History

1942 THE COMPANY IS FOUNDED

In the midst of the chaos of World War II, 20-year old Wilhelm Leo Kaufmann of Switzerland founded the company, which has become a tradition. Working alongside his brother Karl and his sister Anneliese, Kaufmann initially only produced fine belts.

THE LOST WATCH

The company’s founder set off on a trip through Switzerland with his favourite watch packed in his bag. An unpleasant experience provided the spark for the company’s current success: while on a hike the company’s founder lost his watch due to a faulty watchstrap. The initial disappointment led to an entrepreneurial venture and the goal of developing the best watchstraps, which are still Kaufmann’s core product line to this very day.

1950

THE FIRST WORKSHOP

Mühlheim Lindenstraße

After spending time in Kirchborngasse, Bahnhofstrasse and PI-Park in Mühlheim, the company moves to its first very own workshop in Mühlheim’s Lindenstrasse in 1950..

1952

BY SHIP TO NEW YORK

International success

Wilhelm Kaufmann travels by ship on his first trip to the United States. In New York, he wins the Norman M. Morris Corporation, the American distributor of Omega, as a customer.

1972

THE SECOND GENERATION

Cornelius Kaufmann, the son of the company’s founder, begins his vocational training as an industrial clerk at his parents’ company and successfully completes his training in 1974.

1985

Father & Son

Wilhelm Leo Kaufmann makes his son Cornelius a partner in the company.

1997

Premium Collection

The Cornelius Kaufmann Premium Collection is successfully launched on the market.

1999

ADVERTISING

Kaufmann is the first manufacturer of watchstraps to run ads in the magazine Madame, thus laying the foundation for ongoing advertising for the “Kaufmann” brand.

2000

Waterproof

The first waterproof Kaufmann alligator strap celebrates its world premiere.

2004

10Plus

The most exclusive presentation system for watchstraps – the KAUFMANN 10 PLUS – is introduced.

2007

THE THIRD GENERATION

Cornelius Philipp, the owner’s son, joins the family company, thus representing the third generation of Kaufmanns..

2008

NEW COLLECTIONS

Belts
The belt collection is redefined and structured as its own business division

Leather Goods & Accessoires
The “Leather Goods” business division is created for the production of fine bags, briefcases, luggage and accessories.

2010

THE FIRST KAUFMANN BOUTIQUE

On 24 September 2010, the 160 m2 “Kaufmann Boutique Rhein-Main” opens its doors right next to the manufactory in which Kaufmann’s exquisite leather goods are made.

2013

Vintagestraps

The business area is expanded to include “Vintage straps”. Produced exclusively with the same kinds of traditional saddler’s tools used over 70 years ago, these entirely handmade pieces are lovingly handcrafted to give each individual vintage strap a perfect used look.

2015

Kubus

Kubus, the new presentationsystem from Kaufmann.