The beginnings of watchmaking in Switzerland are closely linked to the Huguenot religious refugees who came to Geneva in the 16th century and brought their craftsmanship with them. From Geneva, known locally as the city of Calvin, watchmaking spread all over Switzerland. Today, the Swiss watchmaking industry exports its products all over the world and is one of the most important sectors of industry and commerce.

 

The obverse of the coin shows a clock face and the cogs of a watch movement with the globe in the centre. Switzerland is highlighted in order to show the importance of the Swiss watchmaking industry and the worldwide presence of its products. On the inner edge of the large cogwheel, “Swiss Made” is indicated in capital letters at 11 o’clock and “Wes 21” at 3 o’clock corresponding to the artist’s name of Biel/Bienne-based artist Remo Lienhard, who is responsible for the design of the special coin. The surface of the obverse is slightly domed.