collection, but also a reminder that all Victorinox watches are made in Switzerland at their new distribution center in Seewen.
 

Priced starting at $350 for the three-hand variant and up $495 for the chronograph on metal bracelet, the FieldForce collection is part of a great lineup of affordable Swiss watches that you should consider. Whether you’re looking for a good, reliable, rugged, and adventure-ready watch for this summer or the cooler sweater weather in the fall, look no further.
 

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)

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