First Look at the Victorinox Field Force

Victorinox has long been a brand with a strong dual focus on value and durability. It’s also a reminder that fine Swiss craftsmanship isn’t relegated solely to watches, as the brand has proud roots in the original Swiss Army Knife, dating back to 1884. As a watch brand, Victorinox adheres to the type of traditional military inspired utility that fans of the multi-tool knives have enjoyed for decades, and the new Field Force collection is in that same vein. 

The Field Force is a 42mm quartz watch inspired by classic Swiss Army aesthetics. The red Swiss Army logo at 12:00 announces the Field Force as a heritage derived piece, but modern manufacturing makes it thoroughly modern. The durable quartz movement, scratch resistant sapphire crystal, and optional stainless steel bracelet make this a hard wearing piece that might find a place in a collection as a solid weekend beater, especially given the price. 

Victorinox Field Force

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Black or white
• Dimensions: 42mm
• Crystal: Sapphire 
• Water Resistance: 100 meters
• Crown: Push/pull
• Movement: Rhonda 517 Swiss Quartz
• Strap/bracelet: Leather strap or stainless steel bracelet
• Price: $350 (strap) – $395 (bracelet)
• Expected Release: Available now

What’s more, the fit and finish is sharp for the price. The finely-brushed case flanks meet the polished top side of the lugs in a way that you’re much more likely to see in watches costing many times more than the $350 Field Force. And it’s not bad looking at all — the wide, open dial and easy-to-read Arabic numerals are great for legibility. The thin aluminum bezel gives the watch a sporty, but sleek look. This isn’t a bulky, unwieldy thing. It will slide nicely under a cuff or a jacket sleeve, and it will give you all the information you need at a quick glance. Utility is the name of the game here.

The Field Force is available with a white or black dial, on a leather strap or the aforementioned bracelet. I think the move here is to go with the bracelet for durability, and swap it out for a nylon mil-spec strap as needed or as your own personal preferences dictate. I’m a fan of white dials in general, but black on the Field Force offers a great deal more contrast and legibility when checking the time. The white numerals against the white dial seem to defeat the purpose of the watch altogether. 

At this price point, particularly in quartz, consumers have a ton of options. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of fashion watches in the $200-$500 range, and many do. This type of watch, though humble in every possible way, is a great entrypoint into watches with real heritage. You’re getting something that is going to be of higher than average quality, and not something that’s simply been stamped with the name of a designer. This watch will be sold in the same department store display cases as watches with popular lux-designer names, but while those represent a gateway to fast fashion, a watch like the Field Force gets the owner into actual watchmaking. Victorinox scores points there.

The Field Force is available now on the Victorinox website. Victorinox