⏱ 7-9 min read
📅 Updated Sep 2026
🔍 1 Watch Reviewed
The Victorinox Swiss Army Renegade 24228 is a perfect example.
I added one of these vintage Swiss-made watches to my collection a few years ago, and the more I wear it, the more I appreciate what Victorinox was doing with the Renegade—especially when I wear it during my fishing and hiking trips.
It isn't a luxury watch, it isn't trying to imitate a modern dive watch, and it certainly isn't covered in unnecessary complications. Instead, it is a straightforward, practical Swiss field watch with a black dial, luminous hands and markers, a useful date display, and a comfortable rubber strap.
And perhaps most importantly, it has that unmistakable character of a watch from an earlier era.
The particular Renegade 24228 I'm reviewing here has a 38.5 mm case, a 19.5 mm black rubber strap, a date indicator at 3 o'clock, and luminous hands and hour markers. It is the sort of watch that feels equally at home hiking, working outdoors, traveling, or simply wearing with jeans and a T-shirt.
For me, that's exactly where its charm lies.
📅 Updated Sep 2026
🔍 1 Watch Reviewed
Disclosure
There is something I particularly like about vintage field watches: they don't need to pretend to be tough. Their design usually tells you exactly what they were made for.This post contains affiliate/sponsored links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us run this website. As an Amazon Associate, Swiss And Vintage earns from qualifying purchases.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Renegade 24228 is a perfect example.
I added one of these vintage Swiss-made watches to my collection a few years ago, and the more I wear it, the more I appreciate what Victorinox was doing with the Renegade—especially when I wear it during my fishing and hiking trips.
And perhaps most importantly, it has that unmistakable character of a watch from an earlier era.
The particular Renegade 24228 I'm reviewing here has a 38.5 mm case, a 19.5 mm black rubber strap, a date indicator at 3 o'clock, and luminous hands and hour markers. It is the sort of watch that feels equally at home hiking, working outdoors, traveling, or simply wearing with jeans and a T-shirt.
For me, that's exactly where its charm lies.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Victorinox Swiss Army |
| Model | Renegade |
| Reference | 24228 |
| Type | Vintage field / military-style watch |
| Case size | 38.5 mm |
| Movement | Swiss quartz |
| Dial | Black |
| Date | 3 o'clock |
| Crystal | Hardened mineral |
| Strap | Black rubber |
| Strap width | 19.5 mm |
| Luminous elements | Hands and hour markers |
| Water resistance | 50 m / 5 ATM |
| Country of manufacture | Switzerland |
Historical references for the 24228 identify it as a Swiss-made quartz watch with a hardened mineral crystal, 50-meter water resistance, luminous hands and markers, a date display, and a synthetic/rubber strap.
A Vintage Victorinox with Genuine Tool-Watch Character
When people hear "Victorinox," their first thought is probably the famous Swiss Army Knife. That's understandable. The knife is the company's most recognizable product, but the same philosophy found its way into the brand's watches: practical design, straightforward functionality, and an emphasis on usefulness rather than unnecessary decoration. The Renegade 24228 feels very much like a product from that school of thought.
The black dial is simple and easy to read. There is no elaborate finishing to distract from the basic job of telling time. The date window sits neatly at 3 o'clock, while the luminous hands and hour markers make the watch useful when the light disappears. That simplicity is one of the reasons I enjoy wearing it.
Modern tool watches can sometimes become surprisingly complicated. Cases get larger, bezels become more aggressive, and specifications start competing with one another. The Renegade takes the opposite approach.
It is basically saying: Here is a watch. Read the time. Check the date. Put it on your wrist and get on with your day. I like that.
The 38.5 mm Case Is One of My Favorite Things About It
One of the first things I noticed about the Renegade is its size. At 38.5 mm, it feels refreshingly compact by today's standards.
Many contemporary men's field and sports watches have moved well beyond 40 mm, with plenty of models approaching or exceeding 42 mm. The Renegade belongs to an earlier generation when a sub-40 mm men's watch was completely normal.
