1884

Karl Elsener opens a cutlery workshop in Ibach-Schwyz with the support of his mother Victoria.

1891

The Swiss Cutlery Union is founded on the initiative of Karl Elsener. Karl Elsener and his co-workers deliver soldier`s knives to the Swiss Army for the first time.

1897

The name Swiss «Officers` and Sport Knife» is legally protected on June 12. This model later becomes known around the world as the Original Swiss Army Knife.

1909

After the death of his mother, Karl Elsener introduces the brand name Victoria in her honor.

1909  

The company`s founder legally registers the distinctive emblem with the cross and shield as a trademark. It is now a registered trademark in more than 120 countries.

1921 

The invention of stainless steel is of central importance for the cutlery industry. Karl Elsener coins the company`s new name, Victorinox, by combining his mother`s name with "inox". (Inox is derived from the French word "inoxydable", which means stainless.)

1931

The Brown Boveri Company sets up the first fully-electrical hardening plant in the world at Victorinox.

1945 

The «Original Swiss Army Knife» starts out on its successful career around the world and proves to be a best-seller in US Army PX stores.

1984

The company doubles the size of its plant and office space. 810 employees generate more than CHF 80 million in revenue.

1989 

The Victorinox USA distribution partner enters the watch business in the USA under the Swiss Army brand.

1992 

The company opens its own sales subsidiary in Japan. Further subsidiaries follow in subsequent years.

1999 

Victorinox enters the travel gear market and issues a manufacturing and sales license to the American TRG Group in St. Louis

1999

The company expands its watch business and sets up Victorinox Watch SA in Bonfol, in the Swiss Jura watch-making region.

2000

The Victorinox Foundation is set up. It holds 75% of the shares in Victorinox AG. A further 15% are held by the charitable Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut Foundation.

2001

Victorinox launches a fashion line in the USA.

2001

The first Victorinox Flagship Store opens its doors to the public in the trendy New York Soho district.

2002

The publicly traded US distribution partner Swiss Army Knife Brands Inc. is privatized.

2003

Victorinox takes over the US-American company Wenger NA, including the fragrance label "Swiss Army Fragrance".

2005 

Victorinox takes over the traditional Swiss cutlery and watch manufacturer Wenger SA in Delémont, Jura.

2006 

Victorinox Watch SA moves from Bonfol to its new watch production facilities in Porrentruy, Jura.

2007

Victorinox sets up Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG based at its head office.