Hans Noll came to Biel in 1961 and took over the European sales management responsibility for a mid-sized watch factory. In 1963, following a management changeover, he left this company to set up his own business with his wife. He blended his name with the word 'watch', and gave birth to the brand name "Hanowa". From the very beginning, Hanowa cultivated a reputation for fantasy watches (ring watches, pendant watches, clip watches, watch sets and much more). More recently, Hanowa has become known for its refined and durable sports watches, especially its "hw Swiss Military" brand.