1884
Karl Elsener I opens a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria actively supports him in his endeavors.
1891
Karl Elsener I establishes the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers and delivers the first major supply of soldier’s knives to the Swiss Army. The association still exists today.
1897
The "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife" is patented. It’s known around the world today as the "Original Swiss Army Knife™".
1945
The US Army orders a large amount of Swiss Army Knives for their Post Exchange stores.
The pocket knives become a popular souvenir for soldiers stationed in Europe after World War II to take home.
1950
Carl Elsener III takes over the company management.
1977
The Original Swiss Army Knife™ is displayed in the permanent design collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
1978
Nasa orders 50 Master Craftsman knives, which was one of our most popular Officer’s Knives at the time.
1979
The "Messerfabrik Carl Elsener" becomes the family-owned company "Victorinox AG".
1984
The company doubles its manufacturing and office space.
1989
Market entry for "Watches" under its Swiss Army brand in North America with its former U.S. sales partner.
Start of the new Millennium
2000
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.
2001
Launch of a clothing line in the U.S. and opening of the first Victorinox store in Soho, New York.
2005
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.
Becoming a multi-Product brand
2007
Carl Elsener IV takes over the company management and further expands Victorinox as a global multi-product brand. Establishment of Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG.
2008
Opening of the first European Victorinox flagship store in London.
2013
Integration of the Wenger knife business into the Victorinox brand.
2014
Acquisition of the travel gear business from previous licensee and establishment of the new business unit Victorinox Travel Gear AG.
Opening of our flagship store in the heart of Zurich’s city center.
2016
Construction of the Watch Competence Center in Delémont, Switzerland.
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