The world knows Swiss watches, and clocks thanks to the Jean Calving reform that took place in the sixteenth century. A strange ban was imposed upon people, so that they were no longer allowed to wear jewels. In order to counter this, the goldsmiths of the time decided to create fancy watches. Therefore, by the end of the century, they became not only popular, but also recognised for their superior taste, and design.

The several breakthroughs and the innovations that have been witnessed in the watch industry have been due to the relentless and never-ending labour of the Swiss goldsmiths. The self-winding watches were introduced sometime in the 1700s, and the pendant winding watches, started by Adrien Philippe, were introduced in the mid 1800s. He is also the pioneer of perpetual calendars, fly-back hands, and chronographs.

Frederic Ingold and Georges Lechot who made substantial contributions to the watch industry with their meticulous research, carried forward the innovations in the watch industry in the twentieth century. This led to an increase in production. The twentieth century stands out in terms of the flexibility of the parts of the watch, and the level of homogeny. This contributed to the rise of popularity of the switch watches.

After the machine, and chemical industry in Switzerland, the watch industry scores best in the number of exports to the outside world. Available all around the world, Swiss watches have a reputation that is ever lasting. The different advances and innovations in technology have made it possible for more, and more individuals to afford watches. Depending on the finances, one could opt for something classy like the quartz or something relatively cheap, yet elegant like the mechanical watch. The mechanical masterpieces are able to fetch prices going as high as millions of francs, as precious stones and gold are utilised in their design. The Swiss watches made in the olden days consisted mostly of a horizontal structure, although some with vertical design were also added to the mix.

The decade of the seventies, and early eighties witness an economic recession, which hit the Switch watch industry as well. The industry suffered greatly as a number of companies had to close down their operations, and thousands of people working in them were deprived of their jobs. Statistics of 2004 showed that less than hundred workers were employed in the small enterprises that still produced these watches.

The industry only suffered in the business sense, as the developments, and advancements in design continued unstopped. The reputation of Swiss watches is so great, and strong that even a recession did not take away their market, despite producers from other countries doing their best to take away their customers.

There is a choice for consumers between mechanical, and quartz watches. The mechanical watches come with the hand-wound, and automatic features, whereas quartz watches feature an analog, or digital design. The watches are made out of several materials, such as precious metals, stainless steel, plastic, and ceramic. Depending on the choice of consumers, there are sports watches, fashionable watches, and trendy watches to select. It is guaranteed that no matter what taste a person has, he or she will be able to find a watch that suits their personality, and demands.

Swiss watch industry is exporting 95% of its products today in different parts of the world. Japan and Hong Kong are the main competitors of the Swiss industry. The industry was moribund due to economic crisis in the 20th century, but it has recovered very well by successfully completing its structural re-conversion. Today, it is the brightest industry of Switzerland, as it is breaking its own yearly records in exporting watches, and clocks all around world.

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