journey 1884 victorinox

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A Swiss Timepiece Geared For The Adventures Ahead

Victorinox honors its adventurous spirit with the Journey 1884.

A wristwatch does more than tell time; it holds our history. So, whether it's an unscripted adventure or a cherished moment with those we hold dear, a watch is more than a timepiece; it's a time capsule. Each mark we earn on the case documents our story, while listening to the sharp clicks of a rotating bezel can transport us back to one of life's most storied chapters. For those needing a versatile yet sophisticated companion for life's next adventure, enter Victorinox's Journey 1884, the perfect companion for your upcoming journey. Designed and engineered by Switzerland's most clever and innovative craftsman, this timepiece draws inspiration from another timeless enduring artifact – The Swiss Army Knife.

Victorinox’s earliest moments begin with the development of the world-renowned Swiss Army Knife. This durable, trusted, multi-functional tool has long been held in the high esteem of travelers, adventurers, and soldiers worldwide. In 1884, Swiss Army Knife architect Karl Elsener designed and manufactured the iconic pocket knife in a cutlery workshop in Ibach, Switzerland. As a result, in 1891, Elsener and the association of Swiss Master Cutlers secured a contract to supply the knives to the Swiss military; little did Elsener know that he was inadvertently reshaping the future of Swiss watchmaking.

However, it wasn't until 1921 that the general public discovered Victorinox. During that era, the cutlery industry experienced a new technological advancement with the introduction of stainless steel "Inox." Elsener, paying tribute to his late mother, combined her first name, "Victoria," with "Inox" to create what we know today as Victorinox. In 1989, following decades of success and innovation, Victorinox extended its fundamental principles of precision, dependability, and versatility that elevated the Swiss Army Knife to its iconic status into a new realm: watchmaking.

The legacy of the Swiss Army Knife that established Victorinox's reputation effortlessly shines through every intricate detail of the Journey 1884 collection. From the rotating bezel with ceramic inlay to “1884” elegantly etched at the bezel's base, each component is meticulously crafted and embedded for the modern-day adventurer to discover. While the hour and minute hands that draw inspiration from the Swiss Alps work in unison around the dial's center, the elegant sweeping of the second hand is accentuated by the yellow floral accents that travelers witness while traversing the adventurous terrains of Switzerland. At the core of the Journey 1884 is a textured dial with hints of a refined grain that centers and celebrates Victoninox's adventurous spirit.

For those who yearn to explore, preparedness is seen as premium, and every watch within the Journey 1884 collection delivers. Victorinox's Journey 1884 abides by the ISO norm "1413 horology," providing a comfortable shock resistance level and maintaining water resistance up to 200 meters. For those who leave their watches on their nightstand while they recharge for their next expedition, the Journey 1884 maintains a pristine level of accuracy with the movement and internal components shielded from magnetic fields. Furthermore, Victorinox maintains a commitment to accuracy and the "764 Horology" ISO standard in their quartz models as well. Beyond high-quality technical specifications, the Journey 1884 collection offers the added flexibility of Victorniox's tool-free changeable strap, allowing those to exchange their watch band effortlessly to adapt to life's many pursuits.

The Journey 1884 is a love letter to the storied past of a generational icon, the Swiss Army Knife. Synonymous with adventure, the Victorinox cross and shield emblem perfectly embodies the spirit of the Journey 1884 collection and offers today’s modern explorer a premium and functionally rugged timepiece with the generational quality only Victorinox can offer.

Journey 1884 Automatic

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Hands-On: Victorinox Journey 1884 Watches 

For a while now, I’ve been saying that one of the more underserved categories of timepieces is that of the “land adventure watch” (for lack of a better term). Divers and pilots watches are two of the most common types of timepieces currently available, yet very few people actually scuba dive or fly airplanes — and even if they do, most only engage in these activities on a somewhat limited basis. However, significantly more people hike, camp, and participate in general outdoors activities that largely consist of being on dry land, and while a traditional three-handed field watch is technically intended for these types of tasks and environments, you’ll need to reach for something else if your adventures take you too deep into the water. Plus, with no additional features or complications and often not even a date display, a classic field watch isn’t really any more well-suited to a life outdoors than any other relatively durable wristwatch. Consequently, when I heard about the new Victorinox Journey 1884 series inspired by Swiss hiking trails and built to be a timekeeping companion for a wide variety of outdoor activities, I was excited to check it out and see how this rather nebulous category of timepieces was interpreted by the brand.

The overall design inspiration for the Victorinox Journey 1884 watches is a mix of hiking, urban adventures, and the company’s legacy of being the manufacturer of the iconic red Swiss Army Knife. However, despite being a watch inspired by a wide variety of different land-based activities, the model itself largely follows the overall platform of a traditional dive watch. Crafted from recycled stainless steel and manufactured in-house by Victorinox, the case of the Journey 1884 measures 43mm in diameter by 12.5mm-thick, with an overall lug-to-lug measurement of 54mm.

