Victorinox Swiss Army’s INOX collection is conceived to be as tough as possible, the brand having gone to some extreme lengths to test and demonstrate it. The conditions faced by firefighters and their equipment seem like another good opportunity to prove just how indestructible these little machines are, and the new firefighter-themed INOX Carbon limited edition uses bold colors and robust materials to further emphasize their macho ethos.

Carbon as the case and dial’s material is not only thematically relevant to firefighting, but fits with the INOX mission since it is lighter, harder, and more scratch-resistant than steel. Though not the first time for the brand to do so, it is slightly ironic to use carbon for a Victorinox INOX watch case as inox usually refers to stainless steel, coming from an abbreviation for the French inoxydable, meaning “stainless.”

Visibility is another important factor for firefighters and their uniforms, and a neon yellow parachord strap along with matching dial highlights take care of that for the INOX. The seconds hand is striped with yellow and bright fire-engine red in reference to firefighters’ “chevron” insignia. The watch even comes with a second strap made from the same type of black leather as firefighters’ boots.

With a Swiss quartz movement inside (appropriate, as a quartz movement is generally more durable than a mechanical one) and measuring 43mm wide, one can indeed imagine such INOX watches on firefighters’ wrists. Besides the watch and extra strap, Victorinox includes one of their Rescue Tool multipurpose folding knives (in matching neon yellow) with case, a parachord keychain, and a “bumper” to further protect the watch. Limited to 1,200 pieces, the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon Limited Edition has a price of $995.

Gear Patrol also recommends:
Casio G-Shock G-Carbon GA2000-1A9 ($130)
Luminox BlackOps 8895 Watch ($445)
Ball Fireman Storm Chaser Pro Chronograph Watch ($1,545)