Why do Swiss watchmakers produce the best watches in the world? What have they learned? Why are Swiss timepieces so accurate? Why has the Swiss watchmaking industry been so active since the 16th century?
Specialization is one of the strongest reasons for why men from the Jura mountains began building high-quality wrist watches. Even if their popularity only gained wings in the early 20th century. For the Swiss, timekeepers are an art form. And it is easy to understand why.
But reputation isn't built in a day. Their fine mechanicals skills evolved through time, and their knowledge sedimented as decades passed by. Simple movements became common complications, and several complications transformed into "grand complications."
Horology, the science of watches and clocks, owes a lot to Swiss artisans. Today, the world's most complicated wrist watch movements feature over 30 complications. And, most of the times, you'll find a Swiss expert behind them.
Products and works of art are made to be bought, and to be seen. Watches are part of the game. They're carefully manufactured with a rational purpose - timepieces are made to be sold, even if in the context of a ultra-limited edition.
The Swiss watch industry wouldn't grow a worldwide reputation without those who effectively sell watches - the brand manages, the jewelry stores, and the financial muscle led by the commercial cities of Genève and Basel.
Swiss watches tick all boxes: aesthetics, performance, design, weight, technology, component quality, notoriety, innovation, precision, elegance, metalsmithing. Swiss watchmakers developed unique in-house movements, bullet-proof cases, and added an inimitable seal - "Swiss Made."
There are dozens of Swiss watch companies, but not all have reached the heights of Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Breguet, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Blancpain, Ulysee Nardin, Piaget, IWC, and Franck Muller.
The techniques, the mechanical knowledge, and the global expertise accumulated across multiple generations of watchmaking families have also contributed to creating iconic dreams which resisted the test of time.
Swiss watches have also broken all records and superlatives - the thinnest, the thickest, the most precise, the largest, the priciest, and the most advance - combining obstacles and challenges with perseverance, refinement, and development.
Watches made in Switzerland learned how to talk to jewelry and gemstones, embedding delicate and minuscule jewels and minerals in their finest creations.
Many feared that quartz crystals and electronics would kill Swiss watchmaking. They didn't and they won't, as long as brands learn to adapt to the rapid changes in the segment, and in the world of apps, mobile devices, and computers.
One of the routes to success is blending the old with the new; selling exclusive, luxury limited-editions, and joining the smart watch movement with the power of their brands and logos.
The land of the Red Cross, cheese, chocolate and lakes would not be the same without their hours, minutes and seconds.
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