The design of the case is chunky and angular with thick lugs, prominent crown guards, and almost exclusively brushed surfaces, with the only high-polished elements being the crown and a few small highlights on the bezel. Protecting the dial is a flat sapphire crystal, while a signed screw-down crown works together with a screw-down caseback to help provide the Journey 1884 series with a dive-ready 200 meters of water resistance. Although I don’t have the biggest wrists (about 6.75” around the widest part of the bone), the watch is undeniably rather large, and although I personally would have preferred a more compact overall design, some of the size and bulk may be necessary in order to guarantee that the Journey 1884 is shock resistant to ISO 1413 standards.

Rather than having a simple fixed bezel like a standard field watch, the Victorinox Journey 1884 features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute elapsed time insert. That said, the bezel is one of the more unusual elements on the watch, and the bottom has been cut off at the 30-minute location to give it the appearance of being carved away by a pocket knife. This location receives a glossy high-polish finish with an “1884” engraving as a reference to the year that Victorinox was founded. Additionally, rather than having its depth rating printed on its dial or etched into its caseback, it is rather unusually engraved upon a smooth section along the side of the bezel ring that sits at the 15-minute marker and interrupts the rest of the component’s serrated edge.

The rather unusual markings don’t stop there, and engraved on the side of the case near the 8 o’clock location is an etching that says “Stainless Steel AISI 316L,” which identifies the specific type of stainless steel used for the case. While this particular grade of stainless steel makes up the majority of what is used throughout the watch industry, this engraving is intended to play into the rather industrial design of the watch and draw attention to the fact the case of the Journey 1884 is made from recycled stainless steel components that contain anywhere between 50% and 90% reclaimed material.

Victorinox offers the Journey 1884 in either quartz or automatic configurations, and while the core design of the watches is largely the exact same, there are a few small but important differences between the two versions beyond just the movements used to power them. While the quartz version features a solid stainless steel caseback and a bezel insert made from aluminum, the automatic model is fitted with a display caseback and has a bezel insert made from ceramic. The quartz model is the more utilitarian and sporty option between the two that is largely inspired by the outdoors, while the automatic version is a slightly more refined expression of this concept that combines this same core aesthetic with an added dose of inspiration from urban adventures and city travel.

The specific movements used to power the two watches are the Ronda 715 for the quartz variant, while the automatic version receives the Sellita SW200-1, which runs at a frequency of 28,800vph with a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Both Swiss-made movements are very much known quantities within the industry, and since the quartz version is the more utilitarian option between the two models, it also benefits from magnetic protection in accordance with ISO 764 standards.

The dial of the Victorinox Journey 1884 is a three-dimensional and textural creation that is packed full of small design elements that are intended to further its connection to the Swiss hiking trails that serve as its design inspiration. The shape of the skeletonized hands is inspired by the trail signs found throughout the region, while the luminous counterweight on the seconds hand appears in the elongated oval shape of the brand’s famous Swiss Army Knife. The center section of the dial features a granular texture that is intended to be a reference to the unpaved ground of hiking trails, and printed along the periphery of this section is an additional hour scale for reading the time in a 24-hour format. Separating this inner section from the rest of the dial is a thin engraved ring, followed by raised Arabic hour markers with geometric shapes at the cardinal points and the Victorinox logo at 12 o’clock.

At 6 o’clock sits a date window, and all three of the hands, along with each one of the hour markers, plus the pip on the bezel insert, and even the Victorinox logo on the dial receive green-glowing Swiss Super-LumiNova for added legibility in the dark. Surrounding the dial is an angled rehaut that contains the minute track, and while the dials fitted to the quartz and automatic models are largely the same, the section containing the hour markers features the same granular texture on the quartz version, while the automatic model receives engraved horizontal lines that further play into its more urban-oriented aesthetic. Similarly, while the quartz watches receive small accenting highlights in red, the automatic versions have these same details in bright yellow.

Victorinox produces a fairly wide variety of different straps and even a metal bracelet for the Journey 1884 series, and all of the various options attach to the 21mm lugs using a tool-free quick-release system with the intention being that users can quickly change their strap to suit their activity or environment. The two samples I received for review are fitted with the rubber strap and the metal bracelet, and while both options are of reasonably high quality and more than serviceable, I do have my minor nitpicks with both of them. The rubber strap is flexible and comfortable with plenty of sizing holes and a nicely signed buckle, but the slightly sticky texture of the material itself can make putting it on and off somewhat difficult, especially when trying to work the end through the two rubber keepers. Meanwhile, the solid link bracelet is hefty and features a nicely engraved clasp, but the links are held together by pins rather than screws, and the butterfly-style double fold-over clasp doesn’t offer any options for micro-adjustment if you happen to be between link sizes. Additionally, due to the way that the end links extend past the tips of the lugs, the actual perceived lug-to-lug measurement jumps all the way to 60mm when the Victorinox Journey 1884 is worn on its included bracelet.

