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The dial they used on this version is black, and even has a slight sunburst effect if it catches light at certain angles. It most certainly is not copying anything and features unique design language. For example, the perforated holes and marker chapter ring for some extra legibility. The date window sits at 3:00 and stands out next to this black dial making it easy to read at a glance. The hands themselves are fully lumed as well as the tip of the sweeping seconds hand. I found it quite easy to read the time once on wrist and do not see any issues here. Above the dial lays a nice domed sapphire crystal with AR coating, giving a nice blue hue when in contact with direct light.
Movement
The Miyota 9015 is a great japanese automatic movement built by Citizen to compete with mainstream Swiss movements such as the ETA 2824-2. I have a lot of experience with this movement and have even seen it in microbrand watches that cost upwards of $700. Standard functions include hand winding, hacking, and relatively decent accuracy within 5-10 seconds a day. One can expect around 42 hours of true power reserve if fully wound..I did notice the stripes on this caliber which give off a more luxurious vibe visible through the exhibition caseback.
Leather Band
The Carbon Fiber style Genuine Leather band that came equipped on this unit is certainly flexible, yet sturdy at the same time. I feel it matches the case and dial just fine and adds a bit of adventurous/Sporty look to the piece. The buckle itself is quite sterile and completely brushed to match the case finish.
Conclusion
Furthermore, the Belfort is definitely a style that many will be attracted to. It also checks all of the boxes that I look for when purchasing a decent timepiece for everyday use. We get a very good and reliable movement, decent casework, sapphire, and a 10 year warranty from a watch that is actually assembled right here in the states! That certainly means something to me as I am a USA citizen. It also shows the extra work that MMM has put into this timepiece.
Case
The Alliance sports chronograph comes in at 44MM in diameter and features a slim profile of just 11MM in thickness, allowing for a comfortable fit. Construction wise we are looking at a solid 316L stainless steel case with black IP coating. The watch certainly wears smaller than the suggested diameter considering the lugs curve a bit and are not too long. This is a good thing, as the downsizing trend of watches has definitely been going on for some years now. The typical 21MM lug width most Victorinox watches embed in their DNA is implicated here, which is suitable for the overall dimensions. However, no need to worry as any 22MM straps you wish to swap out will fit just fine. Overall, the dimensions are pleasing and certainly suit my 6.5 inch wrist just fine for this modern sports chronograph. In addition to the functionality of this sporty chronograph we do get 100 Meters of water resistance to put your mind at ease whilst jumping in the pool or taking a swim.
Dial
The grey tone color dial flows nice with the black case and strap, allowing for a clean stealthy appearance whilst maintaining legibility. The layout is rather standard for a 12 hour chronograph with our three subdials for seconds, minutes, and hours. If you did not notice, small hints of Victorinox red are used on the subdial hands as well as the tip of the chronograph hand. Some key and notable features include the large lumed applied markers, 0-60 markings on the chapter ring, and a lumed logo at 12:00! I always love when companies lume things out of the ordinary such as logos and they did it just right here. The date window is tucked away between 4:00-5:00 - but I have no problem reading it, and who doesn’t need a date! If you happen to be a tool geek and want to time speed, the polished Tachymeter bezel is also helpful with that.
Movement
The Swiss Quartz caliber used in this reference is the reliable 5030.D, which is powered by a battery and features 4 1/2 years of power before it runs out. This is especially useful if your one who likes to throw on a watch and not have to worry about it for some time. In terms of accuracy you can expect immaculate precision consdiering quartz movements are the most accurate out there. A nice feature is the elapsed time function which can be used by clicking the reset button once the chronograph is in motion.
Genuine Rubber Band
The 21MM rubber band is comprised of genuine rubber and feels good on the wrist out of the box. It is always a pleasure when you don’t have to break in a strap and can just rock it instantly. A nice touch is the matching black buckle and perforated rectangles for extra breathability. I think it suits the watch just fine and do not see a reason to swap it out.
