Swiss Mechanical Watch Movements

The traditional swiss mechanical watch movements is made up of hundreds of parts, which includes various weights, springs, and dials. The internal mechanism of Swiss mechanical watches is called an “ébauche” and is made up of about sixty individual parts.

This is what makes it possible to maintain the tension on the spring once it has been wound (manually or automatically). It also allows it to regulate how the time is displayed, as it controls the clock hand (minutes, hours, and seconds).

Swiss mechanical watch movements are more expensive than quartz watch movement or electronic watches, as they are not made in nearly the same quantity.

They also take more effort to maintain, as they must be serviced regularly. Many Swiss mechanical watches are very expensive because the movements largely have to be made by hand.

There are a lot of top of the range Swiss companies that specialise in this niche, despite the lack of major production. Along with other companies from Germany and the Netherlands include Sinn, MeisterSinger, Jorg Schauer, Rainer Nienaber, Rainer Brand, Jacques Etoile, Sothis, and Muhle Glashutte.

To give you an idea of the price, Jacques Etoile will set you back around $2500 for a decent watch, and a Jorg Schauer will come in a little cheaper at around $1500. Some Swiss brands, such as Rolex, use watch movements made by other companies, such as Valjoux.

Other popular Swiss movement makers include Christophe Claret SA, ETA, and ISA Swiss SA.

You should be aware, however, that some so called, “Swiss watches” only contain Swiss movements, and are not in fact made in Switzerland. You should always ask the shop assistant about whether the watch is fully Swiss, or whether this just applies to the movement, when buying a swiss watch.