Horology

Under the watch industry refers to the series production of watches in industrial plants. Production wise distinction is made between production, ie the production of watch components (eg movement blanks, trays, pointers ) from raw materials ( blanks ) and the assembly of these individual components to the finished clock. The longest tradition of this industry exists in Switzerland. After a Japanese offensive Between the electronic wristwatch in the 1970s today, the more labor-intensive mechanical clock a certain rebirth, especially in the luxury watch segment.

History

The beginnings of the industrial watch production dating from the time of the general industrialization in the mid -19th century. The resulting time used in this first smaller factories as an energy source for the fabrication process almost exclusively by streams powered water wheels. Their energy was transferred to the first simple machines by means of transmission belts. Final assembly of the pocket watches was of course still by hand, using simple tools. Later in the 19th century, the production of the transmission energy was increasingly by steam engines, and in the first half of the 20th century held the electrically driven machine tool feed. Even in the 20th century and partly in the 21st century ( advent of mechatronics ) the final assembly of the watch remained largely dependent on labor-intensive manual work.

Presence

The manufacturing part of watch production is automated today high as in other industries, the human activities in the factory buildings are limited to partially or logistics and operations scheduling and control and maintenance. Seen the market side, Manufacture and sale of watches are globalized today. Recent players are some emerging Asian countries, especially of course the fast rising China. From the Asian region does not originate only original or cheap watches, but a significant proportion also cheaper counterfeit renowned European brands, which the European producers increasingly caused headaches and legal expense.

Documentation

• Uhrenparadies Switzerland: Kathrin Winzenried on time travel in the Jura. Video: DOK, Swiss Television from October 20th 2011, Swiss German.