Swiss Army Watches: Which are the Best?

Swiss Army Watches have developed an amazing reputation for being tough and reliable. Have they earned it or just piggy-backed on the name? This review round-up shows that these watches are in fact really rugged as well as good looking. Whether you want to buy a Swiss Army watch for yourself or as a gift, you won't be disappointed. 

Although most people think of the term "Swiss Army" this really is just a brand and not the name of a company or manufacturer. The traditional makers of Swiss Army knives were two companies, Victorinox and Wenger. 

Victorinox was established in 1884 and soon after its foundation began to make knives for the Swiss Army. About 20 years later it started to use the logo of a Swiss cross (like the country's flag) overlaid on a shield, that has since become so famous and that now makes the knives instantly recognisable.

Wenger is the other main producer and it came onto the scene at about the same time. It also started supplying knives to the army and in 1909 the Swiss Army formally split its orders between the two firms. 

The firms were both quite late to the world of watchmaking, starting production as late as the 1980s, but in doing so they were able to call upon both a fine tradition of watchmaking in the Swiss cantons were they were based as well as on their own skill and reputation for precision manufacturing. 

Among the most popular and well-know Swiss Army watches are the various "battalion" series made by Wenger.

The Swiss Military Classic Field watch offers both stylish (and classical) looks with great reliability. It has a tough crystal face, a leather strap and is water resistant to 100 meters (or 330 feet). It is also affordable as you can usually buy it online for less than $100.

My favourite though is a far tougher watch and also one that has much cooler looks. This is the Swiss Raid Commando. It usually comes in all black, and is incredibly solid. These are well made watches, make no mistake. They can easily put up with the daily knocks and bashes that they may be exposed to. It also has really masculine looks. As I said, my favourite of all time, but perhaps a little too bold for many.