Saturday, 24 November 2018

Victorinox INOX Mechanical | Hands On Watch Review

Victorinox INOX Mechanical

Victorinox INOX Automatic

Since the debut of the original Victorinox, INOX, watch enthusiasts have been clamoring for an automatic version. This year, at Baselworld, Victorinox introduced the Victorinox INOX Mechanical, and it was just released this fall. The new automatic retains much of the same look of the original but now with an ETA 2824 instead of a quartz movement and a few added touches such as the guilloche square textured dial and as seen on this variation, a wood and leather strap. The price did not raise as much as I expected it to either as this automatic INOX can be had for a retail price of $795.00.

Victorinox INOX Automatic

Victorinox INOX Mechanical Specifications:

  • 43mm Case
  • 13.5mmThick
  • 52mm Lug to Lug
  • 21mm Lug Width
  • Sapphire Crystal
  • Eta 2824 Automatic Movement
  • 200 Meters Water Resistant
  • Wood/Leather Strap (Bracelet also available)

Price $795 USD

https://www.swissarmy.com/us/en/Products/Watches/Mechanical-Watches/I-N-O-X-Mechanical/p/241834

Victorinox INOX Automatic

As I said, the VictorinoxInox Mechanical is the same case and dimensions as the original, so I will not be rehashing all of the features and details of the case again, you can find that in the original review (and the diver version and titanium version) here on Watchreport. What I will be doing though is discussing the differences and unique features of the new automatic. One of the standouts is the textured dial. The version I was sent for review is the muted blue dial. It’s a different shade of blue and not a bright,vibrant hue,but I still find it attractive. I would love a no date version or date at the 6 o’clock position and I’m surprised they didn’t do an olive green version like with the original, that would have really popped. Maybe at a later time.

Victorinox INOX Mechanical

As far as I know the bracelet is the same on the new Victorinox INOX Mechanical as the original, and that is why I was sent the strap version. I think funky is the best way to describe this wood and leather strap and it has a retro look about it. I like the addition of the deployant buckle as it will save on wear and tear but the edges of the buckle are sharp and give this $800 watch a slightly cheap feeling. I honestly expected better.Victorinox INOX Mechanical

Powering this VSA is the standard base Swiss movement, the ETA 2824. It has been around for a long time and is the movement most would expect from a watch such as this in this price range. As usual with most Swiss Army watches, there is no elaborate decoration to the case back or movement. This is a straightforward, no frills deal here, but for those that like to see the movement, you do have the exhibition case back.

Victorinox INOX Mechanical

For 2018, it seems Victorinox listened to myself and others and did a better job with the lume application. It is still not the brightest but my example at least has an even coating and seems to hold a charge for more than past models.

Victorinox INOX Mechanical

Remember how I said about the edges of the clasp being sharp? Well, you not only can feel it with your fingers but when it is one your wrist. It’s really a letdown. The strap looks great and the Victorinox INOX Mechanical wears very much like the original, but because of 21mm lugs, strap replacements can be a little tough. Custom is always an option as is a soft 22mm leather or rubber but come on VSA, can we go with an industry standard for the INOX already?

Victorinox INOX Mechanical

Let’s talk about durability for a bit. The original INOX is touted as an absolute beast, at least from the marketing department of VSA. Tons of tests for toughness, shock resistance, extreme hot and cold temperatures and more. Thing is, NONE of this is mentioned on the Victorinox website for the Mechanical. Obviously, putting an automatic movement inside this case and adding a see through case back lessens the abuse this watch can take. They really don’t mention it being anything like the original at all, so I don’t believe you want to use this in harsh conditions at all. This is more for show, not go.

Victorinox INOX Mechanical

The Victorinox INOX Mechanical gives the enthusiasts what they have always wanted, but it does come at a cost. Yes, this is $300 more expensive but that is not what I am referring to. It looses that tough factor, though for many it won’t be an issue. If you want that hard use INOX, stick to the quartz. If you love the look though, the new dial and strap does make it stand out from its predecessors and you can probably find these at a discount soon if $800 is a little beyond your budget. It’s still not the perfect INOX for me, but that is a discussion for another day. I feel this is a great option though and curious too see how the INOX line will continue to evolve.

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Friday, 2 November 2018

Spinnaker Tesei Bronze-Hands-On Watch Review

Spinnaker Tesei

Spinnaker Tesei

The Spinnaker Tesei is the latest from the Hong Kong Headquartered brand and it has some great improvements over past Spinnaker Watches. All versions are CuSn8 Bronze and have sapphire crystals, matte ceramic bezels and an SW200 movement from Sellita. Because of time constraints, this will not be a full article, but please watch the 12-minute video above and you can see my hi-res photos below as well.

If you want to get the best price possible, the Tesei is currently still up for pre-order until November 5, 2018, for $599. To save even more, use code Watchreport20, which will knock another $20 off the price. That is of course if you are interested in the watch because as you may know, we are not here to sell you a watch.

Spinnaker Tesei

The Spinnaker Tesei comes in 4 different colors, which you can see at their website HERE. Coming in at 43mm, it is a nice size and the quality and overall finish are on par with other watches at this price point, the issue is, after the preorder period, this watch will retail for $850, and at that price, there is a lot of brands competing for your money. I think this is a great direction for the Spinnaker brand and can honestly say, the watch is very nicely made and has a great look to it, even if derivative of others. The embossed wave dial is a nice aesthetic and I don’t feel it makes it gimmicky or too in your face. Text on the dial has been kept to a minimum as well and while the hands will not patina like they case will, they are made from bronze as well.

Spinnaker Tesei

My personal favorite of all of them has to be the chocolate brown version above, as the warm tones really compliment the bronze case and should only look better as it continues to patina. How far it will patina is up to you and like all bronze watches, if it gets a little too dark for your liking, you can always polish it up to look like new again. Search online and you will find a few methods to do this, which one you do is up to you.

Spinnaker Tesei

Above you can see the SW200 movement through the exposed case back and overall, the Spinnaker Tesei is a nice leap for the brand. At $599, or less if you use our code, it is a nice deal in my opinion. At $850, it might be stretching a little bit, at least with the heavy competition out there. As usual, it comes down to is it worth it to you, which only you can decide. After you watch the video review, please take a second to subscribe to our Youtube channel if you are not already, and hit the bell to receive all notifications. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below the gallery.

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