CORDER'S COLUMN Make American Watchmaking Great Again
The recent trade agreement between the U.S. and Switzerland, which includes a reduction of tariffs on Swiss goods, has sparked discussions about the potential for revitalizing American watchmaking. Swiss companies are set to invest significantly in the U.S. market, which may lead to a shift in some manufacturing processes. While immediate relocation of major watch brands like Rolex is unlikely, there are opportunities for long-term planning and investment in vocational training to develop a skilled workforce capable of producing high-quality watches in America. The current landscape reveals a shortage of trained watchmakers in the U.S., with many companies relying on imported components and movements. A lack of educational infrastructure for watchmaking hampers the growth of this industry, despite the lucrative salaries that trained professionals could earn. The hope is that the new trade deal will encourage Swiss manufacturers to share their expertise and skills, ultimately fostering the development of a robust watchmaking industry in the U.S. and improving service times for customers seeking repairs.
