jura is the cradle
of Swiss watchmaking,
which is known throughout the world for
its exquisite design, intricate detailing and
exceptional performance. Here, tradition
and innovation go hand-in-hand, and this is
most evident at the prestigious Baselworld
event. Every year, companies come together
tomeet and show off their expertise at the
largest exhibition of timepieces
on the planet, just steps from
watchmaking’s spiritual home.
Every Swiss watch sold
worldwide features original
components from the region,
and so the entire industry
depends upon the accuracy of Jura craftsmen.
Standing out from the crowd, even in a country
famed for microtechnology, the Canton of
Jura excels in its development of movement
and its creation of cladding elements, while its
craftsmen are masters at working with platinum,
gold, silver, titanium and precious stones.
The region is home to over 300 years of
watchmaking expertise, a continuous period
of development and refinement that has
existed ever since the industry first became
established in the 18th century. This was the
era of the peasant-watchmaker, when the
craft was just a part-time activity to fill the
winter months when farming was impossible.
However, during the 19th century the industry
really took off, as artisan workshops emerged
and techniques were improved – a process
that has continued to the present day.
The knowledge and
technology perfected over this
long period have given rise to
some of the most remarkable
examples of watchmaking that
the world has ever seen. This
includes the RichardMille model
worn by its brand ambassador Rafael Nadal,
which, weighing in at only 20 grams, matches
the star’s lightness and endurance on the court.
Similarly, the grace and power of sprinter
Yohan Blake is reflected in the prototype RM
Tourbillon timepiece that he wore during the
100
m final at the London Olympics. Yet, as
exceptional as these pieces are, they remain
true to the philosophy at the heart of Jura’s
watchmaking industry: innovation at the
service of tradition.
Watches that stand
the test of time
Balancing innovation with tradition, the Canton of Jura
stands at the heart of the luxury Swiss watch industry
How to get there:
It couldn't be easier! Simply fly
to nearby EuroAirport
Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.
What to see and what to do:
The watchmaking route,
juratourisme.ch
Baselworld, baselworld.ch,
eco.jura.ch
Every Swiss watch
sold worldwide
features original
components from
Jura
JURA: WHAT TOKNOW
P R O M O T I O N
