Festina

Festina is a Swiss watch brand established in 1902 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name derives from the Latin phrase Festina lente, meaning "make haste slowly," reflecting a philosophy of timekeeping. The brand produced a range of mechanical and quartz watches for a broad audience.

In the late 20th century Festina became part of the Festina Group, a Spanish-based holding that owns several watch brands, including Festina, Lotus, Candino, and Jaguar. The group coordinates design, manufacturing, and distribution for its brands across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Festina has been known for sport sponsorships, notably its association with cycling teams during the 1990s. The Festina affair of 1998, a major doping scandal, led to investigations by sporting authorities and prompted reforms within cycling, affecting the brand’s public profile at the time.

The brand’s product lines cover entry-level to mid-range timepieces, with quartz models forming the bulk of its catalog and some mechanical options. They emphasize reliability, practical design, and value, often featuring chronographs and sporty or classic styling. Movements are sourced from various suppliers, including Swiss-made options for certain ranges.

Festina maintains a presence in global markets through authorized retailers and e-commerce, continuing to contribute to the broader Festina Group’s portfolio of brands.