Since the quartz model is intended for the outdoors, I decided to take it for a hike through Griffith Park, and while it is about as large of a watch as I can reasonably wear on my wrist, it is quite comfortable and the ample water resistance meant that I had zero hesitations getting it wet while giving my dog some water or messing around and looking at some crayfish in the small creek that runs through the southern side of the park. Meanwhile, since the automatic version is inspired by urban adventures, I wore it around town running a few errands and walking my dog. The automatic model on the included metal bracelet is noticeably heavier than the quartz version on the rubber strap, and while I did find the bezel useful to keep track of the time remaining at a parking meter, the 60mm presence that the bracelet creates on the wrist simply makes the watch too large to be my everyday timepiece. That said, given how easy it is to swap between the various straps and bracelets, it’s not like you’re going to be stuck with any one particular option, although the 21mm lugs do slightly limit the number of third-party straps that are available. 

I very much like the concept of a utilitarian watch built for hiking and outdoor adventures, although I’m still making up my mind about some of the more unusual aesthetic embellishments on the Victorinox Journey 1884. The date window is labeled “Date” above it, and while this isn’t necessarily my favorite design decision, it is also in line with the various other industrial markings on the watch, such as the material engraving on the side of the case and the depth rating along the rim of the bezel. While none of these small aesthetic markings detract from the functionality of the watch, the cutaway section on the bezel does make it rather difficult to accurately time anything between 25 and 35 minutes. Additionally, while a bidirectional bezel may have been more useful for most land-based activities, the decision to make it unidirectional may have been done so that the Journey 1884 could function as a proper dive watch, despite not specifically being designed for that purpose. Beyond that, there is also just a lot of different inspirations incorporated into the design of the watches, such as hiking trails, industrial manufacturing, urban city architecture, and even the brand’s own signature pocket knife. Without any context, some of these various design decisions might be slightly confusing to buyers; however, they undeniably help separate the Journey 1884 series apart from divers and field watches, and they collectively give the lineup its own distinct appearance.

Prices for the Victorinox Journey 1884 watches are dependent on both the movement powering them and the type of strap or bracelet fitted to their cases, and the two watches featured in this review represent the two polar opposite sides of the spectrum. The quartz version on a rubber strap represents the point of entry with an official retail price of $525 USD , while the most expensive option will be the automatic version on a matching stainless steel bracelet, which is accompanied by an official retail price of $1,050 USD . Although one of these is quite literally twice the price of the other, it’s important to remember that the actual difference is really just $525, which is not an unreasonable premium for a Swiss automatic movement, a ceramic bezel insert, a display caseback, and a stainless steel bracelet. Overall, the new Victorinox Journey 1884 collection could best be described as the combination of a field watch and a diver, with a significant emphasis on durability. While some of the design elements are undeniably a bit divisive, I personally think that it’s great to see the concept of a field watch expanded in a more purpose-built and functional direction. For more information, please visit the brand’s website . 

Victorinox Journey 1884 Review: A Partner For All Adventures

On our journey to bring you high quality unique timepieces that are not receiving enough buzz in the watch community, we’re happy to announce that we found another excellent choice for those who are looking for a watch that looks good (obviously) AND can take a serious beating in almost all conditions: The Victorinox Journey 1884.

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• Movement: Automatic or Quartz
• Caliber: SW200-1 or Ronda 715
• Power Reserve: 38 hours
• Case Width: 43 mm
• Lug Distance: 21 mm
• Price: $650 – $1,050

Victorinox: The Brand

The brand name Victorinox comes from combining the word Inox (French for stainless steel), as the company started with the production of stainless steel soldier’s knives, and the name Victoria, who was the mother of Karl Elsener I, the founder.

During the 20th century, the company was focusing on high quality knives, and their popularity grew in the US after US soldiers stationed in Europe after WWII started buying them in larger quantities as popular gifts.

Then, in 1989, Victorinox decided to test the waters: they started selling their watches only in the US, under the name “Swiss Army”. The test was obviously successful, and since then all Victorinox timepieces are manufactured in Switzerland.

Victorinox Journey 1884: Overview

The Journey 1884 draws inspiration from Switzerland’s passion for hiking. It seamlessly combines the essence of the great outdoors with the brand’s engineering origins. The foundation year of victorinox (1884) is engraved on the bezel, and the company’s industrial heritage is reflected in the overall design. To ensure accuracy and reliability, the watch boasts antishock and antimagnetic resistance.

