In the search for a new watch, it is best to be faced with a difficult choice: “A Swiss or Japanese watch?”. There are therefore many people who (completely rightly) wonder which of the two is better … Both countries have an impressive watch tradition, but totally different approaches. Swiss craftsmanship or Japanese technology? Classic elegance or functional innovation? In this blog we will elaborate on the history of both watch industries and we list the most important characteristics and differences, so that you will soon be able to make a well-considered choice.
A rich history
Switzerland is known as the birthplace of watches, where the watch industry was created in Geneva in the 16th century. Here, making watches grew into a respected art form. In the following centuries, Switzerland developed into the world center of mechanical timepieces, where luxury, craftsmanship and watchmaken came together. Over the years, this resulted in iconic brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Breitling and Omega.
On the other hand, Japanese watch history really started in the 19th century. The company was founded here in Tokyo in 1881 that would later become Seiko. Japan opted for its own approach: the focus on innovation, mass production and technological innovation. In 1969 Seiko introduced the first quartz watch ever: the Seiko Quartz Astron. This led to the so-called Quartz crisis, in which the Swiss brands suddenly lost their technological lead. A little later, Japan added another step with the digital watches from Casio, Switzerland was suddenly no longer the biggest player.
That is why Switzerland hit back at the end of the last century with a smart change of course. The Swatch brand (which literally stands for Second Watch) gave a new twist to the Swiss watch trailer, with their striking colorful and affordable plastic quartz watches. For example, the Swiss industry came over the Quartz crisis and with Swatch Group, as the market leader, she conquered a large part of her dominant position in the watch world. In the meantime, Japanese watch brands did not sit still and started to focus more and more on luxury, with brands such as Grand Seiko, Credor and G-Shock MR-G.
The comparison: Tradition vs. innovation
Both Swiss and Japanese watches are respected enormously worldwide by watch lovers. Although both industries have grown closer and closer over the years, there are clear differences in their original philosophy, technology, finish, price and target group:
The philosophy behind the watch
From the Swiss philosophy, Swiss watchmakers have been focusing for centuries on creating watches such as art objects. It is not just about indicating time, but about telling a story; An heirloom that goes with generations. Many timepieces are still fully compiled by hand. On the other hand, the fully automated Japanese watchmakers focus more on functionality and precision. Their philosophy revolves around ease of use, technological innovation and sustainability. Take for example the motto of Seiko: “Always One Step Ahead of the Rest.”
Application of technology
One of the biggest differences between the two lies in the approach and application of the technological possibilities. The earlier Quartz revolution was fueled by the Japanese innovation urge in the 1970s. Where the Swiss were initially more cautious and kept to traditional techniques, which eventually led to a deep crisis in the Swiss watch industry. However, this vision has been adjusted over the years (partly due to the increasing pressure from Japan), such as the Swatch brand and the T-Touch watches from Tissot. Nevertheless, Japan is retained their technological lead, with brands such as Seiko, Citizen and Casio, which lead in hybrid timepieces, use solar energy and radio or GPS-driven time indication.
Where Japan takes the lead in technological development, Swiss brands generally continue to use traditional techniques. The Swiss control this like no other and are unparalleled in their mechanical timepieces, which consist of handmade calibres with beautiful finishes such as Côtes de Geneva and Perlage. Something that you will find less quickly in Japanese timepieces, unless you look in the higher segment.
Finishing and design
Swiss watches excel like no other in detail and luxury. For example, valuable materials for the cupboard and dial are often used. The term “Swiss Made” is therefore a term that stands for high quality and sustainable timepieces for many people. (Read our blog about Swiss Made Watches here) In Japan the emphasis is more on a functional design. The finish is sleek, but without the decorative flair that is typical of Swiss watches. This makes the Japanese watches generally more user -friendly and more practical to wear, while Swiss watches are worn more as valuable possession.
Price and target group
Originally Swiss watches from the Premium to Ultra-Luxe Segment, with prices that easily run in the tens of thousands of euros. However, there was a lot of change in this in the last century, with somewhat more affordable brands such as Swatch, Mondaine and Jacques du Manoir. Japan, on the other hand, has gone exactly the opposite side. For example, the Japanese watches were marketed at the time as affordable watches with a strong focus on price-quality ratio, which must appeal to a broad target group. In the course of 20th century, they have slowly expanded this target group with the aforementioned brands such as Grand Seiko, Credor and G-Shock MR-G, which have to appeal more to the luxury segment. This development in both industries has made it possible that you can now get both an affordable Swiss watch and a luxury Japanese watch.
