Swiss Watchmaking Was Originally The Budget Alternative
We may know Switzerland today as the heart of mechanical watchmaking, but the tale of Swiss watchmaking has humble beginnings. Before the 19th century, if you wanted to purchase a timepiece, your money would head to England or France, the powerhouses of industry and technology.
However, as these nations' wealth grew, their products became too expensive for many. People turned to more affordable alternatives, which, surprisingly, were not coming from China but from the Swiss Alps. During harsh winters, Swiss farmers, unable to tend to their land, started producing watch components based on French and British designs. Initially, their work was subpar, but it improved over time. The Swiss capitalized on the Industrial Revolution's impact on French and English watchmaking, making Swiss watches the new standard.
Omega Was Originally The Name Of A Movement
Many watch companies started with different names. Omega, for example, was founded by Louis Brandt. After his sons joined the business, the company was renamed Louis Brandt & Fils. Upon Louis Brandt's passing, the company became Louis Brandt & Frère.
In 1894, the brothers unveiled a revolutionary movement called ‘Omega’, symbolizing the pinnacle of accuracy and reliability. This movement's success led to the company being renamed Omega in 1903, solidifying its place in horological history.
Rolex Was Founded In England
Rolex, synonymous with Swiss luxury, was actually founded in London in 1905 by German entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf. Initially named Wilsdorf & Davis, the company imported Swiss movements and cased them in England. In 1908, Wilsdorf renamed the company to Rolex, a name he felt sounded luxurious and easy to pronounce in any language.
Wilsdorf moved the company to Geneva in 1920 due to increasing racial tensions in England during World War I. Rolex has been based in Switzerland ever since, becoming a symbol of Swiss craftsmanship.
The First Waterproof Watch Is 75 Years Older Than The Rolex Oyster
Rolex's 1926 Oyster is often celebrated as the first waterproof wristwatch, but the first truly water-resistant watch dates back to 1851. At the Great Exhibition in London, a silver pocket watch made by Pettit and Trappett was displayed submerged in a glass globe, showcasing its waterproof capabilities. This predated the Rolex Oyster by 75 years, proving that water-resistant technology had been explored long before Rolex popularized it.
Time Is Different Depending On How You Look At It
Accurate timekeeping has been the holy grail for watchmakers for centuries. However, the theory of time dilation complicates this pursuit. Time dilation, a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity, means that time can differ based on speed and gravity.
For instance, GPS satellites orbiting Earth experience time differently due to their velocity and the Earth's gravitational field. They lose 0.01 seconds annually, a discrepancy corrected to maintain accurate navigation. Astronauts on the International Space Station experience this too, aging 0.005 seconds less over six months in space compared to their time on Earth.
The quest for precise timekeeping continues to challenge and fascinate watchmakers and physicists alike, demonstrating the complexity and wonder of time.
Whether you're a watch enthusiast or new to the world of horology, these fascinating facts highlight the rich history and ongoing innovations in watchmaking. From the humble beginnings of Swiss craftsmanship to the mind-bending reality of time dilation, the world of watches is as intricate and captivating as the mechanisms within. Explore our collection of men's watches and discover a piece of this remarkable history.