We gave synchronized swimmers, Joelle Peschl and Vivienne Koch, our new I.N.O.X. V watches to test and spent a day with them as they train towards their next international competition.
It’s hard not to be inspired by these two highly-motivated young women. Their performance is a masterful combination of strength, beauty, synchronicity and precision. Both Vivienne and Joelle immediately understood the connection between synchronized swimming and our newly-redeveloped I.N.O.X. V watches: “I see this watch like our sport – the strength is all underwater and the aesthetics and smiles are above the surface” says Vivienne. “In the same way, the strength of the watch is below the dial and the beauty of the watch above it.”
This is exactly why we asked them to test our I.N.O.X V watches. We wanted to see if it could keep up with them both during training and in their everyday life. It’s one of our toughest watches – made to resist any kind of daily adventures, it has to endure the strict and severe homologation tests as defined by Victorinox – but it’s also one of our most beautiful, thanks to its strong, feminine style.
Both Vivienne and Joelle are completely focused on their goal. For them, training eight hours a day is just part of the commitment they have made to their sport. “I’ve been in the water for so many years that it feels like land to me,” says Joelle. “I usually feel more comfortable in the water – except when it’s cold!”
Their training demands strength, flexibility, artistic expression and especially mental fortitude. As Vivienne says: “Improving when you’re already at a high level is really hard.” But they know that’s what it’s all about. Even once you’ve reached the top, finding ways to go further is what makes the difference between really good and great.
This attitude closely mirrors our own approach. We spent time considering how the original I.N.O.X. V could be improved. The end result? Weight and thickness have been reduced by one third, creating a watch that is lighter and more feminine, but still retains all its toughness.
The fact that it’s lighter means it fits perfectly into Vivienne and Joelle’s day, whether on land or on water. Both swimmers appreciate that it’s water-resistant, because then they can wear the watch all day. From the moment they get up, in and out of the pool, to when they go out in the evening – and look great the whole time.
So was the I.N.O.X. V able to keep up with them? “Definitely,” says Joelle.
