Swiss Watches - Then & Now

Swiss Watches

Then & Now

The Swiss watch and clock industry appeared in Geneva in the middle of the 16^th century.  In 1541, reforms implemented by Jean Calvin and banning the wear of jewels, forced the goldsmiths and other jewelers to turn into a new, independent craft: watch making.  By the end of the century, Genevan watches were already reputable for their high quality, and watchmakers created in 1601 the Watchmakers’ Guild of Geneva, the first to be established anywhere.

The end of World War I corresponds to the introduction of the wristwatch which soon became very popular.  Its traditional round shape was generally adopted in 1960.  In 1926, the first self-winding wristwatch was produced in Grenchen, the first electrical watches being introduced later in 1952.  In 1967, the Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH) in Neuchatel developed the world’s first quartz wristwatch, the famous Beta 21.

The mass production of watches began at the turn of the 20^th century, thanks to the researches and new technologies introduced by reputable watchmakers.  The increase of the productivity, the interchangeability of parts and the standardization progressively led the Swiss watch industry to its world supremacy.

Since more than four centuries now, tradition, craftsmanship, high technologies and permanent innovation have allowed Swiss watch making industry to keep its leadership in the world watch market.  The Swiss watch making industry has always been in a position to answer the many technological, economical and structural challenges it was confronted with.  Its exceptional dynamism and creative power have made it a state-of-the-art industry, and the many inventions or world records in its possession are so many evidences; the first wristwatch, the first quartz watch, the first water resistant wristwatch, the thinnest wristwatch in the world, the smallest or the most expensive watch in the world, etc.

Swiss Made Defined by Law

Swiss Watch: A watch is considered Swiss, according to the Swiss law if…

·         Its movement is Swiss.

·         Its movement is cased up in Switzerland.

·         The manufacturer carries out the final inspection in Switzerland.

Swiss Watch Movement: A watch movement is considered Swiss if…

·         The movement has been assembled in Switzerland.

·         The movement has been inspected by the manufacturer in Switzerland.

·         The components of Swiss manufacture account for at least 50% of the total value, without taking into account the cost of assembly.

Note: Information gathered from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH 1997-2011

Re-visit our Blog again soon for more helpful consumer information.

Stanley Jewelers-Gemologist

3422 JFK Blvd.

No. Little Rock, AR

501-753-1081