Swarovski Optik

In 1935, Wilhelm Swarovski, son of the original founder, was 17 years of age. Already an avid hobby astronomer, Wilhelm’s passion “to be closer to the stars", as he himself described it, awakened his ambition to build his own, improved binocular. With access to the specialized glass production and finishing technologies already used to manufacture jewelry stones in his father’s factory, Wilhelm managed to develop a novel prism fabrication and grinding process that he applied in constructing his first 6×30 binocular. Wilhelm went on to found SWAROVSKI OPTIK KG in Absam, Tyrol, in 1949 thus laying the foundation stone for a sport optics company with a global reputation. His company’s first serial product, the Habicht 7×42, is still an industry standard in the field of hunting optics and continues as ever to be produced by SWAROVSKI OPTIK in the best tradition of its founder.[2]

Swarovski CL 8×25 binoculars

• 1935 First Swarovski binoculars, which was a 6×30
• 1949 Formation of Swarovski Optik
• 1959 First Swarovski Optik rifle scope (4×32)
• 1967 First Swarovski Optik extendable spotting scope (30×75)
• 1974 Kahles was purchased by Swarovski Optik[3]
• 1977 Kahles became a branch of Swarovski Optik[3]
• 1989 Kahles Limited again became an independent company within the Swarovski group[3]
• 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 6× zoom
• 2016 First Swarovski rifle scope with 8× zoom[4]
• 2017 Kahles was again brought into the Swarovski advertising and sales programs[3]

SWAROVSKI OPTIK, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, Austria is part of the Swarovski group.of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company 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 binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. The turnover in 2020 was 163.5 million euros (2019: 158.7 million euros), with an export ratio of 91%. The company has around 1,000 employees.[5]

Swarovski Optik holds a royal warrant of appointment to Queen Elizabeth II, granted in 2009.[6][7]

Swarovski Optik produces the following series of products.

Swarovski BTX 95mm review

• Official website