Commando XL
"There are literally hundreds of choices today when looking for an “outdoor watch”. It seems that every watch company is trying to capitalize on the adventure crowd, and market their product as “most reliable” and “rugged”. Well, what are we adventurers to do with so many choices? After all, reliability and ruggedness really do matter when you’re counting on a timepiece at some of our favorite places.... out in the middle of nowhere.
Enter Wenger Watches. We all know the brand which has been around for over 100 years with the original Swiss Army Knife. And the name instantly conjures up images of reliability, and in the company’s own words, others such as “ precision, craftsmanship, and skill.” I also agree with their assessment that the inscription “Made in Switzerland” carries with it an untainted mystique, and an “an air of quality”. The Swiss have dominated the watch industry for over 250 years for a very good reason: their commitment to quality produces the best watches. Period.
Wenger is relatively new to the watch industry, having gotten in just over twenty years ago. They are producing many new watches and expanding their product line in response to great initial success. As an indicator, Wenger introduced 31 new models at the 2011 BaselWorld Watch Fair. Wow!
The Commando Day Date XL watch I am reviewing made a great first impression. Its presentation in the steel box immediately said to me “outdoors” and “durable”. When I first put it on my wrist, the next thing I thought was “versatile”! It really is a very simple and clean appearance, which I have become comfortable wearing not only on my adventures, but on a daily basis as well. Its 40mm size is just right for an average adult, easy to read and not too large. The face of the watch is a real eye-catcher, and I stopped counting the number of times friends said "Wow! Cool Watch!"
The other specifications on the Commando XL include Swiss quartz movement, 100 meter water resistance, a stainless steel case, sapphire coated crystal, and a black silicone strap. Each of these qualities brings something necessary to any great watch, and play a big part in the “whole”. As an adventure watch, the quartz reliability is mandatory, and will stand up in extreme weather conditions. And I was extremely pleased with the tough sapphire crystal, which stood up against many bangs and bumps, and came out scratch free. Do not be fooled by cheaper plastic “crystals” which will scratch easily in the outdoors, and limit your visibility with early “graying”.
One of my favorite features of the Commando is the black silicone strap. It is so very comfortable on your wrist, and stays put! Unlike cheaper plastic bands, it does not slide around on your wrist and pivot. It also does not transmit temperature to your skin like other bands may do. I’ve worn this particular watch now in extremes of both hot and cold, from hiking the desert to skiing the Rockies. It was always very comfortable on my wrist, and never once “annoyed” me like so many other watches may do.
Wenger has priced the Commando Day Date XL at $275, which is extremely competitive in my view. I cannot think of any other genuine Swiss watch which brings the quality and feel that the Commando does in this price range. And I have tried many as a watch “nut”! I also have to say confidently that it’s just not worth chasing after some higher-end Swiss brands at multiples of the cost Wenger offers. This is the real-deal that you can wear with pride, and the trust in the brand that you have a reliable watch you can wear just as easily hiking, as you can at your next meeting. "
Reviewd by: John Sabra, M.D.