The Victorinox Journey 1884 is an amazing solution for people who are looking for a serious tool watch that can be dressed up for a more elegant occasion, but can be a reliable companion when hiking, camping, diving, mountain biking, you name it. This timepiece offers several sought-after features: it is robust, reliable, and has a serious look due to its signature Victorinox design. Some Victorinox sports watches are VERY sporty, and while the Journey 1884 definitely has the look, this watch can easily be dressed up to accompany you all the way to a business casual setting. 

To sum up, this timepiece comes with all the design elements that other dive watches can bring as well, BUT the quality of the Journey 1884 ensures it can really take a beating, and that is something where competitors might come up short.

The dial’s slightly textured outer ring gives more depth and contrast against the light hour marks. The date window is located at the 6 o’clock position, giving the watch a well-balanced symmetric look. 

The unique shape of the hands represents the essence of the watch: at first glance, an elegant and still powerful appearance. But you can see how the arrows of the hour and minute hands are surrounded by a rectangular frame – artistically alluding to a transition in style from urban to sporty, as needed. 

The inner sub-dial displays hours in military time, and the second hand’s red color gives an excitingly dynamic look and feel.

The bezel’s design might just be our favorite detail: the serrated rotating bezel gives the watch a very rugged, masculine look. The matt aluminum insert really drives the ‘basically indestructible’ point home. Additionally, the ‘1884’ is engraved on the bezel, so every time you adjust it, the ‘1884’ takes you back to a time of great adventure and exploration. The dial is of course protected by sapphire crystal.

The overall design of the watch is definitely sporty in style, and make no mistake, this watch IS built for never-ending adventures. But due to the toned down metallic colors that are used, it remains silently elegant. The overall messaging coming through the design reads something like this: it doesn’t have to scream it’s ready for an adventure, rather, adventure is its essence.

The case itself is made from brushed 316L stainless steel, which is the superior choice for high corrosion and high temperature applications. The Journey 1884 is water resistant up to 200 meters (660 feet), has a case width of 43 mm, and the lug width is 21 mm. The thickness of the case is 12 mm. While the 43 mm case width is just slightly bigger than the average 40-42 mm size that would fit any wrist size, and due to the bezel’s thickness and overall design, we think this watch would be a great fit for all wrists. The 12 mm case thickness is an average size and would be a comfortable wear under your shirt’s cuff. 

The Journey 1884 is an ISO certified shock and water resistance timepiece, and the antimagnetic protection shields movement from electropollution to ensure accuracy.

The material of the crystal is sapphire, therefore the watch will have a solid scratch resistance. 

Additionally, the back of the case has a unique touch: as the Journey 1884 is a tribute to the company’s journey since 1884, the silhouette of a Swiss Army Knife is engraved on the back.

The Victorinox Journey 1884 is available with both quartz and automatic movement.

Quartz Movement: Ronda 715

The quartz movement comes with the Ronda 715 caliber that provides an excellent quality. It is a very reliable Swiss made movement with 5 jewels. No unnecessary complications, 3 hand movement and date function. The battery life is around 60 months (5 years).

Automatic Movement: Sellita SW 200-1

The Sellita SW 200-1 is a Swiss made automatic three-hand movement that comes with a date function and it has a 38-hour power reserve. Sellita provides very reliable Swiss made movements for companies that are not manufacturing their own in-house movements.

The accuracy range is within +/- 12 seconds per day under normal conditions.

The see-through caseback provides a mesmerizing view of the movement.

Strap / Stainless Steel Bracelet

Stainless steel bracelet.

The brushed stainless steel bracelet is an oyster bracelet. The bracelet is a classic choice for sporty watches, as it has a dynamic feel, yet it emanates a subtle elegance at the same time. The oyster stainless steel bracelet is available with both quartz and automatic movement variations. A double locking safety clasp ensures this beauty stays on your wrist!

Yes, you’ve read that right, a wood strap is an available option. Victorinox introduced this with a new version of their I.N.O.X watch. The process of manufacturing is similar to that of a leather strap, except that instead of leather, the surface is composed of thin wood layers. To ensure optimal flexibility during daily use, the wood is shaved into extremely thin layers. Victorinox uses FSC-certified linden wood, as the Forest Stewardship Council is committed to preserving forests and ensuring that wood comes from sustainable and controlled sources.

Leather and Rubber

The quartz movement version is also available with classic leather or rubber options. The straps are tool-free changeable, as the spring bar comes with a pin release mechanism where we can release the bar from the lug for a quick strap swap.

Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the summary of pros and cons, in our humble opinion:

• Overall design: rugged yet versatile and can be dressed up
• Inner bezel is a refreshing solution
• Reliable quartz, or automatic movement
• Good quality stainless steel bracelet and clasp
• The argument can be made that the quartz movement version is relatively expensive

Summary: Takeaway and Final Thoughts About The Victorinox Journey 1884

The Victorinox Journey 1884 is a stunning watch for everyday use as well as for action packed adventures. It perfectly balances a rugged overall design and an elegant modern appearance to make it a suitable pick as an everyday go-to watch. The very reliable Swiss Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with the 38-hour power reserve, or the Ronda 715 quartz movement combined with the usual scratch resistant sapphire crystal, along with the brushed stainless steel case and bracelet make this watch a great everyday beater, but Victorinox didn’t stop here: the 200 meter (660 ft) water resistance is paired with shock resistance and antimagnetic protection. We think this is an absolute must have for anyone with a more active lifestyle!

• Movement: Quartz or Automatic
• Caliber: Ronda 715 (quartz) or Sellita Sw 200-1 (automatic)
• Power reserve : 38 hours
• Case size : 43 mm
• Case Thickness: 11 mm
• Bezel: Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
• Water Resistance: 200 m / 660 ft

Victorinox Journey 1884 Automatic Options

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber: SW200-1
• Price: Around $1,000

Victorinox Journey 1884 Quartz Options

• Movement: Quartz
• Caliber: Ronda 715
• Price: Around $500 – $650

Victorinox Journey 1884 Stainless Steel Quartz Options

• Price: Under $700

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Victorinox Journey 1884 Automatic 43mm Mens Watch - Silver Stainless Steel Case, Green Dial, and Stainless Steel Bracelet

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• ISO-certified shock resistance watch with Swiss made automatic movement
• Rotating bezel with high-end ceramic inlay for a luxe aesthetic
• Tool-free changeable high-end steel bracelet, for quick personalization

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• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1.93 x 2.95 x 2.76 inches; 7.41 ounces
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 242015
• Department ‏ : ‎ mens
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ October 25, 2023
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Victorinox
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CKH8BYKK
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ Switzerland
• #25,726 in Men's Wrist Watches

Product Description

Technically adept and reliably agile, the Journey 1884 with automatic movement powers through urban journeys with perfect poise. Showcasing clever design features like the ceramic bezel, Swiss Army Knife–inspired shapes and industrial engraved material code, it’s a one-of-a-kind wrist-side companion. It comes with a masculine stainless steel bracelet that exudes confidence and style.

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Victorinox's New Journey 1884 Watches Are Rugged and Ready for Everyday Adventures

The collection includes five quartz and two mechanical watches—all with pleasantly accessible prices.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

For many watch buffs, a Victorinox watch is a valued first foray into Swiss watchmaking. Accessible in price yet pleasingly rugged, Victorinox has a long history that dates back to 1884 and its origins as the maker of that most tooliest of tools, the Swiss Army Knife. The watchmaking division only launched in the late 1980s, but has become well known in its price bracket, priding itself on rigorous testing using a battery of trials and tribulations to which it subjects its new watches. In a similar vein and launching this week is a totally new range of watch designs called Journey 1884 , inspired by the rugged landscape of Switzerland and the ubiquitous knife itself.

This may sound like familiar territory for Victorinox—making useful tools that can stand up to rough treatment—but it’s also something of a departure. The 43mm Journey 1884 comes with a significant proportion of recycled material, varying from 50 to 90 percent recycled 316L stainless steel, depending on the part (if it’s not 100 percent yet, it’s still a surprisingly novel move in Swiss watchmaking). In an unusual move, the 1884 collection comes with five versions driven by a quartz movement (the Swiss-made Ronda 715) and two mechanical versions using Selitta’s SW200-1 movement. While outwardly there is little to distinguish the watches, by offering both quartz and mechanical versions, Victorinox have ensured a pocket-friendly spread of prices that start at a mere $525. The tough-looking steel cases have either aluminum or ceramic bezels, and all the watches come with ISO ratings for water and shock-resistance, with added anti-magnetism certification for the quartz versions. Any one of them is a perfect candidate for a no-nonsense daily beater.

Victorinox Journey 1884 Automatic

Details in the Journey 1884’s display point to the alpine landscape that surrounds the brand’s HQ in Délémont. The dials are divided into a smooth-finish center portion marked with 24-hour time, while around it the dial has a noticeable granular surface that sits beneath Arabic numerals and batons. The unusual handsets that mark the hours and minutes are derived from the directional signs used on official mountain hiking trails in Switzerland. The counterbalance on the secondhand, meanwhile, echoes the profile (in a rather subtle way) of the Swiss Army Knife itself. At these prices—even the top-tier mechanical version on a steel bracelet is priced at an accessible $1,050—this new family of watches would make an ideal gift for someone about to embark on their next big adventure in life.

