Victorinox is a brand renowned for its high-quality Swiss Army knives and has expanded into a range of other products including watches, luggage, clothing, and fragrances. The company's history dates back to 1884, when it was founded by Karl Elsener in the town of Ibach, Switzerland.

Here's a detailed look at the history of Victorinox:

1884: Karl Elsener opens a cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His goal was to create jobs in the Swiss region of Ibach-Schwyz and counter the emigration caused by the lack of opportunities.

1891: Elsener’s company becomes the supplier of knives to the Swiss Army. His Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife, later popularized as the “Swiss Army Knife,” was patented in 1897.

1897: The company creates the “Original Swiss Army Knife,” establishing itself as a brand recognized for functionality and innovation.

1909: After the death of his mother, Victoria, Karl Elsener chooses her name as the brand name and the company becomes Victorinox (‘Victoria’ combined with ‘Inox,’ short for acier inoxydable, the French term for stainless steel).

1921: Stainless steel is used for the first time in the manufacture of Victorinox products, which is a significant step given that stainless steel was a revolutionary material at the time.

1945: The popularity of the Swiss Army Knife soars after World War II, as American soldiers buy them in large quantities to take home as souvenirs, making it famous internationally.

1989: Victorinox enters the timepiece business. They apply the same standards of durability, precision, and quality to their watchmaking as they do with their Swiss Army Knives.

1999: The company diversifies its product line by acquiring Wenger, another Swiss knife company, essentially making it the sole supplier of multi-purpose knives to the Swiss army.

2000 and beyond: Victorinox expands its product line to include travel gear, fragrances, and apparel, while continuing to innovate within their original product categories.

2005: Victorinox consolidates its knife business by integrating Wenger’s knife product lines under the Victorinox brand.

Today: Victorinox is a global company with five product categories: Swiss Army Knives, Household and Professional Knives, Watches, Travel Gear, and Fragrances. The company is still family-owned, with Carl Elsener Jr. representing the fourth generation of the family to lead the company.

Victorinox's philosophy of quality, functionality, innovation, and iconic design has kept it relevant for well over a century. The company prides itself on Swiss craftsmanship and continues to guarantee that its products meet the highest standards in all areas and are never compromised. With over 130 years of history, Victorinox has firmly established itself as a brand synonymous with Swiss precision and enduring value.

• Model: Victorinox F/A-18 Automatic Chronograph

• Reference: 24463

• Year: Late 1990's

• Dial Color: Black

• Style: Sports

• Bracelet: Original Signed Stainless Steel Bracelet

• Sizing: Fits up to 8.25"

• Box: Yes (Outer Box Only)

• Papers: None

• Other Accessories: Hang Tags

This watch was acquired directly from the original owner who purchased this watch in the early 2000's.

The watch was never worn during that time and it really shows. The watch still has the shrink plastic on the buckle.

The case and bracelet are completely clean with zero scratches.

The dial and hands are completely clean as well with zero signs of oxidation or scratches.

The movement was never serviced in that time and since coming to us, the movement was serviced by our professional watchmaker in March of 2024 and is running at +2 Seconds a day.

• Case Size: 40.0mm

• Lug Width: 20.0mm

• Lug to Lug: 46.0mm

• Thickness: 15.8mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Back Material: Stainless Steel

• Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel

• Crystal: Double Dome Sapphire Crystal w/ AR Coating

• Luminescence: Tritium

• Manufacturer: ETA

• Caliber: Valjoux 7750

• Country: Switzerland

• Movement Type: Automatic w/ Date Indicator @ 3 o’clock

• Jewels: 25

• Power Reserve: ~48 Hours