History of Swiss Army Watches

Swiss army watches represent endurance, quality and in a lot of cases even the heritage that is combined with the manufacturer. As the name suggests, these watches were first manufactured in Switzerland and meant for the rugged use that members of the army would put them to. However, today, they have diversified to civilian usage but their place among army personnel has not diminished.

Records of the first authentic Swiss Army watch are unclear but it is evident that the company that supplies to the army today, Victorinox, was founded in 1884 and began supplying Swiss Army knives to the military. With the need for efficient timekeeping arising rather frequently, efforts into developing quality wristwatches multiplied, the results of which are the high quality watches we see today. Swiss Army watches have grown from being functional to social. When a person wears a Swiss Army watch, everyone around can establish his or her social standing and that personís appreciation of impeccable quality and craftsmanship.

What is probably most astonishing about Swiss Army watches is that they rarely rely on anything electronic for their functions. Apart from the few that have emergency transmitters, there is no electrical component in any of the self winding jeweled movement watches. All the timekeeping, chronograph and other functions are handled mechanically. This is keeping in view the inconsistency of electrical components in harsh conditions of military use.

Apart from Victorinox, there are several brands that manufacture watches that qualify for military use. Breitling is one that is exclusive for aviators. However, only Victorinox can claim the Swiss Army logo for being the official supplier. Check out our collection of Swiss Army watches that vary in type and functions and pick the one that you need and perhaps the one that you would want to be seen wearing.