In 2019 Switzerland and France had submitted a joint application to be recognized for ‘watchmaking art and mechanics’ to UNESCO.
The organization would then have to consider whether or not to add this to its famed Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Low and behold, UNESCO decided “oui” it is a craft worthy of said recognition. Bien évidemment!
“The practice conveys many values such as good workmanship, punctuality, perseverance, creativity, dexterity and patience, and the infinite quest for precision and the intangible aspect of time measurement give the practice a strong philosophical dimension.”