You may recognize Victorinox as one of the brands to popularize and manufacture Swiss Army Knives. In fact, they were one of two original brands – alongside Wenger – to get the original contract to build these official military tools. And they’re still going strong, having actually acquired Wenger in a 2005 merger, and are now the sole manufacturer of these lauded everyday carry accessories. What you may not know, however, is that they participate in another long-running Swiss tradition: watchmaking.
While any cursory internet search could tell you that Victorinox offers a wide variety of watches, it’s much harder to tell which ones stand out from the crowd. And though that might be because all of their offerings are worthy of recognition, it’s also true that some are better than others. Because that’s just how it is. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork and compiled a collection of the best Victorinox watches available to purchase right now. Whether you want your wrist adorned with Swiss horological excellence or you just know you want a timepiece from a brand you can trust, any of the following are exceptional choices.
Victorinox 249087 Original XL Watch
Paired with a durable buckle-closure nylon band, this classic format analog watch has all your timekeeping bases covered. And it does so in style. Featuring an always-handsome black and white facade, both 12 and 24-hour markings, and a 3 o’clock date window, this stainless steel watch is a perfect EDC accessory. And it has a water resistance of up to 100 meters, so you never have to worry about it getting a little wet.
Victorinox 241555 Dive Master Watch
For what you get out of this suitable-for-scuba dive watch, the price point is superb. Handsome both above and below the water, this PVD coated stainless steel 38mm is as dependable as they come. It also features a unidirectional bezel to help you keep track of elapsed time and a water resistance of up to 500 meters – in the case you do actually like to go diving. It also features some handy more day-to-day functions, as well, including a 24-hour display, a date window, an luminescent markers for low light situations.
Victorinox 241683.1 I.N.O.X. Watch
The I.N.O.X. series are the watches offered by Victorinox which are the most suited to an adventurous lifestyle. They’re reliable, durable, and still look good, as well. This Army green offering features a classic analog display, a date window, water resistance up to 200 meters, and a versatile rubber band. And the fact that it is fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire display crystal and luminous markers ensures that you’ll be able to read it at both high noon and midnight.
Victorinox 241679 Chronograph Watch
A touch on both the more masculine and more refined side, this fully-functional chronograph is as durable as it is handsome. Between the steel case and band, protected crown, beefy black bezel, and anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window, this dress-style watch is more like a sports watch in disguise. And while you could wear it out surfing, it also wouldn’t look out of place if you’re smoking cigars with work colleagues.
Victorinox 249107 Maverick Watch
Beefier than some of its counterparts, this 43mm stainless steel case watch is no less a strikingly good looking accessory. From the contrast stitched brown leather band, to the unidirectional bezel (with elapsed time functionality), to the protected crown, this wristwatch is as fine as Swiss engineering comes. And its looks are just another testament to the dependable quartz movement housed within.
Victorinox 241648 Infantry GMT Watch
While it may look a bit more refined than would seem appropriate for the battlefield, this watch is still tough enough to bear the ‘Infantry’ name. And that’s in part because it offers up both shock and shatter resistance – in conjunction with being resistant to water. It also features a 12-hour dial with 24-hour bezel markings, a date window, and a GMT feature – so you can keep time across two different time zones. If you need toughness in your EDC loadout, you should certainly consider this one.
Victorinox 241695 Maverick Chronograph Watch
Boasting an unmistakable and always-in-style classic color scheme, this dress watch is deceptively comprehensive. Not only does it feature all the normal trappings of a fully-functional chronograph, but it also has an elapsed time bezel and a tachymeter. But even if you don’t take advantage of this watch’s litany of uses, this is still an incredibly good-looking timepiece for any occasion.
Victorinox 241443 Classic Chronograph Watch
If you want something refined, but that still speaks to the tactician in you, you might want to have a gander at this quartz movement equipped offering. The black dial and bezel pair beautifully with the stainless steel case and band, but this watch goes far deeper than just looks. It offers chronograph functions so accurate and precise, you can measure time at up to 1/10th of a second. It also features a tachymeter on the bezel, a 60- and 30-second countdown timer, and a scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
Victorinox 241595 Night Vision Watch
As the name might suggest, this timekeeper is going to be your best bet if you need something for low-light situations. Whether you’re a night hiker or just a bar hopper, this quartz movement watch is as dependable as they come. Between the extended light mode and the dial illumination mode, this watch ensures that, even in pitch blackness, it can be read without a problem. It’s also equipped with a durable rubber strap, is water resistant to 50 meters, and features both 12 and 24-hour time.
Victorinox 241776 I.N.O.X. Carbon Watch
Not only is this analog watch tough enough to survive being run over by a tank, but it also comes with a paracord band. And that gives it a pretty big leg-up against other watches for anyone who likes to spend time in the outdoors. Because not only will this watch help you keep time accurately, but the strap can be dismantled and used for any number of animal traps, shelter ties, or tourniquets – should the occasion call for it. For anyone that values survival tools, this is your best watch option.
Victorinox 241685 Alpnach Mechanical Watch
Balanced perfectly on that line between tactical prowess and handsome design, this watch is the cream of the crop. The Swiss automatic movement housed within never requires a battery replacement. And the PVD sandblasted case is as tough as nails. In fact, this watch was actually inspired by the Swiss Army’s Cougar AS 532 helicopters – legendarily tough flying machines whose fortitude was imbued into this timepiece. But don’t let its rough exterior fool you, the movement inside is pure mechanical precision. And you can view it through a transparent case back.
Victorinox 241597 AirBoss Watch
Nothing shy of gorgeous and impressive, this AirBoss is something to be revered. It features an incredibly reliable automatic Swiss movement that keeps it functioning day-in and day-out. And not just the dial, but the chronographic functions, too. That includes 12-hour, 60 minute, and 30 minute timers. And a date window. You could even take it snorkeling, if that strikes your fancy, because it is water resistant up to 330 feet. Though, if you couldn’t tell from the tachymeter and its name, this watch was meant for the skies.
