WATCH INFOS

What are the benefits of a hardened mineral crystal versus a sapphire crystal?

Hardened mineral crystals are hardened to 450 vickers. Victorinox Swiss Army exceeds the industry standards by manufacturing crystals to 900 vickers.

Sapphire crystals are manufactured to a hardness of 1200 vickers. Sapphire crystals are virtually scratch-proof - only a diamond can penetrate their surfaces.

How to interpret "water-resistance"?

- Water-resistant (WR) to 30 meters: the watch will withstand rain or splashes of water but should not be worn while showering or swimming.

- WR to 50 meters: suitable for showering or swimming in shallow water.

- WR to 100 meters: suitable for swimming or snorkeling.

- WR to 200 meters: suitable for diving.

What is the difference between a screw back and snap back case?

Some Victorinox Swiss Army watches feature a stainless steel snap back case which snaps into place. Several models feature a case which screws back into place (screw back) for added durability and water resistance.

What is a ratchet bezel?

The bezel is the frame that surrounds the crystal. The unidirectional rotating bezel, also known as a ratchet bezel, is used for measuring elapsed time (i.e. used by divers).

What is a quartz movement?

The movement power is provided by a miniature battery, eliminating the need to wind the watch. Quartz movements provide time measurement accurate to within a few seconds per year.

What is an automatic movement?

The watch movement (also known als "self-winding mechanism") is driven by an oscillating weight called the rotor. The movements of the watch owners arm cause the rotor to swing and this winds the mainspring automatically. No batteries are required.

What are chronographs and tachometers?

A chronograph, also known as a stopwatch, provides exact time measurement up to 1/10 of a second, to an elapsed time of 30 minutes. A tachometer offers a mathematical shortcut for measuring rates of speed over a measured course or calculating production units over a period of time.

What is meant by the "jewels" in a watch movement?

Synthetic rubies, also known as jewels, are used to increase the wear resistance of a watch movement's moving parts. Generally speaking: the more jewels, the better.