Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss army knife, has been pioneering craftsmanship and innovation since its foundation in 1884. Swiss Army products are recognized as high quality, versatile, and finely crafted instruments. When you see the iconic red background and white cross,it’s easy to distinguish the Victorinox brand. The Swiss Army knife is perhaps the most well-known pocket knife and the most recognizable Victorinox product. But did you know Victorinox manufactures four other product categories? Along with Victorinox Swiss Army knives, the Swiss brand also produces watches, household and professional knives, travel gear and fragrances. At Leo Hamel’s in San Diego, we’re excited to announce Victorinox Swiss Army watches and pocket knives as the newest addition to our luxurious showroom!
Veering from his father’s line of work in haberdashery, Karl Elsener learned the craft of knife making. With the help of his mother, Elsener opened up his first cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. The name Victorinox is actually a combination of his mother’s name, Victoria, and the French term “inox,” meaning stainless steel. Elsener knew there was a need for a foldable tool that could open canned food and aid in disassembling a rifle when soldiers were in the field. He made it his mission to perfect the most efficient and compact accessory that could be used for many different purposes.The Swiss Army knife was supplied to Swiss soldiers for the first time in 1891. This was merely the beginning for the acclaimed Swiss company.
Originally, these trusty knives were made for the Swiss Army and were coined as “Offiziersmesser,” meaning Officer Knives. It wasn’t until after World War II in 1945 the U.S. Army, Marines and Air Force began selling these knives to officers and soldiers. Americans were actually the first to shorten the brand name to Swiss Army Knife, and the name has stuck ever since.
A Victorinox Swiss Army knife is one of the most reliable accessories one could ever carry. Various models of the Swiss Army knife have been made with different tool combinations and functions. The original Swiss Army knife, the Soldiers Knife, included a blade, a reamer, a can opener, a screwdriver, and oak handles. Since then, Victorinox has produced many variations of their dependable knives to suit the varying needs of individual users. Most Swiss Army knives include a combination of the following features:
Additionally, newer models include 21st-century touches like laser pointers and USB storage drives. The variety of different uses for such a small accessory is remarkable. A Victorinox Swiss Army knife can be a useful tool in everyday life, as well as in serious survival situations. Essentially, you can fit a toolbox into your pocket!
Along with the iconic multi-tool, the Swiss company also designs and manufactures premium wristwatches. In 1989, Victorinox entered the timepiece business. Since the beginning of their production Victorinox has always subjected their watches to the same rigorous standards as their knives, focusing mainly on utility, aesthetic design, durable quality, and precision.A Victorinox Swiss Army watch is the perfect balance between performance and elegance.Their expansive collection includes men’s watches, women’s watches, diving watches, chronographs, business watches, pilot watches, and mechanical watches. Every watch must pass over 100 quality control tests before making it onto your wrist, ensuring a reliable timepiece that is ready for anything and appropriate for any occasion. Some of the most popular Victorinox Swiss Army watches include the I.N.O.X. watch, the Airboss watch, and the classic chronograph watch.To this day, Victorinox continues to produce their vast line of watches in Switzerland.
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers in San Diego, we’re dedicated to making excellence affordable for everyone. Whether you’re interested in brand new Victorinox Swiss Army watches or Swiss Army pocket knives, visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue to browse our newest collection. Or contact us at 619-299-1500, [email protected], or fill out this web form if you are looking for a particular Victorinox Swiss Army watch or pocket knife.