Watch kraft

Germany's once massive watch industry all but vanished. Now it's fighting back

- RICHARD HOLT

BY THE START OF THE 20TH century Germany was making millions of clocks and watches, making it one of the biggest producers in the world. But with the minor inconvenience of two world wars, the Germans saw their watch industry crumble. The Swiss meanwhile went from strength to strength, helped of course by staying neutral and making watches for both sides.