VICTORINOX
Hikes the Alps
Alpine adventure inspired Victorinox as it designed its new Journey 1884 collection of 43mm steelcased quartz and automatic watches . The new collection , which includes two automatic models and five sporty quartz watches , features watches with blue or black dials and hands and colors that reference outdoor activities common just outside the doors of the Victorinox facilities in Delémont , Switzerland .
For example , the dials on the quartz models are finished to replicate a rocky hiking path . The hands on all the watches replicate the signs seen while on those paths in Switzerland , while the counterweight of the seconds hands echo the shape of the familiar Swiss Army Knife , a product for which Victorinox is well known . Even the markers at 3 and 9 recall a pocket knife shape .
Victorinox differentiates the quartz models from the automatic models beyond the two movement types . The quartz models are sportier , with aluminum-inlay unidirectional rotating bezels , a black rubber strap option and its red seconds hand and red logo . One quartz model is offered in a black PVD steel case with a matching bracelet . The automatic models both feature ceramic-inlay unidirectional rotating bezels , yellow accents and a yellow seconds hand .
All models in the Journey 1884 collection are ISO certified for shock and water resistance ( rated to 200 meters ). Victorinox offers quick strap change options with all models allowing the wearer to change from strap to steel bracelet without tools . One particularly interesting strap option ( offered on the blue-dialed automatic model ) is made of patterned wood .
Victorinox notes that all its watch case components are made of stainless steel 316L that uses a minimum of fifty percent up to ninety percent of recycled steel . The company also utilizes numerous recycling and energy efficiency system throughout its Delémont production facility .
Prices : $ 575 to $ 1,150 .
36 | AboutTime Magazine