A time for night vision
MANILA, Philippines - With its numerous lighting features, the 2012 version of Victorinox Swiss Army’s Night Vision watch offers multi-functionality, which characterizes the legend of the Cross & Shield brand and makes it a truly worthy successor of the famous Swiss knife.
This Victorinox Swiss Army timepiece is on display in a series of traveling exhibitions and is the subject of a dedicated website that sets the scene for the various events being organized in its honor.
Created in 2003 and now entirely redesigned, the Night Vision watch owes its name to an illumination system made up of low-energy-consumption light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Skillfully incorporated into an extension of the case, or carefully blended into one of the central links of the bracelet adorning its metallic versions, the device is a model of discretion when its services are not required. The full scope of its usefulness is revealed when any one of its many illumination functions is actuated by pressing on the pushbutton.
Pressing once activates a blue LED that lights up the dial for optimum legibility of the time display. Pressing twice actuates a white LED, which creates a continuous beam of light visible up to one kilometer away. Pressing thrice starts the stroboscopic mode, a flashing signal with long autonomy — seven days and seven nights — that constitutes a valuable emergency resource that can be converted into a high-intensity signal by pressing and holding down the pushbutton. A red pilot light makes it easier to find the watch in the dark, and a battery end-of-life and protection device completes these built-in light modules.
As utility is no bar to aesthetics, the LEDs are incorporated into a refined, classical design. The Night Vision watch, with its wealth of functions, is also defined by its flowing, restrained lines, which result from the uncompromising attention to detail that characterises all Victorinox Swiss Army watches.
The Night Vision watch shares the life of its wearer, whether in everyday affairs or under extreme conditions. The section of testimonials published on nightvision.victorinox.com includes one particular account, set in an icebound land, that highlights the special features of this timepiece in a very exceptional situation.
The watch accompanied a German team, sponsored by Victorinox Swiss Army, taking part in the latest Siberian Black Ice Race, a 610-kilometer expedition carried out on foot and skis over Lake Baikal. In temperatures that sometimes fell to -40°C, it helped competitors Michael Snehotta, Tobias Altmann and Dominik Luksch to respect the strict time guidelines provided, a vital precondition for success in any such venture. The LED lighting function equipping the Night Vision watch “proved very useful for locating necessary equipment in the dark.” Here, the watch was a companion in an extreme situation, but it will also demonstrate its character and usefulness to those who do not face such conditions, but simply need to open a gate in the dark or check the time in the middle of the night.
A “Night Vision Experience” was launched on the Internet and around the world: the countdown started mid-September. On nightvision.victorinox.com, users will be able to explore the Night Vision watch by visiting the various sections of the website. They will find a detailed, interactive description of the collection, which will be enriched with new colors and a different version on a natural rubber strap. They will also be able to follow the events organized around the world to present the Night Vision watch, namely traveling exhibitions demonstrating its numerous lighting features and giving enthusiasts a chance to test them in variable light conditions. Website visitors will also have the chance to participate in a monthly competition that is ongoing until March 2013. Aside from the Night Vision watch, winners have the chance to visit Switzerland to explore the geographical and cultural origins of Victorinox Swiss Army.
