![]() Located within Vaud, a canton north of Geneva, is the renown Vallée de Joux, a place that originated with iron and other blacksmith industries, and is now commonly referred to as the “home of watchmaking”. Despite the high running cost in large scale, there are still keen independents who respect the heritage and tradition and decide to set up their workshop in and around the canton of Geneva, namely François-Paul Journe and Rexhep Rexhepi, in addition to the well known names such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Vacheron Constantin. So, for brands with a relatively large production scale, a relocation for the manufacturing facility would become reasonable and a more cost-effective option than operating one in Geneva. The Poinçon de Genève, or Geneva Seal was introduced in 1886 to ensure the origin and the quality of the watch, and at the same time protect watchmakers and craftsmen within the canton.Īlthough there are now a number of certificates for levels of finishing and chronometer performance in use in the industry, it is worth mentioning that the admission prerequisites for obtaining a Geneva Seal only requires the watch to be assembled and adjusted within the canton of Geneva (notwithstanding the technical and functional requirements it imposes as well, which do add a significant cost to the production of the watch in question). Over time, Geneva would gradually build a reputation for producing a variety of horological instruments such fame soon spread and attracted counterfeit products that wanted to take advantage of the prestigious name. Under John Calvin’s reformation, and his strong religious beliefs, jewellery was considered a form of idolatry, and therefore banned, leaving all the artisans and craftsmen to turn their hands and minds towards watchmaking, and consequently working with the French from across the border, who possessed the know-how to create these mechanical devices. Filled with skilled goldsmiths and enamelers from the 15th century, Geneva was known for its jewellery crafts. ![]()
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