Swarovski Optik
Swarovski Optik is a division of the Swarovski group of companies, manufacturing high-quality optical instruments. Its headquarters are in Absam, Tyrol, Austria.
Overview
The company was founded in Austria in 1949. It specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments in the premium segment of the market, including binoculars, telescopes (spotting scopes), rifle scopes, range finders and night sight devices.
The turnover in 2010 was 94 million euro (2009: 87 million euro), 90% of which represented exports. The company employs about 700 people.[1]
Swarovski Optik is part of the Swarovski group. Swarovski Optik holds a royal warrant of appointment to Queen Elizabeth II, granted in 2009.[2]
History
Wilhelm Swarovski began producing binoculars in 1935, and this business expanded during World War II. The modern company developed from the Swarovski binocular production factory, and was established as a separate optical company in 1949.[3]
- 1935 First Swarovski binoculars, which was a 6x30
- 1949 Formation of Swarovski Optik
- 1959 First Swarovski Optik rifle scope (4x32)
- 1967 First Swarovski Optik extendable spotting scope (30x75)
- 1991 First AT 80 telescope
- 1993 First hunting rifle scope with reticle illumination
- 1995 First rifle scope with integrated laser range finder
- 1999 First binoculars with wrap-around grip, named EL
- 2007 First Swarovski rifle scope with 6x zoom
References
- ↑ "Figures, data facts". Swarovskioptik.com, corporate website. 2011. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
- ↑ "Royal Warrant holders". Royalwarrant.org. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
- ↑ "History Corporate website". swarovskioptik.com. Retrieved 2009-11-03.