Swiss watch brand
Wenger: history, watches and value
Wenger was the second maker of the Swiss Army knife and later added Swiss-made watches. Since 2005 the brand belongs to Victorinox. Here is what that means for your Wenger watch.
- Founded
- 1893
- Founder(s)
- Paul Boechat & Cie (Theodore Wenger from 1897)
- Headquarters
- Delémont
- Owner / group
- Victorinox
Wenger: origins and founding
The company started in 1893 as the cutlery maker Paul Boechat & Cie in Courtételle, near Delémont in the Swiss Jura. In 1897 the new owners hired Theodore Wenger, a former minister who had lived in the United States, and the company was later renamed Wenger et Cie. A new factory was built in Delémont in 1900.
Wenger history and milestones
- 1908: The Swiss Army knife contract was split between Wenger and Victorinox, which made Wenger one of the two official suppliers.
- Late 20th century: Wenger added watches, later followed by luggage.
- 2001 onwards: After the September 11 attacks, new airport rules on pocket knives hit sales hard.
- 2005: Victorinox took over Wenger, which kept its own identity.
- 2013: Wenger knives were merged into the Victorinox range. Wenger as a brand focused on watches and luggage.
- 2016: Victorinox relaunched the Wenger brand with the slogan "A Swiss Company Since 1893".
Famous Wenger models
Wenger watches are sporty, practical watches in the spirit of the pocket knife. The best-known current line is the Seaforce, a diver-style watch with a Swiss quartz movement, 200 m water resistance, screw-down crown and a 43 mm steel case. Over the years Wenger has offered many other sports, field and everyday collections, for example the Attitude line.
Movements and technique
Wenger does not make its own movements. Current models such as the Seaforce use Swiss quartz movements, and the watches are labelled Swiss Made.
Wenger today
Wenger is a brand of Victorinox, which is based in Ibach and owned by foundations. Wenger's base remains Delémont. The watches sit in the affordable entry segment of Swiss Made: the Seaforce mentioned above was listed at USD 250 on Wenger's US website.
Wenger prices on the pre-owned market
Wenger watches were made in large numbers and are mostly quartz, so they usually resell for a fraction of their original price. Chronographs, automatic versions and watches in very good condition with box and papers sell best. Scratched crystals, worn bracelets and missing papers lower the price. Older Wenger watches are rarely collector items, but they can have personal value as a link to the knife brand.
How to recognise a genuine Wenger
A genuine Wenger shows the Wenger logo and "Swiss Made" cleanly printed on the dial. Current models carry an item number in the format 01.0641.118, which you can compare with the brand's online catalogue. Check that the caseback engravings are crisp and that the crown and bezel work properly. For general checks, read how to spot a fake watch.
What is your Wenger worth?
Photograph the dial, caseback and bracelet and get a free watch value estimate. For an estate or insurance file you can also order a written watch appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Wenger watches?
Wenger has belonged to Victorinox since 2005. The knives were merged into the Victorinox range in 2013, while Wenger continues as a brand for watches and luggage.
Are Wenger watches Swiss made?
Yes, Wenger watches are labelled Swiss Made; current models such as the Seaforce use Swiss quartz movements.
Are old Wenger watches valuable?
Usually not in money terms: most were made in large numbers with quartz movements. Condition, box and papers decide what a buyer will pay.
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