We?ve been eagerly waiting for a mechanical version, and now it?s here. For Baselworld 2018, Victorinox unveiled the I.N.O.X. Mechanical, which takes the brand?s robust tool watch?first introduced in 2014?and pops in a mechanical and ever-reliable ETA 2824-2 in place of a quartz movement.
At first glance, the design appears to be nearly identical to that of many past I.N.O.X. watches. The biggest aesthetic departure is evident on the dial, which is now adorned with an intricate guilloche pattern meant to mimic the handle of a Swiss officer?s knife.The case features some small changes, too. The bezel now has a clear DLC coating to make it more resistant to abrasion. The case back also has a viewing aperture for the movement within. Ironically, despite my wanting a mechanical version of this watch, I think I would have preferred a solid case back here. The 2824 can be a good looking movement with someone decoration, but when it lacks that adornment (which is the case here) it?s a bit of an ugly duckling. A solid back with a thematic design may have been a better option.
Furthermore, the mechanical movement raises another issue worth noting (it?s not really an issue, but rather it?s more of a conceptual head-scratcher). Mechanical movements are far more fragile than quartz ones. Victorinox takes pride in their I.N.O.X. watches being nearly indestructible, and that?s a claim they can stand behind because they put their test samples through the ringer. Unfortunat...