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Victorinox Journey 1884: Test & Review

Table of Contents

We know Victorinox for its Swiss Army knives but less for its reliable, functional timepieces punctuated by a timeless style. We had the chance to test the Journey 1884 for almost a month, a robust and light Swiss-made watch equipped with a quartz movement ensuring foolproof precision. All at a moderate price.

The history of Victorinox: from the knife to the Swiss watch!

Review of the Victorinox Journey 1884 watch

There is no not one but two models of Journey 1884. Everyone will be able to find their account according to their budget:

• Journey 1884 black dial with a strap leather or rubber : 595 €, it is the version we tested
• Journey 1884 black dial with a steel bracelet: €645
• Journey 1884 blue dial with a rubber strap (blue): €495
• Journey 1884 Automatic blue dial with a wooden strap: €945
• Journey 1884 Automatic black dial with a steel bracelet: €995

The Journey 1884 range of watches was designed with a view to paying homage to the mountains, which are obviously found in France but also and above all in Switzerland.

To do this, we find a massive design (no pun intended), in particular through the use of an imposing 43 mm diameter case, hands that reproduce the markings of Swiss hiking trails and a textured dial. and in relief that recalls the unevenness of paths.

First look: Sports watch design, black and white dial, steel case + black PVD, unidirectional rotating bezel, indexes and hands with Luminova, screw-down crown featuring the Victorinox logo.

The introductions being made, it’s time to put this watch on your wrist. The first impression is often the right one: the Victorinox Journey 1884 immediately inspires confidence and is (relatively) quickly forgotten on the wrist despite its mammoth dimensions.

THE housing in 316L steel, as mentioned on the left side of the case has a diameter of 43mm , for 12 mm thick and 118 grams on the scale. The Journey 1884 therefore does not seek to be a dress watch but nevertheless comes to hunt on the side of sports watches (especially hiking) or tool watches.

Note that the crown is screwed, notched and surrounded by a crown protector, and that the case back is also screwed and in steel. There is an image of the Swiss army knife, in addition to various mentions including the fact that the watch is shock resistant, that the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal and that the brand was born in 1884.

There unidirectional rotating bezel is also 316L steel . It also has a black PVD treatment. The insert is in ceramic, and graduated up to the twentieth minute, then from 10 to 10. Only the thirtieth minute at 6 o’clock has a particular treatment: it is indeed marked by the inscription 1884 which we talked about upper. Finally, note that the pearl which symbolizes the 0 is treated with luminescent material.

Last detail, and not least, on the right edge of the bezel, we find the inscription “200 m / 660 ft” to remind us of its water resistance to 20 ATM or 200 m .You can therefore keep it on your wrist in all circumstances.

The dial & reading the time

The union of black and bench on this dial, with a few touches of red for the Victorinox logo and on the second hand, is of the most beautiful effect. Something to highlight, among other things, the flange which acts as a minute railway.

The Arabic numerals, large and in white, echo this railroad, especially since they appear alternately with baton indexes of the same color at 3 and 9 o’clock. The devil is in the details…

THE needles of the hours, of the minutes and seconds are quite massive and have a marked touch of Luminova for better readability of the time at night. On the counterweight of the second hand stands the famous Swiss army knife, which forged the legend of the brand.

For the rest, we find on the dial of this watch the mention “Victorinox”, a discreet date window at 6 o’clock, the mention “antimagnetic” to recall its resistance to electromagnetic waves, and a sub-dial which displays the military time. All in addition to a final mention “Swiss made” above the railroad at 6 o’clock to remind you that this is a watch designed and assembled in Switzerland.

Victorinox Journey 1884 Movement

This is one of the strengths of this watch and this explains its relatively low price! The Victorinox Journey 1884 is powered by a Swiss Ronda 715 quartz caliber from the normtech range. This makes it possible to lower its price by 350 € compared to an automatic model.

This caliber has a power reserve maximum of 60 months (i.e. 5 years ) and has an end of battery life indicator. Don’t look for a visual indicator here, it’s the second hand that will tell you when to change the battery: the seconds hand will advance every 4 seconds to warn you.

This Victorinox Journey 1884 quartz model, with a watch designed to withstand shocks and electromagnetic waves, will therefore be a powerful ally for your hikes or sports outings.

The bracelet

There is a lot to be said about the bracelet in rubber which equips our Journey 1884. It is first of all very comfortable to wear, very design (we say thank you to the ribbed parts), and its build quality East copy .

I usually don’t wear “half” the watches tested here, and after more than a month of intensive use, with winter gloves and a scooter jacket which sometimes leaves marks on the bracelet or the glass (thanks to the press studs), here the Journey 1884 shows no signs of fatigue.

