14 October 2026International edition
Vol. I · No.
14 October 2026
AI in Fashion
DAILY
The daily briefing on AI in the fashion business
Where fashion meets artificial intelligence.
Jewellery and watches

SWISS MILITARY HANOWA

Hanowa · Switzerland

Swiss Military Hanowa is a Swiss watch brand established in 1990 as the second brand of Hanowa, a company founded in 1963. Based in Möhlin, it makes wristwatches and is an official licensee for the Swiss Military name.

Facts
Company founded1963, Biel/Bienne
Brand established1990
HeadquartersMöhlin, Switzerland
LicenceSwiss Confederation, since 2015
Websitehanowa.ch
Segment
Mid-market
Categories
Watches
Sales channels
WholesaleLicensing

What is Swiss Military Hanowa?

Swiss Military Hanowa is a watch brand of the Swiss company Hanowa, based in Möhlin, Switzerland. Its hallmark is an octagon containing a Swiss flag, which appears on its wristwatches.

History

Hanowa was founded in 1963 in Biel/Bienne by Hans Noll and his wife Elisabeth Noll-Wirz. The Swiss Military Hanowa brand was established in 1990 as a second brand. Since 2015 Hanowa has been an official licensee of the Swiss Confederation, which owns the "Swiss Military" name and allows the company to use it.

Products and positioning

The brand focuses on wristwatches with a military and outdoor character, drawing on Swiss identity as a core part of its positioning. Key features include:

  • The octagon and Swiss flag emblem
  • Use of the officially licensed Swiss Military name
  • Watches for men and women

Distribution

Swiss Military Hanowa is sold internationally through distributors and watch retailers. In Asia, it is distributed by Hong Kong based Fortune Concept Ltd.

Why it matters

Swiss Military Hanowa illustrates how official national licensing can underpin a watch brand's identity in the accessible Swiss watch segment.

Frequently asked questions

Who makes Swiss Military Hanowa watches?

Swiss Military Hanowa watches are made by Hanowa, a Swiss company founded in 1963 by Hans Noll and Elisabeth Noll-Wirz and based in Möhlin.

Is Swiss Military Hanowa linked to the Swiss army?

Since 2015 Hanowa has been an official licensee of the Swiss Confederation, which owns the Swiss Military name.

All brands