The evolution of the wristwatch as we know it today has taken a rather peculiar path. It all began in the early 16th century in Nuremberg, when clockmaker Peter Henlein created the first “clock watch.” Worn as pendants or pocket watches, it was the British who pioneered wristwatches when the Earl of Leicester had the idea of attaching a bracelet to a watch as a gift for Queen Elizabeth I. What was initially targeted at women was later adopted by soldiers in the Boer Wars and World War I.
So, one may ask, with an Anglo-German origin, how did the Swiss become masters of watchmaking? Well, history and geographic location played a significant role in this process. It began unexpectedly in 1491 when French Protestant watchmakers, fleeing persecution from Catholics, sought refuge in Switzerland, bringing their craft to Geneva. Then, with the banning of gold jewellery by the Calvinist Reformation in 1541, Geneva’s artisans found a loophole in crafting delicate timepieces that could be worn as jewellery. Soon, watches became their new canvas, establishing Geneva’s reputation as Europe’s watchmaking capital by the 17th century.
Global events further solidified Switzerland’s status. During the World Wars, Switzerland, remaining neutral, continued refining civilian watches, unlike other nations whose industries were redirected towards military production. After the wars, brands like Rolex and Swatch captured the world’s imagination, making Swiss watches global symbols of luxury.
Switzerland’s geography also played a role. The isolating Swiss Alps led villagers to watchmaking during harsh winters, fostering a national dedication to meticulous craftsmanship. By the 19th century, this tradition had spread to the Jura Mountains, now known as the “Watch Valley.” As industrialisation swept through Europe, Swiss watchmakers resisted mass production, focusing on blending craftsmanship with technology. This period saw the rise of Patek Philippe and Omega, with innovations like the perpetual calendar and tourbillon.
Switzerland elevated timekeeping to a luxurious art, symbolising precision and craftsmanship, truly making it a nation of perfectionists.
