Victorinox was founded in 1884 and we haven’t stopped evolving ever since. Here are the most important milestones in our company’s history.
When our founder Karl Elsener opened his cutler’s A in 1884 in Ibach, Switzerland, little did he know that the Swiss Army Knife he would soon create would become a global icon of preparedness, not only finding its way into everyday life but even into outer space.
Living up to our legacy as Makers of the Original Swiss Army Knife, we’ve been making well-thought-out products with precision and care for more than 140 years.
Today, Victorinox is a global company with five product categories: Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, Travel Gear and Fragrances. Here are the important milestones in the history of our company.
Nasa orders 50 Master Craftsman knives, which was one of our most popular Officer’s Knives at the time.
The "Messerfabrik Carl Elsener" becomes the family-owned company "Victorinox AG".
The company doubles its manufacturing and office space.
Market entry for "Watches" under its Swiss Army brand in North America with its former U.S. sales partner.
Establishment of the Victorinox Foundation which holds 90 % of the share capital of Victorinox AG. The remaining 10 % belongs to the non-profit Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation.
Launch of a clothing line in the U.S. and opening of the first Victorinox store in Soho, New York.
Acquisition of the long-standing Swiss knife and watch manufacturer Wenger SA in Delémont. Victorinox still operates the Wenger brand, focusing mainly on watches and travel gear items.
Production of 500-millionth "Original Swiss Army Knife™".
Discontinuation of Apparel to focus on the core product categories.
Opening of the new European distribution center in Seewen, Switzerland.
Acquisition of Zena Swiss AG, traditional Swiss manufacturer of the economy peeler.
Opening of the first European Victorinox franchise Store in Vienna.
125th Anniversary of the "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife"
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