The Timeless Craft: A History of Swiss Watchmaking
Timeless Precision: The History of Swiss Watchmaking Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: September 02, 2025, Jonathan Schönholzer Switzerland is almost synonymous with fine watchmaking. Known worldwide for precision, craftsmanship, and innovation, Swiss watches have come to symbolize luxury and reliability. But this wasn't always the case. The journey from humble beginnings to global dominance is a story of adaptation, invention, and enduring legacy. The Origins: 16th Century Beginnings Swiss watchmaking traces its roots to the 16th century. It all began in Geneva, a city profoundly influenced by the Protestant Reformation. In 1541, reformer John Calvin banned the wearing of jewelry, considering it a sign of vanity. This decree hit local goldsmiths and jewelers hard, forcing them to pivot their skills toward watchmaking—a craft not considered "jewelry" and thus acceptable. By the early 1600s, Geneva had become a hub for watchmakers, and the city’s...