Heritage
Heritage
How Swiss brands became global ones. An archive of Swiss industrial and brand history, growing with each edition.
1905
Rolex, owned by a foundation
How a watch company founded in London became the best-known name in Geneva, and why it can never be sold.
1884
Victorinox, still in Ibach
The maker of the original Swiss Army Knife has stayed in the same valley, under the same family, for more than 140 years.
1866
Nestlé, from Vevey to the world
Two rival milk companies on the shores of Swiss lakes merged in 1905 and grew into one of the largest food companies in the world.
1896
Roche, a family company in Basel
Founded by a 28-year-old in 1896, Roche is still controlled by the descendants of its founding families.
1839
Patek Philippe, a Geneva family company
How a Polish émigré and a French watchmaker founded a house in Geneva, and how the Stern family has run it since 1932.
1836
Lindt & Sprüngli, chocolate makers of Kilchberg
How a Zurich confectioner and a Bern inventor joined forces, and why smooth chocolate owes so much to 1879.
1983
Swatch, the watch that saved an industry
How a plastic watch made from 51 parts helped Swiss watchmaking survive the quartz crisis.
1930
Ricola, thirteen herbs from Laufen
How a baker in Laufen created a herb drop in 1940 and built a global brand on Swiss mountain herbs.