Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-02-28
Swiss and other Watches.

In former times when the watch trade flour.
lsned and the demand fully equalled the supply,
land, regardless Of consequences turned out
articles which tended seriously to impair the
well earned reputation Of Swiss watches The
formidable competition developed by the United
States and France In this line OF trade has, how
ever. OF late changed the whole phase OF watch
manufacture in Switzerland, and at no period
tanning a high standard Of workmanship
than at present. The Swiss evidently per-
ceived in time the danger threatening one
and fully realizing the gravity OF the situation,
have not been remiss In applying, both promptly
and effectually, the requisite remedy. School
saops lor Ine an9s Q, "a aa tseir NAVE es
has been increased, the most approved OF tools
and machinery introduced, the scope OF their
work vastly extended, and the object OF each
speciality more clearly defined. The federal
authorities are moving In the matter OF exer-
cising supervision and control OF the precious
metals used in matchmaking, so that every
watch will have its standard OF fneness In this
respect officially given. The protection OF
trademarks and issuing OF patents are also queS-
tons under discussion. The i" International
is doing most effective work In the matter OF
giving close study to all technical and CONNER
cal questions Affecting the watch trade, both at
home and among competitors, presenting the
results of its Investigations In an impartial
manner, and suggesting action accordingly.
Exhibitions OF specialities have taken place in
tuilouo lOSttllttS, Ouc LII Itil6Na hbtl1 WuUlg
devoted TO utensils machinery and appliances
used in watch making. More recently, what Is
called permanent exposition has been opened
In the same place, free TO all, but partakIug
somewhat OF commercial character as, upon
the payment or q small sum. retail and whole
sale ordersfor articles made by exhibitors receive
attention. No articles OF inferior workm anship
are admitted. monthly paper or bulletin Is
published specially devoted to the interest OF
this exhibition and In its last issue gave the
names OF tifty-five firms In various parts OF
switzerland participating as exhibitors. An
association of GeneveSe watch manufacturers
has been organized which obligates its members
to sell no watch without a written guaranty
and bill giving SpecialtieS OF the article sold.
The cantonal obServatorteS of Geneva and Neu-
chatel, noted in the scientific world for their
nigh standard, have for years been issuing GER
t1ncateS lb,dletins de nedrche) Of the ume-keep-
Ing qualities OF chronometer watches sent to
them for the purpose OF being tested, and the
BerneSe watchmakerS' school at Bienne now
does the same for all grades of watches entrust-
ed to 1t for like purpose. 1t will thus be seen
that the Swiss watchmakers, by being antago-
nlZed, as OF late years they have been, do not
succumb, but on the contrary are stimulated to
still greater efforts In attaining the highest
standard Of perfection. This rivalry I'm excel
lence OF workmanship between Switzerland
France and the United States, cannot otherwise
than result in finally excluding from the mar
ket all inferior grades OF watches and in the flu
ture secure to purchasers only reliable time
pieces