| A Swiss story Switzerland is a unique country, where above all people appreciate practicality, punctuality and discretion. This little country brought forth a legendary object that epitomises all the qualities described above - the Swiss Army knife. Small, ingenious, sturdy, this key component in Switzerland's heritage is more than just an everyday object - it represents life in its entirety that, like the multiple blades of the knife, folds and unfolds at will. It's an old friend that accompanies boys on their first adventures as they carve boats in the bark of a tree, or use it as a machete for traversing hostile jungle terrain. Later, the adolescent will use it to carve the name of his first sweetheart. The beauty in question is doubtless long gone, but the knife is always there. Finally, what adult has not dreamed of committing acts of heroism and overcoming every danger, armed only with the rudimentary tools that a stroke of luck has placed in the hand? Even during an innocuous Sunday stroll in the countryside, who knows what you might have to cut, whittle, sharpen, pierce, saw, open, or slice through along the way? What act of bravery, what temporary repairs might be necessary? Whatever happens, what object - without doubt the only one in the world - lets you face up to any situation, even the most unexpected? The Swiss Army knife, of course. Legendary object The rise of this legendary object, towards the end of the 19th century, is all due to the Swiss Army. In 1886, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army decided to equip every soldier with a penknife. New functions were added three years later: a screwdriver for stripping down a gun, tin openers for mealtimes, and a reamer. The principle of condensing a multitude of functions into the smallest space possible was born. Today Wenger Knives' most complicated model comprises no less than 17 tools and over 30 functions. Wenger watches Wenger watches are designed to meet the most rigorous military requirements. The specifications would impress even the boldest watchmaker. Our watches must withstand use in extreme cold and humidity; withstand impacts, magnetism, and sudden changes in altitude. During the Swiss Commando Raid, which brings together military teams from fifteen countries, our watches are subjected to the worst that can be inflicted on a timepiece, and not on our laboratory test benches, but for real. As far as we are concerned, it is simply unthinkable that even one of our watches would not stand up to this terrible ordeal. The watches that we market throughout the world are exactly the same as those worn by the winning patrol in the Swiss Commando Raid. You can wear them without fear during your sporting or leisure activities. The Wenger watch collection Like Swiss Army knives, all of our timepieces are designed to be truly useful and to provide lasting satisfaction. There are four categories of model: Sea - Field - Air - Classic. This range of Swiss Made watches lets us cater for every aspect of more traditional use - sports on water, on land, and in the air. Wenger's characteristic logo, the cross of Switzerland engraved in a red square with rounded corners sits in the twelve o'clock position on the case. Some models have silver escutcheons, for aesthetic reasons. Every Wenger watch is covered by a 3 year warranty and incorporates the same basic qualities as the Swiss Army knife - ingenuity, functionality, reliability and, above all, remarkable value for money. Biel/Bienne, March 2006 |
 |