Swiss Watchmakers: The Stories Behind Switzerland's Iconic Watches

The revival of independent Swiss watchmaking unfolds with exquisite clarity in this elegant volume that brings creators, workshops, and their uncompromising visions into vivid focus. Independent watchmaking in Switzerland has never been more creative, technically ambitious, or culturally influential than it is today. This book offers an intimate look at the artisans and ateliers driving that transformation, presenting fifteen profiles that reveal the temperaments, philosophies, and working methods behind some of the most sought-after timepieces of the twenty-first century. Through generous photography and access rarely granted to the public, the volume takes readers directly into the makers' workshops, where hand-finished components, bespoke complications, and individual design languages take shape. Makers such as Philippe Dufour, Urwerk, Greubel Forsey, Raúl Pagès, De Bethune, and Rexhep Rexhepi are profiled. The book is shaped by the collaboration between photographer Horst A. Friedrichs and writer Stuart Husband, who are known for their atmospheric imagery and sharply observed narrative. It is an ideal reference for enthusiasts, collectors, designers, and anyone drawn to the intersection of engineering, design, and artistry. AUTHOR: Horst A. Friedrich's' photographs have appeared in National Geographic, The New York Times, and Stern magazine. Prestel has published many of his books including Cycle Style, Best of British, Bookstores, Great Pubs of England and Scotch. He lives in London. Stuart Husband is a Hastings-based travel journalist whose work has appeared in Monocle, Four Seasons, the Telegraph, Observer, Sunday Times, and the Independent. He is the author of Bookstores, Great English Pubs and Scotch with Horst A. Friedrichs. 250 illustrations