Swiss watch brand
Swiss Military Hanowa: history, models and value
Swiss Military Hanowa is an entry-level Swiss watch brand with a military look. It grew out of Hanowa, a family company from Biel, and is today owned by a Swiss brand group.
- Founded
- 1963
- Founder(s)
- Hans Noll, Elisabeth Noll-Wirz
- Headquarters
- Möhlin
- Owner / group
- International Luxury Group (ILG)
Swiss Military Hanowa: origins and founding
The company was founded in 1963 in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, as Hanowa. The name stands for "HAns NOll WAtches". At first Hanowa made affordable fashion watches, mainly for women.
Founders and family
Hans Noll and his wife Elisabeth Noll-Wirz owned and ran the company. They sold it in 2010 to International Luxury Group (ILG), a Swiss company that produces or licenses a range of lifestyle brands.
Swiss Military Hanowa history and milestones
- 1963: Hanowa is founded in Biel/Bienne.
- 1990: launch of the Swiss Military Hanowa line, a turning point for the company.
- 2010: the Noll family sells to ILG, based in Möhlin, canton of Aargau.
- 2015: the brand becomes an official licensee of the Swiss Confederation, which owns the "Swiss Military" name.
Famous Swiss Military Hanowa models
The brand works with a large catalog of about 150 references rather than a few icons. Current collections include automatics, men's and women's models, special editions and the aviation-themed Avia collection. Many models have bold dials, and an octagon with a Swiss cross serves as the brand's hallmark.
Movements and technique
Most Swiss Military Hanowa watches are quartz. Mechanical models make up roughly 15 to 20 percent of the range. According to Europa Star, quartz movements come mainly from Ronda, and automatic movements from Soprod and Sellita. The brand does not make its own calibers.
Swiss Military Hanowa today
The brand belongs to ILG and is based in Möhlin, Switzerland. It is positioned in the entry segment of Swiss Made watches. Its largest markets are Switzerland, Germany and the Middle East. Note that "Swiss Military Hanowa" is a different company from other brands with army-themed names, such as Victorinox Swiss Army.
Swiss Military Hanowa prices on the pre-owned market
These watches were made in large numbers and sold at accessible prices, so resale values are modest. Pre-owned pieces usually sell well below their original price. Automatic models and limited special editions tend to hold value better than basic quartz models. Condition, a working movement, the original strap or bracelet, and the box and warranty card make a clear difference. Older Hanowa fashion watches rarely have collector value.
How to recognise a genuine Swiss Military Hanowa
Look for the brand name and "Swiss Made" printed cleanly on the dial, and the octagon-and-cross hallmark. The caseback should carry clear engravings with the brand name and model information. Poor printing, wrong spelling or a very light case are warning signs. See also our guide on how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Swiss Military Hanowa worth?
For a quick answer, upload photos of the dial and caseback to our free watch value estimate. If you need a formal document, for example for an estate, a written watch appraisal is also available.
Frequently asked questions
Is Swiss Military Hanowa a real Swiss brand?
Yes. It goes back to Hanowa, founded in Biel/Bienne in 1963, and is today owned by International Luxury Group in Möhlin, Switzerland. Since 2015 it has been an official licensee of the Swiss Confederation for the "Swiss Military" name.
Is Swiss Military Hanowa the same as Victorinox Swiss Army?
No. They are separate companies with separate watch collections.
What movements does Swiss Military Hanowa use?
Mostly Swiss quartz movements, mainly from Ronda. Automatic models use Swiss movements from suppliers such as Sellita and Soprod.
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