The History of Swiss Watches:
The watch making
explosion in Switzerland and the subsequent specialisation
has roots in politics and history. During the sixteenth century
a reformation to place in Europe which lead to many wars and
multi national conflicts. The religious persecution of many
peoples lead them to uproot and move abroad for an easier life.
Many Huguenots left France to seek refuge in Geneva. The Huguenots
had great skill in watch and clock making, bringing this specialisation
to a new country.
In the Swiss city
of Geneva at this time goldsmiths, enamel workers and jewellers
were popular with the people. They had a fine reputation for
jewellery leading from many years of master craftsmanship.
However the religious reforms of the time did not leave Switzerland
unaffected. Swiss laws were changed so that jewellery wearing
was forbidden, such were the strict changes brought about.
Needing a change
in business the Jewellers focused their design skills and craftsmanship
on watch making, instructed by the immigrant Huguenots.
At the turn of
the seventeenth century Swiss watches become more detailed
and beautiful. The number of watchmakers in Switzerland
grew and with it their specialised talents. At this time the
tight laws were then relaxed, allowing Swiss watch makers to
begin crafting even finer watches.
From this strong
base, watches have continued to be produced from Switzerland.
Swiss technology and manufacturing developed with the times
and the attention to details in Swiss watches improved, becoming
more refined. Watch making in Switzerland has since never looked
back and continues to be at the forefront of the world economy. |
