Swiss watchmaking presented for UNESCO recognition
Switzerland and France have submitted a joint application to be recognised for watchmaking art and mechanics to UNESCO. The organisation will decide whether to add this to the Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage in November 2020.
Swiss watch-making know-how spans craftsmanship from Geneva to Schaffhausen along the Jura mountain range that divides Switzerland from France.
The manufacture of automatons and music boxes in the St. Croix region is also part of the package, the Federal Office of Culture said on Monday.
Several craftspeople, companies, schools, museums and associations transmit these techniques in this Franco-Swiss area. Techniques range from the manual and traditional to the innovative.
“One of the assets of this bid lies in its link with the watch-making town planning of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2009,” noted the culture office.
Switzerland is also associated with another multinational bid for UNESCO recognition for “artisanal techniques and customary practices of cathedral workshops in Europe”. This project is under the aegis of France and incorporates Germany, Austria, Norway and Switzerland.
With the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO wishes to safeguard traditions, traditional crafts and festive events. In 2016, UNESCO included the Vevey Winegrowers’ Festival and the Basel Carnival in 2017.
Switzerland is also home to several UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the old town of Bern, and the watch-making centre of La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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.
Read more
More
CEO of Baselworld steps down
This content was published on
The head of the world’s largest watch and jewellery trade show has handed in his resignation amid a row over the departure of several exhibitors.
This content was published on
Swiss watch exports grew by 6.3% in 2018, breaking the CHF21 billion mark. This increase, largely due to Asian markets, is set to continue.
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.