Festina

Festina was created in 1902 by the Stüdi family in the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in Switzerland. In 1935, the founding family sold the brand to businessman, Willy Burkhard von Wilhelm. During World War II, the business was relocated to Barcelona, Spain.

In 1975, Georges Uhlmann, an entrepreneur who had a significant presence in the Spanish and Italian markets, acquired the firm. In 1984, the Spanish businessman Miguel Rodríguez, from La Linea de la Concepción (Cadiz), acquired the Festina brand and all its rights.

The Festina name is derived from the Latin "Festina lente" which means: "Make haste, slowly", a phrase that, according to Roman historian, Suetonius, is attributed to Augustus Caesar, known for his prudence: "Walk slowly if you want to arrive at a well-done job sooner".

The Festina Group brands Jaguar, Candino and Perrelet are Swiss made. In 2002, Festina acquired the Swiss watch brand Candino.In 2004, Festina acquired the luxury watch brand, Perrelet, founded in 1777 by the prestigious watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet.

From 1992 to 2016, Festina was the official timekeeper of the Tour de France, becoming closely linked to the world of cycling as a sponsor / timekeeper of the most important events of the cycling agenda (Tour of Spain, Tour of Britain, etc.).

Festina sponsored the German football club TSV 1860 Munich between 2005 and 2006.

In 2016, actor Gerard Butler became an ambassador for the brand and its campaigns worldwide positioned it in the lifestyle category.