For more than four centuries, tradition, expertise, advanced technology and innovation have allowed the Swiss watch and clock industry to maintain its leadership on the world market. Despite or because of the crises it has endured, it has always managed to overcome the technological, structural and economic challenges placed before it. Its exceptional dynamism and creativity have made it a state-of-the-art industry. The many inventions and world firsts to its name provide particularly flattering and envied examples of its status: first wristwatch, first quartz watch, first water-resistant wristwatch, world’s thinnest wristwatch, world’s smallest wristwatch, most expensive watch, and many more…

The Reformation in Europe impacted all aspects of society and economics, with the watchmaking industry as no exception. In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church; the increasingly personal or ‘Lutheran’ interpretation of religious dogma, and the resulting Protestant Reformation, ignited a series of intense, violent religious revolutions and wars, with Germany initially at the epicenter.

The subsequent uncertainty put a damper on many industries, including German watchmaking. The same could be said of France, who at the time were second only to Germany when it came to innovation and craftsmanship in watchmaking during Renaissance. French Wars of Religion, which started in mid 16th Century, meant that many French Protestants (Huguenots) were persecuted. As a result, many of French Huguenot watchmakers fled the violence in their home country and settled in Switzerland, where society and industry remained somewhat stable. Most moved to the city of Geneva, and the influx of skilled watchmakers from France transformed Swiss watchmaking industry.

Swiss watch and clock industry appeared in Geneva in middle of 16th Century. Many positive changes also took place during the (Calvinist) revolution in Geneva, making the town an ideal location for the clock and watchmaking industry that was quickly gaining steam with the help of the French immigrants and native Swiss watchmakers.

A century later, the city had “too many” watchmakers; many started leaving the Geneva region to set up business in Jura mountains. The reformer John Calvin was a strong advocate for austerity and piousness, especially when it came to outward appearances. At the time, Geneva was renowned for its robust jewellery-making and goldsmithing industry. But in 1541, Calvinism banned its citizens from wearing jewellery, ornamental objects, or other superficial ‘embellishments’.

Goldsmiths, enamelers, and other jewellers saw their businesses devastated by this harsh decree. Instead of leaving the city, they turned toward watchmaking. Both the enamelers and goldsmiths were skilled in creating beautiful, intricate designs that paired well with watch and clock making. Functional pieces, like portable clocks, were exempt from jewellery laws. Swiss jewellers, along with guidance and partnership of French watchmakers, reinvented themselves. By pairing beauty with precision, the world-renowned Swiss watchmaking industry was born from the ashes of austerity. By the end of the century, Geneva had already acquired a reputation for excellence and in 1601, Watchmakers Guild of Geneva was established, the first of its kind in the world.

The harsh rules governing jewellery-wearing in Geneva were relaxed in late 1600s, and watch and clock designs became more elaborate and opulent; Swiss watches were soon known for their exquisite beauty, along with their craftsmanship.

🎥 : A vintage 1890s clock by G. Hoff & Fils with a Jacquemart automaton mechanism, made in Switzerland 🇨🇭(🎥 : Credit to the Owner)

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