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.

Watches are available in mechanical and quartz styles. If you are looking for hand-wound and automatic features, the mechanical watch will give you that. However, if you want an analog or digital display, you should be buying a quartz watch. The material of these watches ranges from precious metals like diamond, plastic, stainless steel, and even high tech ceramic. The buyer may purchase a sporty watch, a trendy watch, or a sophisticated watch, depending on the personality. So many different styles and designs in these watches are there, that even the most fastidious customers will be able to find a watch that satisfies them entirely.

Almost ninety-five per cent of the productions done in the Swiss watch industry are exported to the rest of the world. Their main rivals are from Japan and Hong Kong. Although the economic crisis in the country set it off for a while, the perseverance of the people has sustained it, and is now progressing even more. This has paid off greatly as its future is looking very bright with the innumerable records it is breaking annually in terms of its sales everywhere.