Unlike your classic multi-function Swiss Army Knife, a watch’s only job is telling the time. As such, it should do it in an efficient, reliable way while being durable enough to stand up to your day-to-day. That’s exactly what Victorinox’s new Fieldforce collection of stylish and rugged timepieces aims to do. Each watch features a superbly-finished 42mm stainless steel case, a reliable Swiss quartz movement, a day/date display, and the level of quality you’ve come to expect from Victorinox. Instead of resting on their laurels by reissuing an old watch, Victorinox completely revisited the design with a bunch of new features that you’ll appreciate day in and day out.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Fieldforce when putting it on your wrist is the large, open, and highly legible dial. Its set of SuperLuminova-treated applied indices sit against a contrasting black dial for optimal legibility. The numerals are big, bold, and easy to read in day or night, thanks to the generous application of lume. Stepped sword hands for the hours and minutes tell the time, while a bright glossy red seconds hand is constantly ticking around the dial. At 12 o’clock, you’ll see the classic red shield Victorinox logo that’s well-proportioned so as to not clutter the dial. Further adding to the utility of the watch is a contrasting day/date display located at 3 o’clock. Running around the outer edge of the dial is a slim fixed bezel with a black insert denoting the minutes. The choice of putting this useful scale outside of the bezel does wonders for keeping legibility a top concern.
For a 42mm watch, the Fieldforce wears well on the wrist thanks to a slim profile. There’s a mix of brushed and high-polish finishes seen throughout the case and bracelet that adds a level of sophistication to a traditionally utilitarian watch. It’s available on either a premium leather strap or steel bracelet with polished center links, in several color ways, including deep black, rich blue, and bright white dials, all with the same black bezel surrounding it. If you’ve been looking for a watch that can pull double duty in both the field and the office, the Fieldforce makes an excellent candidate.