Erich Winkler founder of Saitek

Eric Winkler  founder of Saitek

 

Saitek was formed in 1987 when the owner Eric Winkler decided to change the name of his company which had previously operated under the name of SciSys since 1979.

Both SciSys and Saitek have enjoyed over the years the use of the name Kasparov through the cooperation of the chess world champion Garry Kasparov.

The use of this brand name helped their sales across the world and when they bought Hegener & Glaser’s Mephisto in 1994, they became the world’s largest manufacturer of dedicated chess computers.

Saitek’s chess computers are endorsed by the World Champion himself, Garry Kasparov, and they offer a range of products from portable LCD to deluxe wooden tabletop. Strong new, or upgraded, programs in almost all the products will challenge top club players while giving beginners a good chance of winning. The Kasparov Training program, for beginners and intermediate players, with their comprehensive chess training books, help players learn the techniques to win. And all entry level chess computers now contain a range of fun levels, which duplicate the mistakes made by beginners to enable you to learn from them.

 

This Garry Kasparov endorsement picture is taken from a 1995 Saitek chess computer box.

This Garry Kasparov endorsement picture is taken from a 1995 Saitek chess computer box.

 

Saitek over the years have introduced an enormous range of competitively priced attractive chess computers and they still introduce new models into the market today.

More experienced players can choose from a wide range of designs, product features and price. And for those who want the ultimate, at the top of the range, Saitek offers beautiful handcrafted wooden chessboards, with modules to suit all abilities.

Some excerpts taken from a Saitek Computer Catalog

 

.Saitek top-class international programmers backed up by professional in-house R & D team.

Saitek top-class international programmers backed up by professional in-house R & D team.

Can you spot Dan & Kathe Spracklen?

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

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About Saitek Electronic Chess Computers
Saitek Electronic Chess Computer Collection

 

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Advanced Trainer

Saitek Advanced Trainer Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

CH04 - 2003

Advanced Travel Chess

Saitek Model CH04 Advanced Travel Chess (2003) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

177 - 1996

Advanced Talking Chess

Saitek Model 177 Advanced Talking Chess (1996) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K01 - 2000

Alchemist Plus

Saitek Model K01 Alchemist Plus (2000) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K01 - 1998

Alchemist

Saitek Model K01 Alchemist (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K14VW - 1998

Aragon

Saitek Model K14VW Aragon (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K10 - 1998

Aria

Saitek Model K10 Aria (1998) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K11 - 1998

Atlas

Saitek Model K11 Atlas (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K03V/W - 1998

Aurora

Saitek Model K03V/W Aurora (1998) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K02 - 1998

Avalon

Saitek Model K02 Avalon (1998) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CAN YOU THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME?
KASPAROV WORLD CHAMPION

CAN YOU THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME?

A slogan used in several SAITEK Sales Ads.

KASPAROV WORLD CHAMPION

A Garry Kasparov Logo seen on many Saitek Chess Computer boxes.

ENDORSED BY KASPAROV WORLD CHAMPION

ENDORSED BY KASPAROV WORLD CHAMPION

A Garry Kasparov endorsement as seen on later years Saitek Chess Computer boxes.

291 - 1990

Blitz

Saitek Model 291 Blitz (1990) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K16 - 2000

Bravo

Saitek Model K16 Bravo (2000) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K09 - 1998

Barracuda

Saitek Model K09 Barracuda (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

K12V - 1998

Bullet

Saitek Model K12V Bullet (1998) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

118B - 1992

Calculator Chess

Saitek Model 118B Calculator Chess (1992) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K04 - 1998

Capella

Saitek Model K04 Capella (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

145 - 1988

Cavalier

Saitek Model 145 Cavalier (1988) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K08 - 1998

Centurion

Saitek Model K08 Centurion (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

147 - 1992

Champion Advanced Trainer

Saitek Model 147 Champion Advanced Trainer (1992) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CT05 - 2004

Chess Challenger

Saitek Model CT05 Chess Challenger (2004) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

A drawing of a man playing a SAITEK KASPAROV chess computer while flying on an aircraft.

A drawing of a man playing a SAITEK KASPAROV chess computer while flying on an aircraft.

A picture taken from a Saitek Chess Computer.

