You can get two versions of the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon right now. One comes on a rubber strap that is designed somewhere between that of the standard INOX and the INOX Professional Diver. You can also get the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon with a kit that includes the rubber strap and black Naimakka paracord strap – which I chose to wear it on.

This is actually not a new accessory for the INOX, and you can get the Naimakka strap separately since the brand debuted it as an option in 2015 (in various colors). The black paracord strap is interesting-looking and surprisingly comfortable. I do think that the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon would also look slick on the available red-colored Naimakka strap.

Let me first say that putting the paracord strap on the case itself is a pain. It uses normal spring bars, but it has a very snug fit so getting the strap between the lugs and getting the pin bar to lock into place is tricky and took me longer than I’d like to admit. The strap itself is also odd to secure on your wrist, as there is a small metal hook which loops into a piece of fabric – though you get better at it with practice. The strap adjusts nicely, however, and you can also hide the excess part by tucking it under the strap so it doesn’t flap around.

The entire point of a paracord strap (despite being somewhat trendy as a bracelet with outdoorsy types) is that you can theoretically unravel it and use the cord as survival rope. I believe Victorinox Swiss Army told me that they will replace the paracord strap for free if the wearer actually uses it during a legitimate survival scenario and shares the story with them (that they can use).

The Naimakka paracord strap is comfortable and cooler-looking to wear than I originally thought (even though it is still less convenient than most straps to put on and take off). Apparently, the straps are “hand-woven,” which adds to the appeal for those who appreciate craftsmanship. What exactly can you do with the cord out in the wild (once you take it off the watch your wristwatch becomes a pocket watch)? Well, the two suggestions that Victorinox Swiss Army gives are helping to string up a tent (pretty sure you need tent material first), and to weave a fishing net (congrats if you do that on your first try).

With its durable case and survival strap, I do wonder where in the world the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon compels me to travel. As I said in the opening of this review, I’m torn because the watch makes me want to go places I might want to otherwise try to avoid. While I’ve spent many long hours enjoying survival shows and having Robinson Crusoe fantasies of one kind or another, I also do things like read books on tropical infectious diseases (oh, like you didn’t think I had a slew of odd interests) and am now rather spooked by the fear of tropical parasites or larger animals with deadly hemo- or neurotoxins.

I suppose that means watches like the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon are for when you are thrust into those situations unintentionally, rather than weekend warriors who want to play mountain man so that they can have a good excuse not to shave for a few days. That latter lot will no doubt enjoy feeling badass and looking cool at the same time while wearing a timepiece such as this.

Victorinox Swiss Army sells the Naimakka paracord strap both on the steel INOX as well as with this new INOX Carbon. The price difference is a not-insignificant $325 – which is more or less for the case material. I know the brand, and they aren’t the type of company to place a premium price on something “just because.” As far as carbon cases go, the complex lines of the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX mean that this one is rather complex to machine given all its facets. It is also a very nice-quality carbon composite. Honestly, I’m not enough of a carbon materials expert to say how valuable the case is and whether it merits an over-$300 premium.

With that said, it is a cool and trendy material, and it does offer a much more interesting way of enjoying a black-colored watch as opposed to coated steel. Further, the carbon case satisfies all the durability requirements of the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX, which is another plus-factor. Come to think of it, I also can’t recall any other quartz watches I know of that have a carbon case of this quality – though it is admittedly a market segment I’m not intimately acquainted with.

In my opinion, it is great that they released the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon, even if its price might be a bit on the higher end for many INOX customers. Nevertheless, it’s a solid product with a good looks and compelling story. I’d opt for the model on the Naimakka strap, but the rubber strap is nice as well if you are seeking something a bit more traditional. Price for the Victorinox Swiss Army INOX Carbon reference 241777 on the rubber strap is $850 and the reference 241776 is $950 (available now online and in VSA boutique stores). victorinox.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Victorinox Swiss Army
>Model: INOX (I.N.O.X.) Carbon reference 241776
>Price: $950
>Size: 43mm wide
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Well-funded, yet practical (and let’s admit, a bit trendy) outdoors enthusiast who is keen on the idea of a paracord strap on a durable watch that will still look slick at a fashion shoot.
>Best characteristic of watch: Rare accessible price for a good-quality carbon composite case. Attractive and legible dial design. Comfortable fit and Naimakka paracord strap is genuinely a cool look.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Sapphire crystal smudges a bit. Red 24-hour marker ring not likely for all tastes. Pricey premium for a carbon case (which is mostly a new style offering despite the actual durability of the material). Paracord strap is cool but not always easy to put on and take off.