Switzerland undeniably reigns as the kingdom of horology[/b

Switzerland undeniably reigns as the kingdom of horology, but the debate over which Swiss city deserves the title of “City of Watches” or “Watch Capital” opens up intriguing discussions.

In my opinion, Geneva stands as Switzerland’s true watch capital. Many of the most prestigious watch brands, such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, Piaget, and Roger Dubuis, have established their headquarters and factories in Geneva. Moreover, the “Geneva Seal” standards, representing the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship, were initially formulated by Geneva’s horological enterprises. However, some argue that Geneva only became part of Switzerland in 1819 and that its horological development has minimal intersection with the rest of the Swiss watchmaking regions.

Then there’s the representation of Swiss domestic watchmaking tradition found in cities like La Chaux-de-Fonds, Biel/Bienne, and the Jura Valley. Brands like Girard-Perregaux and TAG Heuer are based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, while Biel/Bienne is the stronghold for Rolex movements and Omega.

Comparatively, Switzerland’s capital, Bern, and its financial hub, Zurich, are merely filled with watch stores without housing any watch manufacturing firms. Interestingly, Basel, primarily known as Switzerland’s pharmaceutical hub, became the host city for the world’s largest watch fair due to its convenient, neutral location, giving birth to the Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show. However, in 1991, a small faction of high-end watch brands returned to Geneva to establish the Geneva Watch Exhibition.

This dichotomy eventually led to a polarized state within the Swiss watch industry, with two major factions forming their distinct identities and traditions.