1898
Karl Robert Kahles merged the Simon Plössl Company and the Opto-Mechanical Workshop of Karl Fritsch in Vienna and found the KAHLES Company.
1900
KAHLES introduced the legendary TELORAR riflescope in five different magnifications. Precise and reliable, these early KAHLES riflescopes soon became highly respected by hunters everywhere. At the same time, KAHLES offered binoculars and telescopes for astronomic viewing.
1908
Following the founders sudden death, the second generation - Ernst and Karl Kahles - took charge and expanded the product range. Some of the MIGNON scopes produced during this time are still used by hunters.
1926
KAHLES introduced the first HELIA-series riflescope - a brilliant scope with a wide field of view.
1939
An economic regime is imposed on KAHLES to produce military products for the ‘Wehrmacht’. KAHLES products of that time are marked with the military code ‘CAD’.
1945
Following severe damage during the World War II, Friedrich Kahles III undertook the task of rebuilding the company. This skilled physicist, specialized in rifle scope production led the company to new levels of success again.
1949
KAHLES developed one of the first variable power rifle scopes.
1960
KAHLES as the first optical manufacturer invented and introduced a waterproof rifle scopes by utilizing O-rings for sealing (a KAHLES-patent). Soon KAHLES improved the HELIA-model further presenting the legendary HELIA SUPER-series.
1972
KAHLES was the first rifle scope manufacturer implementing multi-coating on all air-to-glass surfaces in series production. The new KAHLES-AMV coating (Achromatische Mehrschicht Vergütung) for the very first time, allowed light transmission of more than 90% which is a standard for fine rifle scopes up till now. The new generation of HELIA scopes continues to set higher standards for precision optics, even under extreme conditions.
1998
On the occassion of their 100 year anniversary, KAHLES again set a new milestone in rifle scope history, presenting their new HELIA COMPACTS. With high optical performance, and incredible wide field of view, advanced compact design and typical KAHLES-Ruggedness, hunters everywhere quickly make KAHLES their first choice.
2000
A new line of KAHLES binoculars once again reestablishes the long tradition of precision optical performance, rugged construction and a strong price value relationship that many have come to respect on KAHLES products.
2005
The new HELIA CS-line with the innovative multizero™ elevation adjustments opens a new era in ballistic drop compensation for hunting. The new HELIA CBX-line with digital dimming control for night hunting is the specialist on the edge of physics.
2007
KAHLES invents the innovative illuminated reticle on and switch-off "automaticlight" function and integrates them for the first time in the HELIA CSX and CBX models.
2012
KAHLES presents its new facility in Guntramsdorf.
2014
KAHLES integrates the parallaxwheel in the elevation and allows thereby for the optional windage right- or left-handed.