Conclusion
Furthermore, the Victorinox Alliance sports chronograph is definitely a great everyday wear for the average watch collector. It has a decent quality fit and finish along with a reliable and accurate swiss quartz movement. Victorinox always produces quality
timepieces and does not seem
to cut corners as other brands do when it comes to certain components such as straps, crystals, and casework. I can definitely reccommend this watch to my fellow readers. Please do check out the hands
on video review via YouTube on Watch Addiction Watch Reviews.
timepieces and does not seem
to cut corners as other brands do when it comes to certain components such as straps, crystals, and casework. I can definitely reccommend this watch to my fellow readers. Please do check out the hands
on video review via YouTube on Watch Addiction Watch Reviews.
Today, fellow watch addicts we will take a look at the all new 2018 Baselworld Victorinox INOX Automatic release, which is available on the Victorinox website for around $795 in this configuration. Previously, I have reviewed a couple standard INOX Quartz pieces, which were quite impressive and many viewers really liked them! Let us see what this new upgraded automatic version has to offer for the money...
Case
When thinking INOX, we think tough, robust, and a great daily wear watch that can withstand tough conditions. The Quartz versions certainly have a slight advantage over the automatic versions due to the mechanical components being in this model - But it is still built like a tank and is essentially the same watch. The case diameter on this solid chunky 316L stainless steel case comes in at exactly 43MM. The actual wear on the wrist is great though, considering the rounded shape case. In terms of thickness, we are looking at 13.4 with a lug to lug distance of 53MM. The screwed down signed crown tucks in nicely to the crown guards and almost sits flush to the case, allowing for no discomfort what so ever when on wrist. Another nice feature is the scalloped bezel with polished edges - allowing for a bit of class and pop on this completely brushed watch. This is an INOX, so we do get that 200 Meters of water resistance which will get you through almost any water related activity you can think of, besides extremely deep diving ( which nobody really does anyway ). Our crystal
is a genuine Sapphire Crystal ( Front and Back ) with 3 layers of Anti-Reflective coating for extreme crisp legibility during high light conditions.
is a genuine Sapphire Crystal ( Front and Back ) with 3 layers of Anti-Reflective coating for extreme crisp legibility during high light conditions.
*Extra Feature includes a plastic bumper to protect your watch even more...*
Dial
This variant contains the guilloche blue dial which sits nicely inside the case without any alignment issues or nothing of that nature, and a nice compliment nodding to the handles of their Swiss Army knives. The broad applied luminous markers are certainly legibile, as well as the sweeping seconds hand which contains a nice red tip for some legibility.The date window is tucked away in between the 4:00-5:00 position and stays out of the way of things, but can still easily be seen.
Movement
The Swiss Made automatic movement inside this model is one I am very familiar with. That being the ETA 2824-2 self-winding automatic caliber. It is pretty much the industry standard for a decent Swiss Made timepiece and performs excellent with no major issues for some years. This movement contains 21 jewels, 38 hours of power reserve, and features hand winding and a hacking capability for precise timeset. My current model is running at around +3 seconds a day! This is essentially the same as a COSC certified timepiece...I may have got lucky!
Genuine Leather “Wood” Strap
The 21MM genuine leather Wood strap
is something new for victorinox and I must say it does match the adventurous tough theme of this model. This is actual a wood strap on top of a genuine leather piece, showing their environmental awareness. It comes equipped to a milled fold over clasp which allows for on the go adjustment within seconds. It most certainly is flexible, and no real break-in period is needed for this one.
is something new for victorinox and I must say it does match the adventurous tough theme of this model. This is actual a wood strap on top of a genuine leather piece, showing their environmental awareness. It comes equipped to a milled fold over clasp which allows for on the go adjustment within seconds. It most certainly is flexible, and no real break-in period is needed for this one.
Conclusion
Furthermore, for the $795 pricepoint Victorinox is asking for this model is definitely fair in my eyes. The watch passes all the standard checkpoints for me when it comes to components, build quality, and fit and finish. This is a Swiss Made watch and Victorinox is a swiss made brand, but the price for this model and quality is definitely a decent deal. I like the overall case design and even slightly reminds me of a Genta-ish case in some ways, which is pleasing. I hope you guys enjoyed , and please do check out the full hands-on video review on watch addiction watch reviews.