On my wrist, that gives it a very different presence. It doesn't dominate the wrist. Instead, the watch sits comfortably and feels proportionate. The relatively compact case also reinforces its military/field-watch personality. There is something inherently practical about a watch that doesn't feel like it is constantly occupying your entire wrist.
The size is also one of the reasons I think the Renegade works particularly well as an everyday watch. It disappears under a jacket or shirt cuff, doesn't feel cumbersome when working with your hands, and remains large enough for easy reading.
The Black Dial: Simple and Functional
The Renegade's black dial is probably the most important part of its visual identity. It gives the watch a utilitarian appearance without making it look overly tactical.
The combination of a dark dial, contrasting hour markers, and luminous hands creates the kind of immediate legibility I want from a field watch.
There is also something pleasantly old-school about the dial design. It doesn't try to look vintage by adding faux patina or artificially aged lume. Instead, the vintage character comes naturally from the age of the watch and the design language of the period. That's an important distinction.
I would much rather wear an actual older tool watch with genuine history than a brand-new watch designed to look artificially old.
Luminous Hands and Hour Markers
For a field watch, lume isn't just decoration. It's part of the functionality.
The Renegade 24228 features luminous hands and hour markers, allowing the basic information on the dial to remain visible when lighting conditions aren't ideal. Historical descriptions of the model specifically list luminous hands, numbers and hour markers among its features.
I particularly like this aspect of the watch because it reinforces the practical personality of the Renegade.
There is no need to overcomplicate things. A good field watch needs to be readable quickly, and the Renegade follows that principle.
The Date Window at 3 O'clock
The date indicator at 3 o'clock is another small but useful feature. For me, this is exactly the sort of complication that makes sense on an everyday field watch.
I don't necessarily need a chronograph or a GMT function when I'm wearing a casual daily watch. But I check the date constantly.
The positioning at 3 o'clock also keeps the dial familiar and intuitive. Look down, read the time, glance at the date, and you're done. It's a very simple formula, but it works.
The 19.5 mm Black Rubber Strap
My Renegade is fitted with a 19.5 mm black rubber band, and this is another feature that gives the watch its unmistakable utilitarian character.
Rubber makes a lot of sense for this kind of watch. It is casual, flexible, and much more appropriate for outdoor use than a delicate leather strap would be. The material also contributes to the slightly sporty, military-inspired personality of the Renegade.
And visually, the black strap works perfectly with the black dial. The result is a watch that looks cohesive rather than dressed up.
There are vintage watches that look fantastic on leather but lose some of their personality when fitted with a rubber strap. The Renegade is the opposite. The rubber strap feels like part of its original identity.
A 50-Meter Water-Resistant Field Watch
The Renegade 24228 is historically listed with 50 m / 5 ATM water resistance. That makes it suitable for everyday situations where the watch might encounter splashes or rain, although I wouldn't treat a decades-old vintage example as if it still had factory-fresh water resistance. This is particularly important with vintage watches.
Even when a watch originally left Switzerland with a specified water-resistance rating, seals age, batteries are replaced, casebacks can be opened, and gaskets deteriorate over time. So, personally, I consider the Renegade a practical everyday field watch, rather than a watch I'd deliberately take swimming.
That's one of the realities of owning vintage quartz watches: condition matters just as much as the original specification.
What's It Like to Wear?
This is probably where the Renegade surprised me the most. It is incredibly easy to wear.
The combination of the compact case and rubber strap gives it a very different feeling from many modern sports watches. There is no excessive weight or visual bulk. It feels like a watch I can put on in the morning and simply forget about. That's actually one of the highest compliments I can give an everyday watch.
I can wear it with jeans, outdoor clothing, a sweatshirt, or casual workwear. It doesn't demand attention, but it still has enough personality that someone who appreciates watches will notice it.
And because it isn't a precious or overly delicate-looking watch, I don't feel like I have to baby it. That's exactly what I want from a field watch.