173 - 1995

Chess Partner 2

Saitek Model 173 Chess Partner 2 (1995) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

116 - 1991

Chess Shadow

Saitek Model 116 Chess Shadow (1991) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

206 - 1986

Chess Companion III

Saitek Model 206 Chess Companion III (1986) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

133 - 1996

Chessman

Saitek Model 133 Chessman (1996) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CT03 - 2003

Chess Trainer

Saitek Model CT03 Chess Trainer (2003) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

171 - 1995

Concord

Saitek Model 171 Concord (1995) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

175 - 1995

Coach Partner

Saitek Model 175 Coach Partner (1995) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

421 - 1988

Corona

Saitek Model 421 Corona (1988) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

271 - 1988

Conquistador

Saitek Model 271 Conquistador (1988) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

133 - 1995

Compact

Saitek Model 133 Compact (1995) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

A picture of a man playing a SAITEK KASPAROV chess computer.

A picture of a man playing a SAITEK KASPAROV chess computer.

Picture was taken from a Saitek Chess Computer.

K21C - 2002

Cosmic

Saitek Model K21C Cosmic (2002) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K06 - 1998

Cosmos

Saitek Model K06 Cosmos (1998) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K07 - 1998

Cougar

Saitek Model K07 Cougar (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

208B - 1994

Executive

Saitek Model 208B Executive (1994) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CH06 - 2004

Expert Travel

Saitek Model CH06 Expert Travel (2004) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CT12U - 2008

Explorer Pro

Saitek Model CT12U Explorer Pro (2008) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

133B - 1996

Express

Saitek Model 133B Express (1996) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CT09 - 2004

Explorer

Saitek Model CT09 Explorer (2004) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

272 - 1992

GK 2000

Saitek Model 272 GK 2000 (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

273 - 1993

GK 2100

Saitek Model 273 GK 2100 (1993) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

SAITEK INTELLIGENT MOVES CATALOG

SAITEK INTELLIGENT MOVES CATALOG

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog front and back page.

 

SAITEK - THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU!

With Saitek Intelligent Games, you make the right choice. And Saitek is dedicated to justifying that choice. It offers a wider, more appealing range than ever before. Reliable, fast-selling products to cater for every market segment.

Comitted to the Swiss ideal of reliability and excellence, Saitek leads the industry. It has more research, uncompromising quality standards and full marketing support. Saitek constantly strives to offer better value, better features, and the latest technology to justify its position as the world’s leader in dedicated intelligent games.

Whether it is chess, bridge, backgammon, checkers or any other intelligent game, Saitek offers you products that are all backed by its one year worldwide guarantee. Eye-catching packaging with clear product information ensures that Saitek products sell themselves! Even without using some of the existing point of sale material available!

The message is clear -- your first choice MUST be Saitek!

Excerpt taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Product Catalog.

CT01 - 2006

Junior Master

Saitek Model CT01 Junior Master (2006) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

CH08 - 2004

Maestro

Saitek Model CH06 Maestro (2004) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

166 - 1992

Junior Chess

Saitek Model 166 Junior Chess (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

164D - 1989

Micro Travel

Saitek Model 164D Micro Travel (1989) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CT07V - 2003

Master Chess

Saitek Model CT07V Master Chess (2003) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

164D - 1989

MK 12 Trainer

Saitek Model 164D MK 12 Trainer (1989) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

208 - 1992

Olympiad

Saitek Model 208 Olympiad (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

167 - 1995

MK 14 Trainer

Saitek Model 167 MK 14 Trainer (1995) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

129 - 1986

Plus Coach

Saitek Model 129 Plus Coach (1986) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

114 - 1986

Pocket Chess

Saitek Model 114 Pocket Chess (1986) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

DAN & KATHE SPRACKLEN

DAN & KATHE SPRACKLEN

Dan & Kathe were part of the Saitek team for a brief period of time early 90’s.

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

115C - 1990

Pocket Plus Trainer

Saitek Model 115C Pocket Plus Trainer (1990) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

137 - 1997

Portable Talking Chess Coach

Saitek Model 137 Portable Talking Chess Coach (1997) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

281 - 1990

Prisma

Saitek Model 281 Prisma (1990) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

322 - 1992

Risc 2500 2MB

Saitek Model 322 Risc 2500 2MB (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

299 - 1993

President

Saitek Model 299 President (1993) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

200500 - 1994

Schach Trainer

Saitek Model 200500 Schach Trainer (1994) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR - YOUR FIRST CHOICE MUST BE SAITEK!

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR - YOUR FIRST CHOICE MUST BE SAITEK!

Another Garry Kasparov endorsement.

