Following the introduction of the original SwissCard a number of other models have been introduced, some of which have been subsequently withdrawn (see Models below).
Like the Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife, this 'packaging' also serves as an effective advertising medium, with a large surface area on which logos and (promotional) text can be printed - As an item a person might keep with them, and make use of, this appeals to advertisers.
Photo Gallery Images
The Original SwissCard - With the Sliding 'Door'
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Models
SwissCard Classic
Originally known simply as the SwissCard, it was renamed to be the SwissCard Classic, to distinguish it from the later models that were introduced.
In the original version there was a rotating door over the scissors, which was removed in the Generation III version. See History below.
- Small blade
- Pen
- Tweezers
- Pin
- Ruler
- Nailfile with a screwdriver tip
- Scissors
- Toothpick
- Protractor - On the back of the rotating door NB. Only on 'Generation II' models - See History
Tools 1-5 are common to all SwissCards except the Nailcare, which exchanges the blade for a nailfile
Model Numbers:
0.7100.T: Translucent red, 0.7122.T2: Translucent blue, 0.7133.T3: Translucent black (onyx)
Original Model Numbers:
Solid colours, all with the rotating door - Blade handle and door colour match
4.3407: Grey with red blade handle; 4.3407.6R: Light grey with red blade handle; 4.3437.R: Grey with black blade handle; 4.3437.3: All Black
SwissCard Money Clip
Discontinued Model
A small variation of the Classic : The nailfile is replaced with a money clip.
SwissCard Visor
Discontinued Model
Another small variation on the Classic : A visor clip, which is used to attach the SwissCard to a car visor, again replaces the nailfile.
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Smart Card
The Victorinox Smart Card is a gadget for carrying credit cards, bank notes and a SwissCard.
It comprises three components:
- A SwissCard that has the same toolset as the SwissCard Classic .....
- But is slightly wider and longer, (dimensions below), and has dimples for the money band
- A Credit Card Wallet that stores up to six cards with .....
- Card protection technology, and a clever 'switch' for ejecting and selecting credit cards
- A Money Band
- The money band holds the two other components together and can also secure bank notes
This model is a hark back to / re-imagined SwissCard Money Clip!
Model Numbers:
0.7250.38: Black SwissCard / Gold Wallet; 0.7250.36: Black SwissCard / Grey Wallet;
0.7250.13: Red SwissCard / Black Wallet
SwissCard Quattro
Discontinued Model
The SwissCard Quattro introduced a unique, flat, four-way screwdriver, that replaces the scissors in the Classic Swisscard.
The Quattro Tool * (which still features in the Swisscards Lite and Nailcare) has the following screwdriver heads:
- Phillips #0
- Phillips #1-2
- 3mm flathead
- 5mm flathead
SwissCard Lite
The SwissCard Lite replaces the nailfile and toothpick from the Classic with a magnifying glass, LED and the Quattro four-headed screwdriver.
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Model Numbers:
0.7300.T: Translucent red; 0.7322.T2: Translucent blue; 0.7333.T3: Translucent black (onyx)
SwissCard Nailcare
The SwissCard Nailcare is a SwissCard targeted at personal care introduced in 2015.
The blade has been replaced with a glass file. The cut out for the new file is smaller than those in the other versions.
The Classic nailfile/screwdriver has been replaced by the Quattro screwdriver and the magnifying glass is also added, giving it a very similar toolset to the SwissCard Lite.
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- Resistant glass nailfile
- Pen
- Tweezers
- Pin
- Ruler
- Magnifying Glass
- Scissors
- Toothpick
- Quattro Screwdriver *
Model Numbers:
0.7240.T: Translucent red (ruby); 0.7240.T21: Translucent ice blue; 0.7240.T3: Translucent black (onyx)
Body Material
Unlike any of the other materials used by Victorinox for scales, the SwissCard is made from ABS (Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol) plastic.
History
The original SwissCard was patented in 1996 and introduced in 1997 and was followed by several variations in the next few years (see above and below). Interestingly, the very first SwissCards had different product numbers from the current ones (see above) and were also described as having 7 Features - 10 Functions. Later, the specification was changed to just 10 Functions, and later still 11 Functions, when the protractror was added.
Note: The SwissCard Classic tool list above shows nine tools. This does however, correlate with the Victorinox specification, as the ruler and nailfile are deemed to have two functions each: Ruler: mm and inches; Nailfile plus screwdriver! Also see functions image links in above paragraph.
- 1997: Generation I: The SwissCard is first released. Original models have a rotating door for access to the scissors
- 2000: The Quattro and MoneyClip models are introduced
- 2000: Generation II: A protractor is added to the sliding door
- 2001: Translucent models are introduced
- 2001: The Visor model is introduced
- 2003: The SwissCard Lite is introduced
- 2004: The SwissCard Lite wins the prestigious 'Best of the Best' Red Dot Design Award for product design
- 2006: (Possibly earlier) The Quattro, MoneyClip and Visor models are no longer available (as these models are not in the catalogue for this year)
- 2008: Generation III: The sliding scissor door/protractor is removed - Apparently to improve the solidity of the card
- The scissors are now extracted via a dimple in the shell
- 2009: The red LEDs on the SwissCard Lite are replaced by white LEDs
- 2015: The Nailcare is added to the line up and wins the Red Dot award for product design
- 2023: Three SwissCard variations created as part of the Live to Explore Collection
- Late 2023 / Early24: (tbc) The Smart Card is released
Variations
- Many colours have been available including translucent models. Colours have changed over time, the solid colours produced were grey, red and black, however the solid colours are no longer available. The translucent colours have included ruby, sapphire, emerald, purple, onyx, and most recently ice blue (Nailcare only). The purple and emerald models are also out of production
- The SwissCard is frequently used for promotional purposes and there are many promotional variations of the SwissCard.
- The Dr. SwissCard was a promotional variation targeted at pharmaceutical companies (not available to the general public?), where an EKG fine ruler was added to the nailfile, and the tweezers were replaced with some tiny EKG calipers (see ruler image). These tools are used to measure the distance between peaks on an electrocardiogram (EKG).
- In 2009, a special 125th Anniversary SwissCard Classic was released as part of the Jubilee Series to commemorate Victorinox's 125th Anniversary (US Model: 54409). Packaged in a special 125th Anniversary box it also included a small weekend wallet that holds a couple credit cards and includes a mirror.
- From time to time Victorinox brings out special editions of the SwissCard such as the 2020 Fresh Energy and Spring Spirit versions of the Classic.
- In October 2023 three variations of the SwissCard were released as part of the Live to Explore Collection.
Physical Specifications
According to the Victorinox website - The first set of dimensions apply to all models except the Smart Card; the second set is for the Smart Card.
- Length: 82mm / 3¼"; 104mm
- Width: 55mm / 2⅛"; 65mm
- Thickness: 4mm / 3/16"; 17mm
- Weight: 26g / 0.9oz; 81g
External Resources
- SOSAK: SwissCards, May 1st, 2008 (Wayback Machine)
- SOSAK: SwissCards — Part II, June 1st, 2008 (dead)
- SAAM'S: Victorinox SwissCard