TAG Heuer carbon hairspring watch. From wallpaper (2025)
Swiss Watchmaking is the Standard for Luxury.
Since the 1800s, Switzerland has been the world’s horology capital. Watchmaking has evolvedinto an art form, thanks to renowned brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet,Vacheron Constantin, and Omega. This rich heritage and tradition in Swiss watchmaking is atestament to the country’s commitment to excellence and innovation, making it the standard forluxury.Heritage storytelling is also big in the Swiss watch industry. For example, Jaeger-LeCoultre’sReverso, Cartier’s Tank, and Richard Mille’s constant new ideas using materials like titanium and sapphire. However, other countries are becoming more effective at their strategies, which is weakening the Swiss monopoly.
Japan: The Experts in Precision and New Ideas
Japanese brands have long held a prominent place in the market. In 1969, Seiko revolutionisedthe watch industry with the introduction of the quartz movement. Citizen’s Eco-Drive linepushed solar technology forward. Today, people adore Grand Seiko’s “Spring Drive” movement,which seamlessly combines the accuracy of quartz with the expertise of a watchmaker. The G-Shock line from Casio, on the other hand, has changed the meaning of “casual luxury” andappealed to young people and lifestyle markets worldwide. Japan’s approach differs fromSwitzerland’s: Swiss brands prioritise exclusivity and heritage, while Japanese brands, with their emphasis on precision, affordability, and technological advancements, are making luxury more accessible and inspiring a new wave of innovation in the industry.
China: From Making Lots of Things to Wanting to Make Luxury Items
Mass production was the first step in China’s rise in the watchmaking industry. Every year,factories in Shenzhen and Guangzhou produce millions of inexpensive watches, which fill themarket with brands such as Seagull, Tianjin, and Beijing Watch Factory. China used to be happybeing the “factory of the world,” but now it wants more. For example, the Seagull ST19chronograph movement has garnered considerable respect among watch enthusiasts. At the sametime, luxury-inspired brands like Memorigin are entering the haute horlogerie market withtourbillons at competitive prices. Chinese people are now among the largest buyers of Swisswatches, which is particularly significant. Longines, Tissot, and TAG Heuer all view China astheir most important growth market; however, the rise of domestic brands will pose a long-term challenge.
The Future: A Race of Scale, Heritage, and Technology
The luxury watch business is at a crossroads right now. Swiss brands are renowned for theirquality and history, Japanese brands are recognised for their low prices and innovative ideas, andChina is emerging as a force to be reckoned with, thanks to its size and ambition. TAG Heuer’scarbon hairspring is more than just a technical achievement; it’s a clever way to maintainSwitzerland’s leadership in a world where competition never stops.This isn’t just a story about watches for Raffles students; it’s a lesson in how to run a globalbusiness. Our Business Administration Program equips students with the analytical skills andinternational perspective they need to comprehend industries that are driven by competition,innovation, and cultural identity. Students also have the opportunity to meet people from all overthe world through the Raffles International Network. This prepares them to work for multinational companies and lead the next wave of change, whether in luxury watches, fashion, or another field.
Arman POUREISA
Marketing Manager
References
Grand Seiko. (2025). Spring Drive technology. Retrieved September 29, 2025, fromhttps://www.grand-seiko.com
IFH Geneva. (2024). Swiss watch industry statistics 2023/2024. Federation of the Swiss WatchIndustry FH.
LVMH. (2025).TAG Heuer innovations. Retrieved September 29, 2025, fromhttps://www.tagheuer.com
Mazlan, C. A. N., Abdullah, M. H., Nor Hashim, N. S., & Abdul Wahid, N. (2025). Music incultural tourism: Insights from a dual approach of scoping review and bibliometric analysis.
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12, 525.Seiko. (2025).History of innovation. Retrieved September 29, 2025, fromhttps://www.seikowatches.comWallpaper.(2025).
TAG Heuer watches carbon hairspring.Wallpaper.https://www.wallpaper.com/watches-jewellery/tag-heuer-watches-carbon-hairspring
