Victorinox Swiss Army Officer's 1884 (Ref. 24131 style field watch)
Field Watch / Casual Tool Watch · Victorinox Swiss Army (independent Swiss manufacturer, renowned for the original Swiss Army Knife and rugged, reliable everyday timepieces).
Period: Quartz Revolution Era / Neo-Vintage (Late 1990s to Early 2000s)
Type
Field Watch / Casual Tool Watch
Brand
Victorinox Swiss Army (independent Swiss manufacturer, renowned for the original Swiss Army Knife and rugged, reliable everyday timepieces).
Movement
Swiss quartz movement (analog quartz with date complication), high reliability, low maintenance, single jewel.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 38mm to 40mm, case thickness approximately 10mm, lug-to-lug distance around 45mm, lug width 20mm.
Description
This classic Victorinox Swiss Army timepiece perfectly encapsulates the utilitarian aesthetic of turn-of-the-millennium casual watches. Featuring a highly legible cream dial with dual 12 and 24-hour markings, it balances rugged outdoor capability with clean, versatile everyday style. Encased in durable stainless steel and paired with a matching steel bracelet, it delivers the dependable timekeeping and robust construction that made Swiss Army a staple of everyday carry culture.
Key Features
High-contrast off-white dial with dual 12/24-hour military time markings, prominent Victorinox red shield logo at 12 o'clock, date window at 3 o'clock, and a robust stainless steel case with a polished bezel.
Dial Description
Matte off-white or cream dial featuring large black Arabic numerals for standard 12-hour time (1 through 12), inner ring of smaller red Arabic numerals for 24-hour military time (13 through 24), a rectangular date window at the 3 o'clock position, black luminous baton-style hands, and a slim central sweeping seconds hand. The iconic Swiss Army red shield logo is positioned prominently at 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel 316L with a combination of brushed/satin finishing on the case body and a high-polish smooth fixed bezel.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass crystal with clean edge visibility, offering standard impact and scratch resistance typical of the era.
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth rounded stainless steel bezel with a high-polish finish framing the dial.
Crown & Pushers
Standard pull-out stainless steel crown at the 3 o'clock position, fluted for grip, unsigned or minimally branded.
Bracelet or Strap
Original integrated or fitted stainless steel bracelet featuring brushed H-links with polished center accents, secured with a fold-over deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down case back engraved with the Swiss Army branding, water resistance specifications, and serial/reference markings.
Movement Type
Swiss quartz movement (analog quartz with date complication), high reliability, low maintenance, single jewel.
Water Resistance
Rated to 100 meters (10 ATM / 330 feet), making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and recreational water sports, though not designed for professional scuba or saturation diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, leveraging traditional Swiss quartz manufacturing and robust outdoor utility design.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1990s to mid-2000s, indicated by the dial layout, tritium or early luminova markings at the bottom (T SWISS MADE T), and classic case geometry of the era.
Cultural Significance
Representing the accessible luxury and reliable tool watch boom of the 1990s and 2000s, these watches were often the first 'real' Swiss watch owned by a generation of enthusiasts and professionals.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage/neo-vintage condition. The case shows minor hairline surface scratches consistent with normal wear. The crystal appears clear, and the dial and hands show crisp printing and well-preserved lume plots. The bracelet is intact with normal desk-diving wear.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value generally ranges from $75 to $175 USD depending on condition, and whether original box and papers are included.
Care & Maintenance
Requires standard quartz battery replacements every 2 to 3 years. Water resistance seals should be tested and replaced periodically if exposed to moisture. Avoid harsh chemicals and clean the steel bracelet with mild soap and warm water.
Similar Watches
Luminox Navy SEAL series, Timex Expedition field watches, Citizen Garrison, and Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz.
Interesting Facts
Victorinox originally started as a knife manufacturer in 1884 by Karl Elsener in Ibach, Switzerland, and did not begin producing watches until 1989, quickly becoming a global symbol of rugged dependability.