Watchmaking in France: A Rich Heritage
France has a long and storied history in the realm of watchmaking. By the late 18th century, Paris emerged as a vibrant hub, drawing comparisons to today’s Silicon Valley. It was during this transformative period that groundbreaking technologies, like the marine chronometer, revolutionized navigation, allowing sailors to traverse the globe with accuracy.
Impact of the French Revolution on the Industry
The French Revolution, while monumental in political terms, had dire consequences for the watchmaking industry. As the guillotining unfolded, many affluent patrons, who were avid consumers of luxury timepieces, met tragic ends. This upheaval forced skilled watchmakers to seek refuge across borders, primarily in Switzerland, which subsequently became the world’s premier center for watch production.
Time Decimalization: An Unfounded Experiment
A lesser-known consequence of the revolution was the push for decimal currency and a complete reworking of timekeeping. Revolutionaries, eager to dismantle traditional systems, proposed a 10-day week and a 10-hour clock, forcing the dwindling number of French clockmakers to adapt. Some even produced clocks that displayed both the conventional time and the new decimalized format, which only added to public confusion. Thankfully, within a few years, the French populace realized the impracticality of decimalized timekeeping and reverted to the conventional system.
