Victorinox - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 1884 by Karl Elsener in Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland, Victorinox is a family business renowned for its iconic Swiss Army knife. Over the decades, the brand has diversified its production to include watches, travel items, kitchen knives and perfumes, while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation.

Origins and History

The history of Victorinox begins with Karl Elsener, who opened a cutlery workshop in 1884. In 1891, he supplied knives to the Swiss army for the first time, marking the start of a long tradition. The name "Victorinox" is a combination of "Victoria", in homage to the mother of the founder, and "inox", an abbreviation for stainless steel introduced in 1921. This designation reflects the company's commitment to innovation and quality materials.

Expansion into Watchmaking

In 1989, Victorinox expands its portfolio by launching its own line of watches under the brand "Swiss Army". These watches, made in Switzerland, are designed to reflect the same standards of quality and functionality as the famous Swiss knives. The Victorinox watch collection is distinguished by a combination of elegant design and robustness, suitable for various occasions and environments.

Victorinox Watch Collections

Victorinox offers a diverse range of watches for men and women, grouped into several emblematic collections:

Victorinox I.N.O.X. : Launched in 2014, the I.N.O.X. collection. is designed to withstand extreme conditions. Each model undergoes 130 resistance tests, including thermal shock and high pressure. I.N.O.X. watches are available in different versions, such as the I.N.O.X. Professional Diver, certified for diving, and I.N.O.X. Carbon, featuring a lightweight and durable carbon composite housing.

Victorinox Maverick : This collection combines elegance and functionality, with sporty designs suitable for urban and aquatic environments. Maverick watches feature features like unidirectional bezels and quartz or automatic movements.

Victorinox Fieldforce : Focusing on readability and precision, Fieldforce watches feature luminescent Arabic numerals and hands visible in the dark. This collection offers chronograph and GMT functions, ideal for modern adventurers.

Victorinox Alliance : Combining sobriety and sophistication, the Alliance collection offers watches with a refined design, suitable for formal and everyday occasions. Models are available with different colored dials and stainless steel or leather straps.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

All Victorinox watches are made in Switzerland, guaranteeing significant watchmaking know-how. The company has its own watchmaking knowledge center in Delémont, where each watch undergoes rigorous quality controls. Victorinox integrates innovative materials, such as carbon, to improve the durability and performance of its watches. For example, the I.N.O.X. Carbon has a carbon composite casing, offering increased resistance to shock and thermal variations.

International Recognition

Through its heritage and commitment to excellence, Victorinox has gained global recognition. The brand's watches are appreciated for their combination of timeless design and robust functionality. Whether for everyday use or for extreme adventures, Victorinox watches offer foolproof reliability.

Conclusion

Victorinox embodies the spirit of innovation and Swiss quality. From his beginnings with the legendary Swiss Army knife to his successful diversification in watchmaking, the brand continues to offer products that combine functionality, durability and aesthetics. Victorinox watches, with their diverse designs and proven performance, are a reflection of exceptional craftsmanship and a constant commitment to customer satisfaction.

Victorinox is part of ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands.

(Updated February 2025)