The Festina brand created in 1902 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"
Festina was created by the Stüdi family in the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in Switzerland. In 1935 the founding-family transmitted the brand to businessman, Willy Burkhard von Wilhelm.
During World War II, the company based itself in 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.
In 1992, Festina became the official Timekeeper of the Tour de France until 2016, staying for decades 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.).
The Festina is today a dynamic international brand specializing in the production and commercialization of and precision parts.
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