Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Swiss watchmakers recognised with special edition gold coin

Timemachine gold coins with watchmaking engraving
The watch sector has become on eof Switzerland's most valuable economic industries. Swiss Mint

A special edition gold coin, called “Timemachine”, is being produced to pay homage to Switzerland’s watchmaking industry.

The coin, which features a clock face, cogs of a watch movement and a globe, will celebrate the importance of the industry in Switzerland and the popularity of Swiss watches worldwide.

More

Each coin has a CHF25 ($25) face value, but the 5,000 limited edition copies, to be produced by the Federal MintExternal link, will be sold at a starting price of CHF419.

The watch industry in Switzerland is believed to trace its origins to an influx of French Huguenot refugees in the 16th Century.

From Geneva, watch makers have spread all over Switzerland to produce such iconic brands as Rolex, Swatch, Patek Philippe and Breitling.

Last year, the sector recovered from the coronavirus pandemic to generate CHF22.3 billion in sales. Between the start of 2022 and the end of August, sales worth CHF15.9 billion have been achieved.

The craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics was added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Givaudan invests CHF 50 million in Indonesia

More

Givaudan invests CHF50 million in Indonesia

This content was published on Swiss flavour and fragrance firm Givaudan is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia with the construction of a new plant in Indonesia.

Read more: Givaudan invests CHF50 million in Indonesia

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR