The production of Victorinox Swiss Army watches was inspired by one of the most popular items in history – the Original Swiss Officer’s Knife – a true symbol of Swiss craftsmanship.
The company was founded by Karl Elsner in the town of Ibach, Switzerland, in 1884. Soon the factory began supplying the Swiss Army with its first unique multi-functional knives, which became a revolutionary invention of the late 19th century and brought it worldwide fame in the 20th century.
The brand name was formed from two words: Victoria (the name of the founder’s mother) + Inox (short for the Latin inoxidable, stainless). As a true innovator, the company was one of the first to start working with the newly invented stainless steel in the 1920s, which was reflected in the name.
Today, four generations later, the same family member, the founder’s great-great-grandson Karl Elsner IV, runs the company, which is still independent, and the Original Swiss Army Officer’s Knife is standard issue in more than a dozen armies around the world – and even NASA astronauts. In addition to the knives that have been on display at New York’s Museum of Modern Art since the 1970s, Victorinox also produces kitchen equipment, watches, travel goods, a fashion line, and fragrances.
Each line has its own distinctive features and style, but they all share a philosophy of “practical luxury,” Swiss design at the highest level, reliability, and craftsmanship, all at a fair price. These qualities have made the Victorinox Swiss Army brand a legend. The watches, produced since 1989 at the factory in the Swiss city of Bonfol, are distinguished by unrivaled quality: only Swiss Made, 3-year warranty, sapphire crystals with triple anti-reflective coating and water resistance of 100 m, the best Swiss movements, as well as outstanding case processing and attention to the smallest details – these watches are the true embodiment of the relentless pursuit of quality!
