Wenger

Wenger is a Swiss brand associated with watches, knives and travel goods. Its history reaching back to 1893 originally concerns knife making at Courtételle. That date should not be presented as the start of Wenger watch production.

The watch business and 1997

Wenger's historical archive states that Wenger Watch SA was established in Biel/Bienne in October 1997 to build an international distribution network. An archived press account describes watches being sold before that event, particularly in the United States. The company's establishment in 1997 therefore does not document when the first Wenger watch was made.

Identification and assessment

The archive describes a Swiss cross inside a red square with rounded corners. This logo is an identification clue, not sufficient proof of authenticity. Record reference, dial wording, case back and movement, comparing them with a catalogue or manual for the correct model. A military-sounding name or association with Swiss pocket knives does not establish military issue. Modern specifications should not automatically be applied to older examples.

Sources: Wenger: historisk egenpresentasjon av Wenger Watch SA; Wenger: arkivert presseomtale av urvirksomheten; Wenger: nåværende merke- og varepresentasjon.