THE clasp is classic, type pin buckle and includes a reference to the Victorinox coat of arms, a coat of arms that can also be found on the lower part of the bracelet.

Let us quote two points which could have been improved: the bracelet is quite massive (it is straight and rather thick) and its lug spacing is 21 mm , an unusual dimension that could bother you if you want to buy replacement bracelets on the Internet (there are fewer than 20 mm bracelets). Too bad because the bracelet has a quick release system that allows you to change without tools .

Victorinox Journey 1884 Technical recap

• Case: stainless steel + black PVD treatment
• Thickness: 12mm
• Weight: 118 grams
• Dial: black and white, luminescent indexes and hands, date window at 6 o’clock, military time in the center
• Movement: Ronda 715 quartz from the normtech range (with end of battery life indicator). Maximum power reserve of 5 years
• Front glass: sapphire
• Case back: steel, solid, screwed
• Bracelet : rubber, pin buckle (21 mm lug)
• Water resistance: 20 ATM / 200 m (screw-down crown)
• Warranty: 3 years

Our opinion on the Victorinox Journey 1884

The Victorinox Journey 1884 is a timepiece atypical in many aspects. Firstly because its design is not a master key. It is more akin to a sports watch than a tool watch in the classic sense of the term, although it fulfills this function marvellously by being able to be worn every day.

Her housing of 43 mm (without the crown) is indeed quite divisive. Fortunately, the case is rather thin, barely 12 mm thick, and its weight is contained (118 grams with its rubber strap).

Then because this show may seem massive at first sight but you just have to spend a few minutes on its hands, its black and white textured dial, its notched bezel or the finish of the case to realize that it reveals many details with finesse: the Victorinox coat of arms, various discreet mentions including its water resistance at 200 m or the use of 316L steel, the reminder of the Swiss army knife on the counterweight of the second hand…

After putting it on our wrist for more than a month, we can only salute the ‘Excellent value What does this shock-resistant watch, water-resistant to 200 meters and capable of resisting electromagnetic fields, offer?

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Thomas Kaufmann

Thomas Kaufmann is an expert in Swiss horology and a passionate advocate for the art of Swiss watchmaking. He has devoted his career to theSwitzerland’s finest timepieces, working in all the layers of watchmanking, from precision mechanism workshops to major swiss brand promotions around the world. As the founder and lead writer of the “Swiss Made Watch” blog, he provides in-depth insights and detailed analyses, showcasing his profound knowledge and appreciation for these artisanal timepieces. Thomas’s engaging articles and thorough reviews not only educate but also connect with a worldwide community of enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the Swiss watchmaking tradition. His work plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting this rich cultural heritage for future generations.

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Victorinox Embarks on a New Journey With the 1884 Collection

More than twenty years ago, Victorinox , undoubtedly the most famous manufacturer of pocket knives in the world, introduced the first watches with the brand’s famous “Cross & Shield” logo on the dial. While the headquarter of the company is located in Ibach, canton Schwyz, in the heart of Switzerland, the Victorinox Watch Competence Center in the Swiss Jura (Delémont) engineers, manufactures and assembles watches and watch components. The family-run company had started to verticalize its manufacturing capabilities with the launch of the first I.N.O.X. watch in 2014. Today, depending on the line, complete cases or components such as bezels, middle cases, movement holders (if made out of metal), containers, or casebacks are not just assembled but also produced in-house.

With the new Journey 1884 collection (the company was founded in that year as “Messerfabrik Carl Elsener”), Victorinox aims to bring “the energy of the Swiss mountains into everyday adventures” – more importantly, the brand is also adding two mechanical versions with Sellita SW 200-1 movements, the Ref. 241980.1 with blue dial, and the Ref. 241981 with black dial and metal bracelet:

The collection’s quartz-powered models (using the Ronda 715) all come with a red logo at 12 o’clock, and are available with a blue or black dial with matching bezel insert (and available on a strap or bracelet), there is also an all-black version (Ref. 241982) with PVD. All five quartz options feature a matt anodized aluminum insert on the bezel, while the two automatic versions have an engraved ceramic inlay with yellow accents at 3 and 9 o’clock.

According to the brand, the choice of color was inspired by Swiss hiking signs, and the rough-textured center part of the dial is a nod to the collection’s hiking roots:

‘The watch pays tribute to its inspiration with a hand design replicating the Swiss hiking signs, a dial featuring the rough texture of a natural hiking path […] The Swiss Army Knife, a standard item on hikes, is evoked in the counterweight of the second hand. In addition, the case features strong shapes and curves and the notch at 6 o’clock on the bezel looks as if it has been carved out by a sharp pocketknife.’ Victorinox

For those unfamiliar: Switzerland’s hiking trails are marked out by a network of more than 50,000 yellow signs, they not only state the name of the route, they’re also pointed in the true direction of the route, with the number of minutes (and sometimes hours) to walk to the next destination.