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

 

A SAITEK INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on buying one of Saitek’s Intelligent Games. This choice guarantees you many hours of enjoyment and stimulation. As the world leader in Intelligent Games, Saitek offers a superlative choice of products to suit your interest and playing skills. Chess, bridge, backgammon, blackjack - whatever your interest, Saitek has a game for you!

Who needs an intelligent games computer: the answer is everyone! Here is a partner available anytime you want to play, capable of adapting its technique to give you a chance to win, or keeping up with you as your skill improves. In today’s fast moving world, you can start a game whenever you have some time, break off and resume at any time - the computer’s memory will retain the position until you are ready to play again.

Advanced technology and elegant design combine to increase your enjoyment, as does the worldwide 12 month guarantee.

Excerpt taken from a Saitek game catalog.

saitek_chessgroup1

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 1

Value, fun and training for beginners to average chess players.

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

 

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 1

VALUE, FUN AND TRAINING FOR BEGINNERS TO AVERAGE CHESS PLAYERS

Saitek offers four products in this range - two pocket and two table-top.

The brand-new Traveller with its new fun levels offers even a beginner a good chance to win. In these 8 fun levels, the computer imitates the mistakes beginners tend to make, such as failing to develop their pieces early in the game, forgetting to protect their major pieces and so on. The beginner gradually learns to avoid these basic mistakes and so improve his game and move on to the 8 ordinary levels for a more challenging game. The Traveller also makes the perfect companion: the handy transparent cover clips onto the back while you play and there’s a neat piece compartment.

The ever-popular Electronic Chess Partner is a good compact table-top sensory chess computer at an affordable price, easy to operate and ideal for beginners and occasional players.

New chess players mean more sales - to encourage more people to the game, Saitek has developed the Kasparov Training Program. The popular Pocket Plus and the Mark 12 now come re-packaged as Kasparov Trainers, with a specially-written new book, Easy Steps to Winning Chess, with a preface written by the Master himself, Garry Kasparov! The computer’s inbuilt coaching functions combine with the book to illustrate all the basic moves and to demonstrate the techniques necessary to develop that knockout punch that wins games.

Four products which offer an excellent introduction to the world of chess - the perfect starting point even for future World Champions!

Excerpt taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 2

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 2

Features, strength and great value.

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

 

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 2

FEATURES, STRENGTH AND GREAT VALUE

All seven products in this section are packed with features to appeal to players with a wide range of abilities.

This year, Saitek introduces an all-LCD chess computer, the Chess Shadow; you don’t even need to know how to play chess to enjoy this product. It will show all legal moves, make suggestions, and act as referee. Responding to the pleas of the 80% of players who cannot beat chess computers at any level, Shadow, like the Traveller, offers 8 fun levels (in addition to the 8 regular levels) where the computer can be relied upon to make some very human errors, giving even beginners a really good chance to win.

Following on our conviction that winning makes players happy, we continue our Kasparov Training Program with the Kasparov Advanced Trainers, the Portable (previously Cavalier) and the Team Mate. Playing through the 8 specially selected master games with the help of the computer and the special accompanying training book, the Step-by-Step Program to Chess Mastery, the intermediate player gradually acquires the techniques to win.

Prisma and Blitz are strong computers, ideal for the chess enthusiast. Prisma offers a mass of information feedback and analysis through its integrated LCD chessboard and 11-character info line. Blitz, on the other hand, is designed for speed and convenience. The extra-large chessboard (with the patented Automatic Piece Sensor), the LED on every square, and the uncluttered design with all functions controlled by just two dials: everything combines for ease of play.

For the traditionalist, Astral combines the beauty and elegance of wood with a powerful program to suit all players from beginner to serious club standard.

Saitek mid range - features performance to suit all needs and markets!

Excerpt taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

Saitek Modular Electronic Chess Computers

511 - 1988

512 - 1989

Galileo

Renaissance

Saitek Model 511 Galileo (1988) Modular Electronic Chess Computer
Saitek Model 512 Renaissance (1989) Modular Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

Table Top

Saitek Game Modules for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

1987

Analyst D 6 MHz

Saitek Analyst D 6 MHz (1987) Game Module for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

8 Bit Module

1992

Brute Force

Saitek Brute Force (1992) Game Module for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

8 Bit Module

1986

Maestro A 4 MHz

SciSys Maestro A 4 MHz (1986) Game Module for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

8 Bit Module

1987

Maestro B 6 MHz

Saitek Maestro B 6 MHz (1987) Game Module for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

8 Bit Module

1989

Maestro D 12 MHz

8 Bit Module

Saitek Maestro D 12 MHz (1989) Game Module for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

1993

Sparc 20 MHz

Saitek Sparc 20 MHz (1993) Game Module for Modular Electronic Chess Computers

32 Bit Module

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 3

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 3

Affordable luxury and strength.

