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Randolph, NJ—What makes Swiss watches the gold standard of the industry? Author Roberta Naas's blog post on ATimelyPerspective.com is the first of a series of educational articles explaining the rich history of luxury Swiss watchmaking—which, ironically, began as a reaction to the stern teachings of reformist cleric John Calvin (left).

The French-born Calvin, along with Germany’s Martin Luther, was one of the leading clerics of the 16^th century Protestant Reformation. Following an uprising against Protestants in France, Calvin fled to Basel, Switzerland, moving around the country and eventually coming to Geneva.

Among Calvin’s teachings was a ban on wearing jewelry. Fearing destitution, Geneva’s goldsmiths and jewelers turned to watchmaking instead, sharing talent with an influx of French jewelers who had also fled. Because watches and clocks were considered a necessity due to their important function of keeping time, they were exempt from the jewelry ban. So the creative jewelry artisans joined forces with the utilitarian watchmakers, creating an industry and tradition that would stand the test of centuries.

Read the full story here.

One of the most recognized symbols of luxury and success evolved from a religious ban of ostentatious jewelry.

Top image: Wikipedia