the new Victorinox ladies range offers something for everyone...
Victorinox is a brand we have all heard of. Probably most of us have owned one and for sure your model would have been equipped with a bottle opener and tweezers. However, when it comes to the Victorinox watch portfolio the chances are that most of the models will be new to you. The brand prides themselves in creating products which are designed to be companions for life. Their legendary Swiss Army Knives are synonymous with superior practicality and solid engineering; to such an extent that they come with a lifetime guarantee.
The Victorinox I.N.O.X V Range - Image Credit: Victorinox
Therefore, it is no surprise that the manufacture of Victorinox Watches has been approached with the same level of technical detail and has not been subcontracted out. All watches are produced in a dedicated company workshop where the completed units are subjected to around 130 tests which include, but are not limited to, water resistance, temperature, corrosion, UV, traction and torsion, vibration, shock resistance, aging and wear. A large portion of their current watch range is 42-45mm and aimed at a specific demographic with names such as Maverick, Field Force and Air Boss. However, in early 2021 Victorinox is launching a new contemporary female based I.N.O.X V range of adventure watches. Whilst these new designs can be worn in everyday life and work, there is a strong outdoor and adventure design element to the collection.
The Victorinox I.N.O.X V Range - Image Credit: Victorinox
In Victorinox’s own words, the new I.N.O.X. V range is a fundamental redesign offering a more feminine and lighter silhouette than current models but retaining the company philosophy of being strong and durable. When compared to the current Victorinox ladies’ range, the weight and thickness if the V range models have been reduced by one third yet the 200m water resistance has been maintained. The watches are not particularly small at 37mm, but the dials, indexes and hands have been styled in softer tones of on-trend grey, white, black, blue, and pink.
The Victorinox I.N.O.X V Range - Image Credit: Victorinox
For the cases there is a choice of steel or rose-gold PVD. To protect that case in extreme sport or outdoor work, Victorinox offer a clever protective silicone shell which they have called a “Bumper”. Think of it as the horological equivalent of a mobile phone case. It is an accessory weighing only 6g which changes the look of the watch whilst providing significant additional protection. The soft shell hugs the contours of the I.N.O.X. V watch and comes in four colours including translucent grey. Straps for the new range are in keeping with the design ethos and come in outdoor survival paracord with a propriety clasp or genuine rubber with a new release system.
I.N.O.X. V General Technical Specs (model depending)
Case - 37 mm Swiss made stainless steel (316L) or rose gold PVD
Bezel - Anti-scratch
Lens - Scratch-resistant, triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Water-resistant - 100 m and 200m
Case back - Screw-in
Lume - Super-LumiNova® on hands, numbers and indexes
Strap options - Black paracord with purple tracers, grey paracord with pink tracers, blue paracord, blue or white genuine rubber strap with easy release system
Movement - Ronda 715 Swiss-made quartz
Lug width - 18 mm
Height - 13.7 mm
Net weight - 91 – 100 g
Suggested Retail Price - CHF 465 to 545 (£383 to £449)
A personal perspective
The Victorinox I.N.O.X V Range - Image Credit: Victorinox
The I.N.O.X. V range deserves to be a success. It is great to see a range of real adventure watches with a feminine spin which does not sacrifice any of the ruggedness and design of their more established 45mm counterparts. As for the “Bumper”, maybe one day all outdoor watches will come with this clever gadget. Keep looking at WatchGecko for a hands-on review with some of Victorinox’s new models soon.