The Vintage Factor
The Renegade is also interesting because it comes from a period when Swiss Army watches were positioned as affordable, practical Swiss-made timepieces rather than luxury objects.
Older examples of the 24228 continue to appear on the secondary market, and collector listings frequently describe them as vintage or discontinued watches. There is something appealing about that.
Today, the market is filled with watches competing to become the next "icon." The Renegade doesn't have that kind of ambition. It was simply designed to be useful. And now, years later, that straightforward approach has become part of its charm.
Quartz: Don't Underestimate It
Watch collectors sometimes automatically gravitate toward mechanical movements. I understand the attraction. I love mechanical watches myself. But vintage quartz watches deserve more attention than they sometimes receive.
The Renegade 24228 uses a Swiss quartz movement, which is perfectly aligned with the philosophy of the watch. You get accurate, convenient timekeeping without worrying about winding the watch or keeping it constantly running. That makes the Renegade particularly attractive as a grab-and-go vintage watch.
If I haven't worn it for several days, I don't need to reset a mechanical movement and wind it back into life. Once the battery is fresh and the movement is healthy, it is ready to go. There is something wonderfully uncomplicated about that.
The Renegade Compared with Modern Field Watches
Wearing the Renegade also made me think about how much the field-watch category has changed.
Modern field watches often come with sapphire crystals, automatic movements, exhibition casebacks, upgraded lume, higher water resistance, and carefully calculated dimensions. All of those things can be great. But the Renegade reminds me that a field watch doesn't need an enormous specification sheet to be enjoyable.
Its appeal is more emotional. The compact case. The black dial. The rubber strap. The Swiss-made heritage. The straightforward quartz movement. The slightly nostalgic design.
And the fact that it has already lived part of its life before arriving on my wrist. That's something a brand-new watch simply can't replicate.
| Specification | Victorinox Renegade | Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz | Seiko 5 Sports Field (SRPG35) | Timex Expedition North Field Post | Bertucci A-2T Original Classic | CWC G10 (Issue Specification) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | Swiss Quartz | Swiss Quartz (ETA) | Automatic (Seiko 4R36) | Solar-Powered Quartz | Swiss Quartz | Swiss Quartz (ETA) |
| Case Size | 38.5 mm | 38 mm | 39.4 mm | 36 mm | 40 mm | 38 mm (w/ crown) |
| Case Material | Composite / Stainless Back | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Solid Titanium | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Hardened Mineral | Sapphire | Curved Hardlex | Sapphire | Hardened Mineral | Hesalite / Acrylic |
| Water Resistance | 50 m / 5 ATM | 50 m / 5 ATM | 100 m / 10 ATM | 100 m / 10 ATM | 100 m / 10 ATM | 50 m / 5 ATM |
| Lug / Strap Width | 19.5 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 18 mm | 22 mm (Fixed bars) | 19 mm (Fixed bars) |
| Stock Strap | Black Rubber | Leather / Canvas | Nylon NATO | Recycled Fabric / Leather | Nylon Webbing | Nylon NATO |
| Date Complication | Yes (3 o'clock) | Yes (3 o'clock) | Day-Date (3 o'clock) | No (Clean dial) | Yes (4 o'clock) | Optional / Varies |
| Price | Discontinued (Vintage) | Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon | Price on Amazon |
What I Like About the Victorinox Renegade 24228
After spending time with the watch, these are the qualities that stand out to me:
+ Compact 38.5 mm size — A refreshing alternative to oversized modern sports watches.
+ Excellent everyday legibility — The black dial and luminous hands/markers keep everything straightforward.
+ Useful date display — Positioned at 3 o'clock where it's easy to find.
+ Swiss-made quartz movement — Simple, practical and convenient.
+ Black rubber strap — Comfortable and perfectly suited to the watch's field-watch character.
+ Vintage personality — It looks like an actual watch from its era rather than a modern recreation.
