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Goldsmiths and other jewelers began crafting timepieces in Geneva as early as 1541 and by the end of the century these timepieces were valued for their high quality. With an increasing number of watchmakers in Geneva, many migrated to the Neuchatel Mountains. This northwestern region of Switzerland was referred to as "Watch Valley". Daniel Jean Richard, the founder of watch making in this region, produced the first watch without any training. Over three hundred years later, this area boasts the highest concentration of watchmaking companies in Switzerland.
The beginning of the 19th century spawned an increasing number of steamboats and railroads. Swiss timepieces were no longer reserved just for the wealthy due to the expanded need for timekeeping and scheduling. These requirements escalated the sale of pocket watches not only for the conductors and steamboat crews, but for their customers. As World War I was beginning, Maurice Eberle was granted a Swiss patent for innovative watch movements and continued to elevate overall watch construction.
Swiss watchmaking became a state-of-the-art industry that included the first wristwatch, the first water resistant wrist watch, the first quartz movement, the thinnest wristwatch, etc. |
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