By 2026, the Swiss company Victorinox (known for producing Swiss Army knives and other goods) is releasing a new line of 39mm watches called Victorinox Concept One.
At first glance, they resemble the popular Victorinox Inox collection, but the Concept One models have their own distinctions. These watches are smaller, more practical, and geared towards everyday use with reliable features, unlike the more sporty and "rugged" models typically associated with the Victorinox Swiss Army brand. The unique aspect of Concept One is that the series is available with both an automatic Swiss movement and (for the first time for the brand, according to Victorinox) a solar quartz movement. The choice of movement type hardly affects the watch design - both versions come with the same dial and strap/bracelet options.
The Return of Swiss Solar Watches: Benefits and Features
Solar watches are gaining popularity again, and for good reasons. Previously, this technology was not in high demand among European manufacturers, considered more traditional, and was perceived as predominantly an Asian specialty. However, recently, the practicality of solar quartz watches has become more apparent, especially considering that some technologies have begun production in Switzerland. Companies such as Swatch Group and La Joux-Perret (though the latter is owned by the Japanese) are involved in this.
The Victorinox Concept One Solar model is equipped with a Swiss quartz movement Ronda 215 marked Swiss Made. It operates on solar power and, to a lesser extent, on artificial indoor lighting. When fully charged, the battery allows the watch to run for about eight months without recharging, while displaying time and date. The manufacturer recommends replacing the battery every 8–15 years to maintain optimal performance.
Automatic Concept One Models: Technical Specifications and Design
Automatic models of Concept One use the Swiss movement La Joux-Perret G100 with a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of up to 68 hours. The back case is made of sapphire crystal with the Swiss Army knife logo, allowing one to observe the movement. The solar versions of Concept One have solid steel backs. Interestingly, La Joux-Perret also produces solar quartz movements, but likely due to collaboration with TAG Heuer/LVMH, they do not sell them to everyone. This explains Victorinox's choice of Swiss solar Ronda movements.
Differences in Dial Design of Automatic and Solar Models
The solar versions of Concept One have a slightly different dial texture and markers compared to the automatic ones. Automatic models feature a vertically brushed center on the dial, whereas the solar ones are more matte to ensure sufficient light transmission to the photovoltaic cell. The automatic mechanism does not require such a solution. For newcomers to the watch world, quartz movements are preferred for their greater accuracy and practicality. Automatic watches are more valued by enthusiasts and are convenient as they only need winding when stopped, while quartz watches require a battery replacement or light recharging (if solar).
Case and General Features of Victorinox Concept One
The case diameter of Concept One is 39mm - a current size in modern trends, though the case is slightly thick. The case is made of steel and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. The dials are protected by sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating. Visually, these watches resemble a reduced version of Inox, but the case shape differs. The Inox bezel features a faceted geometry outside, while Concept One does so inside, with the outer part being more traditionally round. The main design innovations of the new collection are concentrated in the dials, which are very similar in both versions.
Dial Features and Color Variations
The Concept One dial is shaped with curved side walls, reminiscent of a bowl. The minimalist design is complemented by a small number of hour markers and text, ensuring simplicity and legibility. All models feature luminescent markers and hands, as well as a date positioned symmetrically at "6 o'clock." The Concept One Solar models are available with light gray, dark gray, and blue dials. The automatic versions come in blue, green, and dark gray metallic finishes.
Straps and Bracelets: Comfort and Switching Options
The Concept One comes with a rubber strap matching the dial color, equipped with quick-release spring bars. Additionally, Victorinox introduced a new steel bracelet with horizontal links, currently available only for dark gray models (both solar and automatic). Although the bracelet has not been personally tested, its design allows for easy removal and switching without tools. It is likely that Victorinox will sell the bracelets separately so users can mix and match them with different Concept One colors.
Pricing of Victorinox Concept One: Price Overview
The price of Victorinox Concept One watches varies depending on the type of movement and chosen attachment:
- Concept One Solar on strap - $900 USD
- Concept One Solar on steel bracelet - $1,100 USD
- Concept One Automatic on strap - $1,450 USD
- Concept One Automatic on steel bracelet - $1,650 USD
This series of Victorinox Concept One watches showcases a modern approach to design and technology, combining practicality and Swiss quality in two different mechanical executions. This makes them an interesting choice for those seeking reliable and stylish watches for everyday use.
