These are stories and individuals that readers of Hodinkee know well. We’ve been covering them for years. But CBS’s editorial decision to feature the Swiss watch industry represents a significant achievement for horological culture and is further evidence of just how mainstream the world of watches is becoming. Wertheim says he was particularly intrigued by the unique business objectives and structure of the industry, which is more about mastering mechanics and technique rather than maximizing value.
“It was a great glimpse into a subculture. We were struck by how much craft, artistry, and artisanship goes into the work, and by what it takes to produce it—often at the expense of typical business values like efficiency and rapid scaling,” Wertheim says.