Five Most Important Swiss Towns

If you’re into watches, you’ve definitely heard of Geneva. This city isn’t just a financial hub; it’s where Swiss watchmaking truly began in the 16th century. When Protestant reformer Jean Calvin banned the wearing of jewelry, goldsmiths and craftsmen turned their skills to watchmaking instead. This led to the birth of some of the finest watch brands we know today.

Geneva is home to industry giants like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, and Piaget. The city is also famous for the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal), a mark of superior watchmaking quality. If you ever visit, make sure to stop by the Patek Philippe Museum, a paradise for any horology lover.

Nestled in the Jura Mountains, La Chaux-de-Fonds is often called the watchmaking capital of the world. This town was practically built for watchmaking, with its grid-like urban planning designed to maximize natural light in workshops.

Some of the biggest names in the industry originated here, including TAG Heuer, Girard-Perregaux, and Cartier. The influence of this town is so significant that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its contribution to watchmaking.

Just a stone’s throw from La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle may be small, but it has a monumental influence on watchmaking. This town has been a watchmaking hub since the 17th century and is home to some of the most respected names in the industry.

One of the biggest brands from here is Zenith, known for its legendary El Primero movement. Ulysse Nardin, famous for its marine chronometers, also hails from Le Locle. If you ever visit, don’t miss the Musée d’Horlogerie du Locle, which showcases centuries of horological craftsmanship.

Biel/Bienne is one of the most important towns for Swiss watchmaking today. It’s the headquarters of Omega, one of the most iconic watch brands in history. It’s also home to the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch conglomerate, which owns brands like Breguet, Longines, Blancpain, and Tissot.

Beyond Omega and Swatch, Biel/Bienne plays a crucial role in watch movement production, supplying high-quality components to various Swiss brands. In short, this town keeps the Swiss watch industry ticking—literally.

Neuchâtel isn’t just another pretty Swiss town—it’s a powerhouse of horological innovation. Many of the technological advancements in watchmaking were born here, including the development of quartz movements in the 1960s.

Brands like Jaquet Droz and Hautlence call Neuchâtel home, but the real magic of this town lies in its research and development. It’s where new materials, movements, and precision techniques are constantly being refined, ensuring that Swiss watches remain the gold standard in horology.