+ Military/field aesthetic — Functional without becoming overly tactical.
+ Easy everyday wear — It works particularly well with casual and outdoor clothing.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Vintage Renegade
The Renegade is an old watch, and that's important to remember when shopping for one. Condition can vary considerably between examples.
I've seen vintage listings for the 24228 ranging from well-preserved watches to examples showing considerable wear. Marketplace records also show differences in reported case dimensions and strap configurations, so I would always ask the seller for actual measurements and detailed photographs rather than relying entirely on an old specification sheet.
I'd pay particular attention to:
- Crystal scratches
- Condition of the rubber strap
- Case scratches and wear
- Crown condition
- Caseback condition
- Battery condition
- Signs of battery leakage
- Whether the date changes correctly
- Whether the lume is still functional
- Overall dial condition
- Any evidence of previous water damage
And with any vintage quartz watch, I would want to know whether the movement has been inspected after years of use. A fresh battery doesn't necessarily mean a vintage quartz movement is mechanically healthy.
Is the Victorinox Swiss Army Renegade 24228 Still Worth Owning?
For me, absolutely — but not because it is trying to compete with modern luxury watches. That's not what makes it interesting. The Renegade 24228 is interesting because it represents a different philosophy of watchmaking.
It is a Swiss-made quartz field watch designed around practicality. It has a modest 38.5 mm case, a black dial, luminous hands and markers, a date at 3 o'clock, and a comfortable black rubber strap. That's it. And sometimes that's enough.
I particularly enjoy watches that have a sense of history without needing to be expensive or famous. The Renegade is one of those watches. It feels honest.
Final Thoughts On My Vintage Victorinox Renegade 24228
After wearing the Victorinox Swiss Army Renegade 24228, I can see why these watches still attract collectors looking for something different from the usual vintage Swiss names. It isn't a Rolex. It isn't an Omega. It isn't trying to be.
Instead, it is a modest, practical Swiss field watch with a strong connection to the utilitarian side of watch design. And that's precisely why I like it.
The 38.5 mm case feels almost perfect for this kind of watch. The black dial is highly functional, the luminous hands and markers are useful, the date at 3 o'clock adds everyday practicality, and the 19.5 mm black rubber strap completes the rugged personality.
For me, the biggest attraction is the combination of vintage character and everyday usability. This is the kind of watch I can put on without overthinking it.
Go outside. Work with it. Travel with it. Wear it on the weekend. Let it pick up a few more scratches. That's what a field watch is supposed to do.
And perhaps that's the most appealing thing about the old Victorinox Swiss Army Renegade 24228: it doesn't just look like a tool watch. It feels like one.
FAQ
Is the Victorinox Renegade 24228 a Swiss-made watch?
Yes. Historical references for the 24228 identify it as a Swiss-made Victorinox Swiss Army watch with a Swiss quartz movement.
What size is the Victorinox Renegade 24228?
My example measures approximately 38.5 mm across the case. Vintage listings can give slightly different measurements, so checking the individual watch is worthwhile.
Does the Renegade 24228 have a date?
Yes. The watch has a date indicator positioned at 3 o'clock.
Does the Victorinox Renegade have lume?
Yes. The model was designed with luminous hands and hour markers for improved readability in low-light conditions.
Is the Victorinox Renegade 24228 automatic?
No. The 24228 uses a Swiss quartz movement.
Is the Victorinox Renegade 24228 waterproof?
Historical specifications list the watch at 50 meters / 5 ATM of water resistance. However, with a vintage watch, the current condition of the seals is more important than the original specification, so I would have its water resistance tested before exposing it to significant amounts of water.
What type of strap does the Renegade 24228 use?
The original design was associated with a synthetic/rubber strap. My example has a 19.5 mm black rubber band.
Is the Victorinox Renegade 24228 a good field watch?
For my purposes, yes. Its compact size, highly legible black dial, luminous hands and markers, quartz movement, date display, and rubber strap make it particularly well suited to everyday field-watch use.
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