Geneva is a town made rich by watchmakers. Watchmaking here is a tradition steeped in centuries-old craftsmanship that began in the 16th century and hasn’t lost its cultural or economic power in the country. The clocks and watchmaking industry in Geneva is the world’s best and demonstrates a lineage of crucial innovations done within the art of watchmaking. The genesis of Geneva’s watchmaking begins during a period of religious persecution. European Protestants sought refuge in Geneva under the welcoming embrace of Jean Calvin. As Calvin imposed a ban on jewellery, the city’s goldsmiths pivoted to watchmaking, adorning timepieces with exquisite designs and precious materials. Thus, the luxury watchmaking industry was born, which marked the dawn of Geneva’s global legacy in horology. Central to Geneva’s watchmaking sector is the prestigious Poinçon de Genève introduced in 1886 as the hallmark of craftsmanship. This seal guarantees the origin, quality and reliability of Geneva's fine timepieces, setting the standard for luxury watchmaking worldwide. Awarded to a select few Geneva-based watchmakers and manufactures, the Poinçon de Genève is a symbol of unparalleled artistry and expertise. A watch adorned with the Poinçon de Genève is not merely a timekeeping device; it is a masterpiece of precision. Each component is meticulously crafted and adorned with an incredible attention to detail. To earn this prestigious certification, watches undergo rigorous testing to guarantee unrivaled performance. The legacy of Geneva’s watchmaking extends to the skilled artisans known as cabinotiers, who once populated the Saint-Gervais district. These craftsmen, whether watchmakers, jewellers or engravers, epitomized precision and dedication to their craft. Renowned for their meticulous workmanship, the cabinotiers contributed significantly to Geneva’s global reputation and serve as the foundation of Switzerland’s great myth surrounding watchmaking. Today, the industry has only gone from strength to strength.