Speaking of numbers: The 43-mm watch is equipped with a screw-down crown and a unidirectional bezel (120 clicks) with a luminous dot at 12 o’clock, water resistance is 200 meters. At 6 o’clock, the bezel has a notch, “as if it had been carved out by a sharp pocketknife.” There are more similarities between the watch and the pocketknives, like the case finish or the 316L engraving on the case.

The bracelet is equipped with a butterfly deployant clasp with an additional safety lock. More importantly, Victorinox opted for a quick-change strap system that allows to remove (or change) the bracelet with the push of a button. On the downside, there is no fine adjustment.

The automatic Journey 1884 is ISO-certified for shock and water resistance and made of made of stainless steel 316L with “a minimum of 50 percent up to 90 percent of recycled steel.” Prices start at $525 for the quartz-powered watches, the 241981 shown here retails for $1,050. More pictures:

Why does Victorinox keep making their watches so large. If the automatic Journey 1884 would be 38 or 39mm I would make the purchase.

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Professional Watches

New Victorinox Journey 1884 Timepieces

T his time last year, Victorinox — maker of the original Swiss Army Knife — debuted the brand new Journey 1884 collection of timepieces.

Fast forward to October 2023, and they’ve announced five new line extensions to the existing Journey 1884 collection. One new Journey 1884 Automatic, and four new quartz variants, including one that comes as a limited edition set with a watch, wallet, and Swiss Army knife (pictured above).

Explore the new Journey 1884 models below, or on Victorinox.com .

Photos by Victorinox.

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Posted by: Staff

Journey 1884

Key features

Effortless wearing thanks to ISO certified shock and water resistance

Antimagnetic protection shields movement from electropollution to ensure accuracy

High-end tool-free changeable steel bracelet, for quick personalization

• Product Details
• Reviews & Rating

Embrace the Mountaintop

Tuning in to your environment means you can respond and adapt at speed. The Journey 1884 with quartz movement was designed in homage to both the natural world and its engineering DNA. With its antimagnetic protection to shield the movement from electropollution, you can trust its accuracy in any surroundings, and the steel bracelet makes a strong style statement. Reflecting its industrial roots in the finishing, engraved 1884 date and Swiss-Army-Knife-inspired shapes, it will guide you to journey adventurously – the Swiss way.

Height: 12 mm

Weight: 7.1 oz

Lug width: 21 mm

Diameter: 43 mm

Item number: 241978

Case back sealing: Screw-in caseback

Chronograph: No

Closure: Double locking safety clasp

Countdown timer: No

Luminescent hands: Yes

Second time zone: No

Water resistance: 20 ATM/200 M/660 FT

Bezel finish: Polished

Bezel material: Stainless steel

Bracelet material: Stainless steel

Case back material: Stainless steel

Dial finish: Grainy

Case colour: Silver

Bezel colour: Silver

Dial colour: Blue

Bracelet colour: Silver

This product is covered by Victorinox 5-year Warranty

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A mountain guide knows they need to read the signs in the natural world around them. They respond to the terrain and changes in weather, and spot potential problems before they happen. The Journey 1884 with quartz movement embodies this pioneering spirit. Its antimagnetic protection guards against inaccuracy caused by electropollution. This, combined with its built-in shock resistance and high-quality rubber strap for versatile, comfortable wearing, makes it an ideal partner in time.

Stay in control of your time with a watch that strikes the perfect balance between understated strength and intelligent design. Quietly assured and reliably accurate, the I.N.O.X. Chrono encapsulates a sense of freedom and calm. With its case and bezel composed of 60–70% recycled stainless steel plus anti-scratch coating for the bezel, this expertly crafted chronograph is finished with a sleek, comfortable rubber strap.

When you strive for excellence in all areas of life, you need the focus to stay on track. The I.N.O.X. Chrono with quartz movement is a peerless timepiece that’s uncompromising on performance. The Swiss made titanium case and carbon bezel ensure flawless accuracy, and the strong geometry exudes understated confidence. With an easy-change rubber strap, it’s swift, sleek and enduringly sporty.

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Matching Straps

5 Available Colours

Now there’s no need to jump out of a plane to feel the strength and resilience of paracord. This changeable paracord strap is crafted from innovative handwoven multi-strand nylon, offering impeccable resistance and comfort with a masculine feel. The first-class push-button system, usually exclusive to watches in the highest price bracket, means you can switch your straps with a simple press and release. Let versatility and the thrills of the outdoors land in your everyday.

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