As I've really enjoyed watching it, I thought it would be nice to share it. The movie has been discovered recently and restored, it seems to be the oldest known movie about watchmaking in Switzerland. If I understand correctly, some sequence are pre WW1 (if not all) http://www.rts.ch/play/tv/popupvideoplayer?id=9279318&startTime=44.32
Thanks for posting. It's an amazing glimpse into the past of manufacturing. Just one question. Where were all of the OH&S Inspectors? And the Worksafe Delegates? And the Union Representatives?
THAT was awesome. Machines run by leather belts and not a glove nor pair of safety glasses in sight. The good old days...
Very cool, thanks for sharing. Quite incredible to be reminded how fine and highly mechanized industrial processes were already 100 years ago. Time flies fast. Also it shows which jobs were deemed fit for women, which is the interesting subject of Stephanie Lachat’s phD. I seem to recall she explained that in those days they weren’t considered the most noble jobs of the industry, but when I look at it what more essential task could there be than to adjust the hairspring into the balance assembly? Finally, I’ll have a little prayer for the RTS that’s distributing this film (Radio Television Suisse), Switzerland’s public broadcaster, which is under threat of an imminent shut down as the Swiss are about to vote a ballot initiative to cut all funding. Another example, if you ask me, of the reign of self-interest killing communal values of knowledge.
I couldn't help but be drawn to the way those machines were powered. Everything is belt driven. It's possible that the factory was running on a water wheel but much more likely that the place was steam driven, with one central engine. The noise must have been deafening.
yes - what an amazing piece of history. Probably all steam-driven, and very noisy. Must have been a lot of swarf flying around as well - none of your "clean room" conditions back then. A lot of dirty looking finger nails as well. But superb film.