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The Perfect Quartz Tool Watch -- Victorinox INOX

Victorinox INOX Watch Review

Almost like clockwork, I purchase a new watch every year around this time. With last year's acquisition of the Armani AR585, I developed a liking for watches in the 43 mm range. This year, I decided to get the Victorinox INOX Watch in OD olive green.

Background

I've wanted the INOX for several years but hesitated, thinking that 43 mm was too big. At the time, I sold my Armani AR585, but as time passes, my perspective has changed. I now see a place for larger watches to complement my existing collection of 38 and 41 mm sizes. The INOX also offers a 200-meter water resistance with a screw-down crown, which I have always wanted in a watch besides my G-Shock for swimming.

The hexagonal bezel design appeals to me as well. It resembles an AP Royal Oak or a PP Nautilus but is different enough that it doesn’t come across as a cheap knockoff or homage design. It's bold and blunt in size and design, but less so than my Seiko Orange Monster, which feels too blunt for my taste.

Specifications

  • Model: 241725.1 (Dark Green Dial)
  • Case Size: 43 mm x 13.5 mm height
  • Lug Width: 21 mm
  • Movement: Quartz (Ronda 715)
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters (screw-down crown)
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Clasp: Deployment Clasp

Initial Review

The INOX finally arrived after about a week. It wears smaller than the Armani AR585, despite sharing the same 43 mm case size. This difference is likely due to the smaller crystal on the INOX, which I appreciate as I prefer watches in the 38-40 mm range.

The weight of the INOX is noticeable; it is by far the heaviest watch I own. Previously, the Armani held that title, but the INOX has added heft. The crown is smooth and easier to thread than my Seiko Monster SKX781. The flat case back helps keep the watch level and steady on the wrist, addressing issues I had with the Armani and other watches with more curved case backs.

Cons

  • Bracelet pins are solid bars that require extra effort to remove.
  • Deployment clasp is tricky to use.
  • The lume is underwhelming.
  • Lack of micro-adjustments.
  • Heavy watch, though I prefer that to a degree.

Pros

  • Clean and easy-to-read dial.
  • Simple case design with a lack of a busy bezel.
  • Comfortable bracelet with nicely angled edges for a good sheen.
  • Sapphire crystal appears to have an anti-reflective coating.

Overall Initial Review

Overall, the INOX is a good size for me. It might be due to wearing the AR585 for so long, with its larger domed crystal, that makes the INOX feel 'just right.' The weight is something I'll need to get used to, as I can feel it while typing.

I'm glad I chose the OD green, as a black dial might be too dull with its deep recess and extra-large chapter ring. This watch is perfect for what I was seeking: a simple, solid tool watch. I should have acquired it years ago.

Is it the Perfect Quartz Tool Watch?

Excluding Casio G-Shocks and diver watches, I categorize the INOX as a field watch. I own several G-Shocks, which I find superior in many respects, but I consider them a perfect tool watch in their own category. While I have owned a few quartz divers and diver-style watches like the Casio MDV-106 that are comparable to the INOX, there is something special about a simple three-hand watch with date complications in an all-stainless-steel case and bracelet. This is the quintessential field watch.

Although the INOX is heavy and bulky compared to classic field watches like the Rolex Explorer or Hamilton Khaki, I find this characteristic beneficial as a modern interpretation of the classics. Competitors like the Citizen Promaster Tough and certain analog G-Shocks also exist.

Three words sum up the beauty of the INOX: wrist presence and honesty. Its clean and simple design exudes an austere, minimalist beauty. The Nautilus, Royal Oak, and various field watches like the Rolex demonstrate that a lack of a busy rotating bezel can serve as an excellent design aesthetic. The INOX forges its own path without being an outright homage, which I admire.

This is why I believe the INOX is the perfect quartz tool watch for me.

One Week Review

It's been almost a week since I acquired the INOX, and I'm pleased with the purchase. It meets my expectations admirably. In hindsight, I wish I had bought this watch years ago. However, I may not have been ready; I needed to experience several quartz and mechanical watches to fully appreciate the INOX.

Three Month Review

Close enough to three months since I got the INOX in late April, it's now July, and I've been wearing it almost daily. The weight took a while to get used to, as did the unusual clasp, but I'm satisfied. With the exception of the poor lume, it embodies everything I want in a rugged quartz watch.

The unusual hexagonal bezel and the simple yet tasteful choice of polished angles make it a delightful piece. At $200, it occupies an affordable and respectable price point that aligns with my lifestyle choices. While I love my Rolex and Omega, they don’t seem right for me at this time.

Update - 14 Month Review

As of June 12, 2021, the INOX has performed well after over a year of ownership. I still wear it regularly most days of the week. There are times when the weather and humidity prompt me to take it off to let my wrist breathe, but this occurs less frequently as I acclimate to wearing the INOX almost full-time.

I appreciate its heft. Thanks to its weight, it trains my wrist to feel used to the nearly half-pound metal bracelet, making my lighter watches feel much more comfortable when I switch between them. This difference became particularly apparent when I swapped back to my Seiko Monster, which I used to perceive as heavy but now feels much lighter.

The flat case back adds to the comfort, making it more pleasant to wear than the curved and decorated case backs of my Armani and Seiko. I can see why Rolex maintains this simple design feature; it’s ergonomic.

 

 
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