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

 

SAITEK CHESS GROUP 3

AFFORDABLE LUXURY AND STRENGTH.

At the top of the range, Saitek offers four products in which beauty, luxury and strength combine with superlative features for those who want only the best.

The Turbo King and Corona are sensibly priced strong computers, the wood finish of the Corona perhaps appealing to the more traditional buyer. Very different in appearance, both products now incorporate an upgraded program which makes them even stronger, with more aggressive openings and even better positional knowledge.

The beautiful hand-crafted luxury of Galileo and Renaissance offers unparalleled ease of play through the patented Blitz board and the Renaissance’s quad-lamp move indication system. The superlative features are complemented by a wealth of information feedback and now an even wider range of modules to enhance performance - additional openings and endgame knowledge, more levels, and increased strength.

From the quality of the hand-finishing to the meticulous programming - nothing has been spared to achieve the perfect chess computer for the discerning player.

Excerpt taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

SAITEK BLITZ BOARD

SAITEK BLITZ BOARD

The leading edge in technology.

Picture taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

 

SAITEK BLITZ BOARD

THE LEADING EDGE IN TECHNOLOGY.

Saitek already leads the world of auto piece sensing with its patented Blitz board system, featured on the three top end chessboards. This system ensures that both captures and normal moves can be made at high speed (as in a game of Blitz chess) and the computer will record these moves reliably and accurately. In addition to this, Saitek has now developed a brand new suste, of piece sensing call the Automatic Piece Sensor (APS) which brings a non-pressure sensing board to the mid range in the form of Kasparov Blitz.

Blitz is also the first chess computer that can be operated with just two dials. You can select all functions quickly and easily and see the settings clearly on the LCD screen.

Kasparov Chess Computers from Saitek - the world’s favorite chess computers!

Excerpt taken from Saitek Intelligent Moves Catalog.

117 - 1991

Traveller Version I

Saitek Model 117 Traveller Version I (1991) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

117B - 1995

Traveller Version II

Saitek Model 117B Traveller Version II (1995) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

320 - 1987

Turbo King

Saitek Model 320 Turbo King (1987) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

411 - 1992

Virtuoso

Saitek Model 411 Virtuoso (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

209 - 1982

Turbo Advanced Trainer

Saitek Model 209 Turbo Advanced Trainer (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

176F - 1998

Talking Coach

Saitek Model 176F Talking Coach (1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

CT06V - 2004

Talking Chess Academy II

Saitek Model CT06V Talking Chess Academy Version II (2004) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

CT04 - 2003

Talking Chess Trainer

Saitek Model CT04 Talking Chess Trainer (2003) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

Team Mate

Saitek Model 207 Team Mate (1988) Electronic Chess Computer

207B - 1989

Team Mate Advanced Trainer

Saitek Model 207B Team Mate Advanced Trainer (1989) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

146 - 1992

Travel Champion 2080

Saitek Model 146 Travel Champion 2080 (1992) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

146 - 1994

Travel Champion 2100

Saitek Model 146 Travel Champion 2100 (1994) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

122B - 1994

Travel Companion

Saitek Model 122B Travel Companion (1994) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

CH03 - 2003

Travel Chess

Saitek Model CH03 Travel Chess (2003) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

K05V - 2003

Talking Chess Academy I

Saitek Model K05V Talking Chess Academy Version I (2003) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

172 - 1995

Sensor XL

Saitek Model 172 Sensor XL (1995) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

165H - 1993

Sensor Turbo

Saitek Model 165H Sensor Turbo (1993) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

310 - 1988

Simultano Version C

Saitek Model 310 Simultano Version C (1988) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

467 - 1996

Solar Star

Saitek Model 467 Solar Star (1996) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

165 - 1992

Sensor

Saitek Model 165 Sensor (1992) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

Table Top

207 - 1988

145B - 1991

Portable Advanced Trainer

Saitek Model 145B Portable Advanced Trainer (1991) Electronic Travel Chess Computer

Travel

178 - 1998

Elite

Saitek Model 178 Elite(1998) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

163 - 1988

Electronic Chess Partner I

Saitek Model 163 Electronic Chess Partner Version I (1988) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

163B - 1990

Electronic Chess Partner II

Saitek Model 163B Electronic Chess Partner Version I (1990) Electronic Chess Computer

Table Top

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