While technological advancements are progressing at a rapid pace, some of them persist and are true to their core principles alongside their evolution. When we talk about certain gadgets that carried significant importance in the 20th century, we think of wristwatches. Although technological advancements have questioned whether it can jeopardize traditional watchmaking, it is also considered to be a gateway to endless opportunities.
Around the 17th century, when protestants Huguenots fled the country, they brought with themselves the “savoir-faire” to Switzerland, making the city of Geneva the center of “high-art of watchmaking”. Partnering up with local farmers who were mostly spending time indoors due to heavy winter seasons, had a job of hand-polishing the metal components. Years later, it led to an industry that represented the individual craftsmanship expertise of Swiss watchmaking. Up until the 1970s, when the first technology in this industry had been introduced.
Not long after the beginning of the technology use, it was made certain that craftsmanship shouldn’t be replaced by technology. This development has rather allowed for the creation of unconventional pieces with the help of modern design tools. So where does the fusion of technology and tradition fit in? The mechanical part has remained mostly unchanged over the past decade. Although watches are called to be conservative at its core, to not become so obsolete new materials and methodologies introduced new perspectives making watches avant-garde, while at the same time improving their functionality and durability.
As consumers gained more knowledge about watchmaking, it seems they are purchasing watches for what’s on the inside of them. Now more than ever, consumers are seeking to get to know what is so special about the watch they are paying for. Those materials that are rarely used like aluminium, or newly introduced materials such as lightweight materials.
At the end of the day, it comes down to matching the context and the story of the watch with technological advancements. Those advancements were meant to be adjusted to supplement the traditional practices that wouldn’t be possible to set up without the knowledge that comes from old-fashioned watchmaking. What amazes the industry, even more, is how irrepressible and powerful traditional watches have stood alongside the technology that was unavoidable in today’s world.
At Tim & Co. we strive to bring together the traditional, indisputable craftsmanship and local savoir-faire with the advanced mechanisms. Hence, providing you with timepieces that will help you keep the special moments together and create a lifelong memory.
