Swiss Army Knife Creator Makes Near Indestructible Timepiece
Victorinox claims to have recreated the durability of its Swiss Army knives in a watch as part of a restructuring of the business’s timepiece division.
The sub-brand’s new I.n.o.x model, created to celebrate the anniversary of the parent company, has undergone a battery of 130 tests – one for each year of trading – to ensure “quality, resistance, sustainability”.
The experiments, inspired by the Swiss watch industry, military regulations and everyday life, include being run over by a tank, set on fire and put through a washing machine.
Other trials comprise a fall of ten metres, being frozen in an ice cube, chemical attacks and altitude twice the height at which airliners fly.
Available in three rubber coloured straps with tonal faces – black, green and blue – the I.n.o.x features a 43mm reinforced stainless steel case and caseback, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and Swiss-made Ronda 715 movement.
Victorinox product director Francois Nunez told FashionBeans: “The idea was to come up with a product that would be very faithful to the brand message as well one that would stick to the promise of the brand, which is a companion for life.”
In addition to the watch is a rubber bumper that wraps around the case. Inspired by smartphone covers, the accessory is designed to protect the timepiece but also allow the wear to customise the product.
Nunez confirmed plans to roll out additional watch colour ways and patterns next spring in an attempt to target a younger fashion audience: “We first went for more neutral colours but we will broaden the range. I would love a red one,” he said.
The bumper, initially only available in black, will also later be sold separately in different shapes, colours, materials and technologies.
At a launch event in New York, Victorinox announced a partnership with the Fire Department City of New York and the Fire Department of the City of Ibach, Switzerland. Both emergency services branches will use specially designed products including the I.n.o.x.
Despite being founded in 1884, the Swiss business only expanded into watches in the US as recent at 1989 before going international in 2001.
The I.n.o.x watch from Victorinox is available to buy now from the brand’s London flagship as well as UK retailers including Selfridges and John Lewis and online, priced at £329.
Available At
Victorinox London Flagship Store
Address: 95 – 96 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1DB Tel: +44 (0) 207 647 9070
Victorinox I.n.o.x Watch
