SimplySwiss

Swiss Army Blanket

While Switzerland is a politically neutral country, as a matter of self defense, military service is compulsory for all males starting at age twenty. While war has not contributed to the country’s recent history, its army is still well regarded and equipped with high quality tools and materials. The multi-purpose knife is perhaps the most notable output from the Swiss army. However, another standard issue from the Swiss army is its grey woolen blankets emblazoned with a red stripe and a white cross. The originals were produced up until the 1940s by a Swiss company called Pfungen. Today, both the original and replica blankets are available for purchase from a variety of general market distributors.

Caran d'Ache

Founded in the city of Geneva in 1924, Caran d'Ache is Switzerland’s premier manufacturer of writing implements and high quality art supplies.

The brand has also evolved to develop an international reputation for its line of luxury products which include lighters, leather wallets, men’s jewelry and belts. The brand’s shop-in-shops provide the ideal venue for displaying its products in high end stores located in New York, Rome, Tokyo and Dubai. (Primary Source: www.carandache.com)

Swiss Travel Products

Sold under the brand name Swiss Travel Products, the World Travel Adapter is the Swiss Army Knife of electrical adapters! The device has four plug options allowing for electrical adaptability in over 150 countries. The device is a prime example of Swiss technological ingenuity, innovation and fine design. (Primary Source: www.swisstravelproducts.com)

M*Plast "Swiss Special" Bandaids

Distributed solely by the Swiss national grocery chain Migros, these more highly priced bandaids are branded with the design of the Swiss flag. For just over two dollars, consumers get fifteen “Swiss Special” branded M*Plast band-aids.

Elsa Mattresses

Elsa is a Swiss family operated company which produces a wide variety of high quality mattresses and pillows. Elsa mattresses and pillows are made from the company’s proprietary foam (elsa-Mineralschaum©) which helps distribute one’s weight more evenly for maximum comfort. In addition to being ergonomic in their design, Elsa mattresses are also made with a nod to the environment. The brand’s web site states: “elsa mineral foam (elsa-Mineralschaum©) is completely heat recyclable and does leave any toxic residues, thus entering the cycle of nature.”

This particular advertisement was being distributed at a pharmacy in Geneva, Switzerland. (Primary Source: www.elsaint.com)

ADDiCT Swiss Care Products

Marketed as the “Swiss solution to stop smoking”, the NIC-ex SX1, developed by ADDiCT Swiss Care Products, is a device which uses principles of electric stimulation therapy to help reduce the cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal. According to the ADDiCT web site, here’s an explanation of how the NIC-ex SX1 device works: ¨NIC-ex SX1 helps cigarette smokers stop smoking by regulating the brain levels of such natural neurochemicals as dopamine and endorphins. The neurochemical dopamine stimulates the “reward” centre in the brain resulting in a “feeling of pleasure. Endorphins, also produced naturally by the brain, are anti-stress hormone-like neurochemicals that relieve pain (anti-pain action) and enhance the immune system. The nicotine in cigarette smoke increases the brain levels of dopamine thereby giving the smoker a rewarding “feeling of pleasure”. The need of the smoker to continue getting this “feeling of pleasure” quickly results in the development of nicotine addiction... When a smoker tries to stop smoking, the brain nicotine levels rapidly decrease, resulting in lowered levels of dopamine and an array of very unpleasant, discomforting (nicotine) withdrawal symptoms that includes an intense craving to smoke... NIC-ex SX1 works by electrically stimulating the brain to produce dopamine which restores and helps sustain that “feeling of pleasure”, thus preventing the strong craving to resume smoking during nicotine withdrawal. NIC-ex SX1 also increases the brain production of the natural anti-stress, anti-pain endorphins, thereby reducing or minimizing the intensity of many of the stressful, painful nicotine withdrawal symptoms. (Primary Source: www.addictswiss.ch)

Air-O-Swiss

In business for over forty years, Swiss-based company PLASTON has developed a number of advanced air purifiers and humidifiers for both domestic and business purposes. The company markets its products under the brand name Air-O-Swiss. (Primary Source: www.plaston.com)

Swissflex Beds

It would appear as though there are two brands in the marketplace looking to leverage the name “Swissflex”. As noted in a separate post below, one of these is a manufacturer of eyeglasses. The other is a high-end manufacturer of beds and mattresses. With so much of one’s life spent in bed, it’s only natural to want the very best in ergonomic comfort. As reported on the company’s web site: “Only the combination of a top-class slat base with a perfectly adapted top-quality mattress and pillow will give you the feeling of dream comfort. The SWISSFLEX bedding system is as precious as your sleep and will allow you to face up to the demands of today's hectic lifestyle.” (Primary Source: www.swissflex.com)

Swissflex

Customization is key to the consumer’s SwissFlex brand experience. Lens shape, frame color, screw color, nose pad size can all be uniquely selected. All these options allow consumers to take an active role in designing their eyewear. Not only does this provide consumers with a way to express one’s individuality, this concept also allows them to choose components which are most comfortable for them. The SwissFlex frames are made from Marsydur: “a high performance polymer, was created during the orbital research and development in connection with the MARS MISSION. Marsydur’s super light-weight offers excellent dimensional stability, an endless variety of colors and it is absolutely antitoxic. Marsydur combines rigidity, heat resistance, excellent dimensional stability, chemical resistance, medical and FDA approved.” (Primary Source: www.italee.com/swiss/index.htm)

Tissot

Established in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Emile, Tissot is one of Switzerland’s most prominent watch brands. Dedicated to performance, Tissot is the Official Timekeeper and Watch of NASCAR, the Ice Hockey World Championship, the Cycling World Championship and has been featured in a number of action movies including Lara Croft Tomb Raider and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The Swiss flag is an integral component of the Tissot logo reminding consumers that Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of producing high quality and precision time pieces. As with most watches made in Switzerland, the words “Swiss Made” are proudly emblazoned on the faces of all Tissot watches. (Primary Source: www.tissot.ch)